The Center to host its first Card & Collectibles Show in McDonald

The Center has much to offer besides what its name gives away.

Not only does it promote itself as “a flexible community space for movement, media, and moments,” but it will also offer an upcoming event for collectors, hobbyists, families and local vendors.

Located at 114 W. Marshall St. in McDonald, The Center will hold its first Card & Collectibles Show on Saturday, June 20, from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. The 1,920-square-foot space will host approximately 25 vendors and feature sports cards and memorabilia; Pokémon, magic and gaming cards; a community trade zone for collectors of all ages; local vendors and hobby businesses; and family-friendly activities alongside networking events.

John Black, owner of The Center, said that the building had been empty for 30 years before he and his family bought it and worked relentlessly on it since January. Situated in the heart of McDonald, the family decided they wanted to keep it beating for the community.

“We just want to create a place where the community can come together and bring ideas to life,” Black said. “If they’ve got a passion and they want to teach it or they want to show it, then we have the place for that.”

It’s a place run by a family to create spaces for all families, whether by blood or through bonds. Sixteen-year-old Tyler Nalbach, Black’s stepson, developed an interest in collecting cards at a young age after his grandmother would purchase Pokémon or other toys for him.

For nearly a year now, Nalbach has attended card shows with his friends, which led him to suggest bringing one to McDonald as The Center was under development. As a self-described “big Pokémon kind of guy,” Nalbach has been “the driving force” to make the Card & Collectibles Show a reality for the town.

“It’s kind of amazing that I can have (a card show) here, and I don’t have to drive an hour away to go have some fun,” Nalbach said. “I can do it a minute down the road from my house.”

In addition to the show itself, The Center hosts local events, youth activities, workshops, community meetings and small-business opportunities. It’s also looking to organize a Community Open House, a Community Rummage Sale and Community Nights, among other programs.

“We’re going to try and make sure that the facility is flexible enough to keep as many people as we can,” Black said. “There are so many things that we want to do. It’s just trying to pick what’s going to be the next big choice.”

Excitement and anticipation are coursing through the air, according to Black, but they’ve already received endless support from the community and other businesses.

Interested in the event or vendor registration? Additional information can be found here. Details, including payment methods and helpful tips, are available on The Center’s Facebook page.