The Florida State Fairgrounds was buzzing with activity over the weekend as the Tampa Bay Sports Collector Expo brought buyers and sellers from across the country.

Sports collecting has seen a surge in popularity in recent years, and this show has followed suit.

"We have some people from New York, a few from Chicago and some from Dallas, and I'd say about 50% are probably local Georgia, South Florida," said Chester Smigiel, who is the show promoter for Tampa Bay Sports Card Shows. "We like to bring all the people in and then let them have at it."

The expo features approximately 200 vendors showcasing around $25 to $30 million worth of merchandise, including cards, Pokmon, comics, toys and collectibles across the board.

Smigiel said the June show brought in over 5,000 people across thre

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