Stamp Show highlights
postal history and auxiliary markings

Members of the Rochester Philatelic Association host the ROPEX Stamp Show, June 18-20 at the Webster Community Field House, 800 Five Mile Line Road, Webster. Hours are 10-6, 10-5 and 10-4, respectively. Admission and parking are free. The facility is all at street level and handicapped accessible.

The three day exhibition features 40 dealers from across the U.S. and Canada, 250 frames of competitive exhibits, meetings and seminars, and participation by the United States Postal Service and United Nations Postal Administration. ROPEX is the final exhibiting qualifier for the 2004 APS world Series of Philately competition, as well as a qualifier for the next U.S. international exhibition, Washington 2006.

Events kick off on Friday with a dealer's bourse from 8-10 a.m. before the show opens to the public. Dealers not holding booth space at ROPEX may attend by providing proof of their business and paying a $20 early entry fee.

Later that day, beginning at 7 p.m., is an auction of the Betty "Dusty" Miller postal history estate. Miller was a long time member of the RPA who specialized in Alaskan territory covers, as well as material from her native Britain. She traveled the world, and also collected postal history from throughout the British Empire and Commonwealth. Lots will be viewable throughout the day, and bids may be placed by those not able to attend in the evening. See the ROPEX web site for a listing of lots.

The Empire State Postal History Society is sponsoring a multi-state postal history exhibit competition. Exhibits focusing on New York, New Jersey, Ohio, Pennsylvania, Vermont, and Maine will be represented, vying for individual medals, special prizes, and a team award to the postal history society with the highest point total.

The newly formed Auxiliary Markings Club has chosen ROPEX as the site for its first national convention. Members from around the country will be in attendance to take part in meetings and exhibit parts of their collection.

Join the RPA for a free complimentary continental breakfast and presentation on Saturday from 9 to 10 a.m. by John Hotchner, noted philatelic writer, exhibitor and judge, and past president of the American Philatelic Society. He will be speaking about his role on the Citizens' Stamp Advisory Committee, the group which selects subjects and stamp designs for future U.S. stamps. RSVP is recommended as space is limited. Make reservations by email or phone through the contact information below.

The ROPEX exhibitor's banquet will take place at The Venetian, 767 Holt Road, less than a mile from the show. The buffet dinner costs $25 per person. Special dietary requirements can be accommodated. Reservations must be received by June 14. Send checks made payable to "ROPEX" to: ROPEX Banquet, 228 Giles Avenue, Rochester, NY 14609.

The ROPEX theme honors birds of North America. Three cacheted covers and matching cancels depicting an owl, sparrow, and snowy egret are available for $2 each or $5 for a set of three along with a self-addressed stamped envelope. Otherwise include 50 cents per cover to pay for mailing and handling. Send orders to: ROPEX 2004 Covers, P.O. Box 10202 Brighton Station, Rochester, NY 14610-0206.

Further show details or to RSVP for the ROPEX breakfast, see the ROPEX web site at http://www.geocities.com/rpastamps/, email stamptmf@frontiernet.net, or phone 585-621-1670.