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Originally Posted by WhereEaglesDare  What happens at MPCFest? Is it like a traditional coin show or what? I would like to go, maybe... It is kinda far, but I have driven for less. |
Since you asked . . .
Events start on Thursday night with dinner which is a small buffet. It is nothing special but it is the first opportunity to meet and greet. About half of the attendees come early enough to go to dinner. After dinner is a bowling event. It is a two game, handicapped 9 pin. As with most events, it is not a serious competition but it is a good time. Then back to the hotel for general BS sessions.
A bourse opens on Friday morning. About a dozen dealers set up tables to sell material. Most of it is paper although some have coins, tokens and medals.
The Fest officially opens after dinner on Friday. There are introductions, some exhibits and the opening rounds of March Madness. The Fest version of March Madness is a head-to-head single elimination military numismatic trivia contest. The night ends with more BS sessions.
Saturday starts with a picture of he group. Educational programs and show-and-tell run through most of the day. You never know what or who will be there. In 2008, an MPC destruction officer from Vietnam was there. In 2009, Hans Walter, one of the Operation Bernhard counterfeiters was present.
On Saturday evening, the later rounds of March Madness are held. In the evening are the March Madness finals followed by a Texas Hold'em tournament. There is a movie showing for those who don't play cards. A visit to a tavern (or several) is not unknown. More general BS sessions also take place.
Sunday morning starts with the awards program where the bowling, March Madness and poker champions are recognized. Also recognized are the volunteers who make the event happen. A lifetime achievement award is also handed out. The official events close with an auction.
There are events planned for late Sunday and Monday for those that hang around. There are also events like shopping trips and museums for spouses. My wife came in 2009 and had a good time.
You also get paid for coming. Everyone receives pay in Military Fest Certificates (MFC), souvenir notes made for the occasion. Pay is a reenactment of a military pay call. Sometime on Saturday there is a conversion to a new series of MFC.
It is pretty informally run and the only rule is that there are no rules. Actually, the only rule is to have a good time.
The material is incredible. This year saw a book of progressive proofs for Series 681. Last year had a set of proofs of the American Bank Note Company notes for the 1948 German Currency Reform. You will see POW and internment camp notes, Foreign Trade Payment Certificates, JEIA Travellers Coupons, war bonds from almost any country.
More importantly, you will not forget the people you meet and the things you will learn. This years Fest was attended by such numismatic luminaries as Fred Schwan, Joe Boling, Neil Shafer, George Cuhaj, Cliff Mishler and Carlson Chambliss.
looks like i just might have some maintenace to do as well 
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