He started the hobby as a kid.

Now, Vernon elementary school teacher Lucas Mitchell wants to pass his love of collecting trading cards to youngsters, and others with similar interests.

Mitchell is the host for Collect-A-Con 2025, set for 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, March 22, at the Vernon Elks Lodge.

鈥淭his will mostly be a card show with sports cards, Pokemon, Magic: The Gathering, Yu-Gi-Oh,鈥� said Mitchell. 鈥淭here will be collectibles, sports memorabilia, plushies, all sorts of things.鈥�

The event includes free admission, and is open to everyone, but Mitchell would love to see kids come and check out why cards have been such a fun pastime in his life, and for millions of others globally over the decades.

鈥淭he only way the hobby continues to happen is if kids are involved,鈥� he said, having introduced his love of cards to some of his students at Okanagan Landing Elementary, where he attended as a grade student.

鈥淚 want this to become a regular occurrence. If you come, we鈥檒l have more shows.鈥�

Collect-A-Con 2025 has attracted more than 20 vendors, and the vendors will not only be there to buy, sell, and trade cards, they鈥檒l have free swag for the kids to help introduce them to the hobby.

鈥淵ou can bring your cards to trade with other collectors, or to try to sell to other vendors,鈥� said Mitchell. 鈥淚t鈥檚 a great opportunity to get your cards evaluated, or get some advice from people who have been in the hobby for a long time.鈥�

Posters have been made up for Collect-A-Con and distributed around town (including at The Morning Star). If you see a poster, scan the QR code which will take you directly to the event鈥檚 Facebook link. Or check the link in Mitchell鈥檚 Instagram page 鈥� @whatsuplucmitch.

鈥淚f you find a poster, post it on your social media, tag me, and you鈥檒l get a freebie at the event,鈥� said Mitchell.