Last weekend, on 21 June, the Omnisport Centre in Apeldoorn was again dedicated to Pokémon, collecting, performing, ripping and especially a lot of cosiness. For me personally, the goal was quite clear: Find Feraligatrs. As it should be, of course.
But in the end, this fair became much more than just a search for new acquisitions.
Around twenty Stock monster members were present throughout the day. Some members came alone, others had agreed somewhere beforehand, but once inside it was mainly one big meeting place. Famous faces saw each other again, new members were met and everywhere small groups were formed where cards were viewed, trades were discussed and new pulls were celebrated.
There was ripped, traded, laughed and of course again cards were issued to let degrees. In between, gifts were even handed out. Sometimes just for fun, sometimes as a thank you for help from the past. These are exactly the moments that show why this community is so beautiful. It's not just about the cards, it's about the people around them.
One of the most beautiful moments of the day was perhaps when one of the members turned out to be their birthday. Within no-time the whole room will be sung along with that life. In the middle of the stands, showcases, binders and sealed products suddenly the entire exhibition stopped for a birthday moment. You can't plan things like that, but they make a day extra special.
The Omnisport Centre itself was also a really nice location. A huge, impressive hall with air conditioning, which was not an unnecessary luxury on such a hot day. It may not have been the biggest fair ever, but the setting felt great. Food was well available, you could sit fine and everything was clear enough to walk around quietly without getting completely overstimulated.
A funny detail was that children used the cycling track as a slide. And honestly, when you stand there and see how style that job actually is, you know why that looks so attractive to kids. Boy, is that style.
Because the fair fell on Father's Day, it also felt like a kind of father's day gift to some fathers within the community. Just a day of scholarship, between cards, sharing your hobby with others. Actually, exactly as Father's Day should be.
All in all, Apeldoorn was a successful day full of nice encounters, beautiful acquisitions and typical Stockmonster moments. Not only the maps made the day special, but especially the atmosphere around it. And for everyone who was there: this definitely tastes like more.
And my asset? Among other things unexpectedly a stamped Unseen Forces Feraligatr NM can score!
Until the next scholarship.
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How nice! Thanks for the air conditioning and cool acquisitions.