A group of record collectors is planning more regular sales in Sarnia and Brantford, at shows that help benefit local Legion halls.
“At least twice a year,” for both cities, said Paul Partington, one of the organizers with the SW Ontario Legion Record Shows group.
The group’s last show in Sarnia, during a snowstorm in February, raised $810 for Royal Canadian Legion Branch 62 via $2 admission charges, he said.
About half the attendance was expectedsaid Partington,
“We had a lineup out the door, around the corner and through the parking lot,” he said.
“Obviously there’s a want for this sort of thing in Sarnia.”
Partington, who grew up in Sarnia, has a collection of 2,500 records that he’s amassed over several years, and said he’s regularly sourcing newer and better quality copies.
About 16 vendors are expected at a Sept. 11, 10 am to 3 pm sale at the Front Street Legion branch in Sarnia, he said.
A snowstorm during the Feb. 19 show limited vendors to eight or nine, he said.
So expect more records this time, he said, noting the music spans punk, classic rock, heavy metal, rap, funk and other genres. Most are used records but some are new.
“There’s everything,” he said.
The group this summer also hosted a show in Grand Bend, but that wasn’t as well attended, Partington said.
The demand in Sarnia is likely due to a void left after former music store Cheeky Monkey closed last September, he said.
“With Cheeky Monkey closing, leaving that hole, I think this is something that people in the record collecting community can look forward to,” he said.
Partington also thanked people for attending in February.
“Hopefully they’ll be able to make it out again when it’s much nicer weather,” he said.