ROPEX, the national level stamp show sponsored by the Rochester Philatelic Association is set for Friday, June 20 through Sunday, June 22 at the Webster Community Field House at R. L. Thomas High School, 800 Five Mile Line Road in Webster. Show hours are 10-6, 10-5, and 10-4 respectively. Admission and parking are free.

The event features 41 dealers from throughout the U.S. and Canada, 50 competitive exhibits covering 250 frames, seminars and society meetings, the U.S. Postal Service, and the United Nations Postal Administration. Typically 1,200 visitors attend the three day show, many from out of state. This year's location, a year-old fieldhouse, offers street level display space that is handicap accessible.

The public is invited to bring in philatelic items needing identification, and free price evaluations will be given on the spot by club members. Dealers in attendance may be interested in purchasing such holdings large and small.

The show's theme honors three historic transportation milestones: the 175th anniversary of the first steam locomotive in the U.S., the 100th anniversary of the Wright Brothers airplane flight, and the 50th anniversary of the Chevy Corvette.

The Genesee "G" Gauge Railway Society plans to operate several model train displays during show hours. These are among the world's largest collectible scale cars, with each up to two feet long. They will also demonstrate techniques for making model railroad engines, cars, and surrounding scenery.

Doyle Chevrolet expects to have a 50th anniversary Corvette available for show goers to check out inside the field house.

A noon ceremony on Friday, June 20, features a first day ceremony for the new United Nations "International Year of Freshwater" stamp issue. Six new stamps will be unveiled depicting the fragility of one of our most precious natural resources - fresh water. Having Lake Ontario in our backyard accentuates the importance of this subject.

ROPEX is running a series of mini-courses for adult beginner stamp collectors called "Stamp Saturday." Registrants will participate in a round-robin series of hands-on discussions covering the basics - identifying stamps and stamp types, how to use a stamp catalog, choosing an album, mounting stamps, buying/trading options, and exhibiting.

A $5 entry fee is required through advanced registration. It will be refunded in the form of credit to be used at any dealer table during the show to attendees, who will also receive a stamp collecting kit of stamps, hinges, and other tools of the trade.

Interested beginners should send their name, address, phone number, email address (if available) and a $5 check or money order made out to "ROPEX" to: ROPEX "Stamp Saturday," Ada Prill, 130 Trafalger, Rochester, NY 14619 or phone 585-328-2438. A confirmation will be sent to attendees, or payment returned if filled.