Released on: March 14, 2008, 11:03 am

Press Release Author: Midwest Decoy Collectors Association

Industry: Media

Press Release Summary: Midwest Decoy Collectors Association (MDCA) convention will
be held at Pheasant Run Resort in St. Charles, Illinois on April 21rd through 26th
2008

Press Release Body: Chicago, Illinois - March 12, 2008 - The Midwest Decoy
Collectors Association (MDCA - http://www.midwestdecoy.org) annual convention will
be held at the Pheasant Run Resort in Saint Charles, Illinois from April 21rd - 26th
2008. Members and exhibitors will be in attendance from across the U.S. as well as
Canada and Mexico. There will be a global attendance at this event with collector\'s
traveling from as far as Europe and Japan.

The growing popularity of decoy collecting in recent years was typified at the MDCA
show in 2007 when several rare examples sold at auction in the quarter million
dollar range. Collecting these magnificent carved specimens has become a national
and international phenomena. With the worlds growing interest in decoy collecting,
organizations such as the MDCA and their annual convention play a key role in the
growth and advocacy of this fascinating and rewarding hobby.

For 43 years, the MDCA\'s annual convention has continued to host a wonderful
selection of special events, educational seminars and social activities for decoy
collectors. This year is no exception and promises to offer even more chances to
mingle and meet with some of the world\'s leading authorities on decoy collecting
Friday evening at the annual networking and dinner buffet.

As always , there will be plenty of opportunities for collectors to buy, sell and
trade. From Monday April 21st through Saturday April 26th the ever popular room
trading and displays will be open to attendees. There will also be over 386 tables
with over 20,000 items on display at the Pheasant Run Resort Megacenter.

This year\'s seminars on decoy collecting include; \"Collecting History and Memories\"
with Dick Brust (Wed at 8:30AM) and \"How to Begin and Build a Collection\" which will
be a round table discussion (Wed at 4PM)

For many attendees the highlight of the annual MDCA convention is the Guyette and
Schmidt auction. Last year\'s auction was extremely exciting, with realized prices
smashing several records for decoys. This year promises to be even more exciting
with over 900 lots being offered. Previews are on Wednesday from 6-8pm, Thursday
from 8-11am and Friday from 8-10am. The auction will run Thursday 11am - 5pm and
Friday from 10am - 2pm. The day after the Guyette and Schmidt auction, the MDCA will
be hosting a silent auction on Saturday from 10am - 1pm.
Additional events and displays include a special collection of Canadian antique
decoys. These best of breed decoys from member\'s collections will be organized in a
special presentation at the Megacenter at Pheasant Run Resort. This collection is a
once in a lifetime opportunity to view outstanding Canadian folk art from some of
the world\'s best collections. Also in attendance, the National Duck Call Makers and
Collector\'s will conduct their annual call competition and convention.
MDCA members are also offering free identification and evaluation services starting
Friday, April 25th thru Saturday, April 26th.

The MDCA convention will be held at the Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 East Main St.
(Rte. 64), Saint Charles, IL (visit http://www.pheasantrun.com for more info). Show
hours are Friday from 2pm - 8pm and Saturday from 9am to 3pm. Admission to the show
is $5.00 per adult. MDCA members and children free.

Accredited media interested in discussing the content of this release in more detail
are encourages call one of the MDCA media contacts listed below.

*About the MDCA*
The Midwest Decoy Collectors Association is a non-profit organization whose purpose
is to collect and preserve the history of the decoy as original American folk art.
This convention and show is the premier opportunity for the novice, antique dealer
or the experienced collector to network and learn more about the decoy as functional
folk art or to add to their collections.


Web Site: http://www.midwestdecoy.org

Contact Details: Midwest Decoy Collectors Association
6 E. Scott St., # 3
Chicago, IL 60610 (USA)