Convention at a Glance
The Red Wing Collectors Society held its first Convention in 1977 at the Goodhue County Historical Society in Red Wing, MN. In the early years, the Convention was also held at the Red Wing American Legion and Minnesota State College Southeast Technical College. In 1996, the Convention made its home at Red Wing High School. In 2023 the 46th Anniversary RWCS Convention will be held at River Bluff Education Center in Red Wing with the Rock N’ BBQ Friday evening at a location yet to be announced.
The RWCS official CrockFest Convention events begin on Thursday of Convention Week; however, there are many events and activities going on in Red Wing before the Conventions opens!
Monday/Tuesday
Before the Convention begins, Sellers of Red Wing dinnerware, stoneware, and art pottery begin to set up their booths at the Pottery Place Mall. Also, many locals will set up garage sales in their driveways all around Red Wing. With these sales open the hunt begins!
Convention attendees also take time to visit antique shops in Red Wing and in nearby towns. With Red Wing’s nestled on the Mississippi River Wisconsin is just across the bridge.
Wednesday
The hunt at the antique shops, garage sales, auction, and sales continues. Chapters start to gather and members ready for the first day of Convention.
The RWCS Badge Pick-Up opens on Wednesday for members who pre-registered online by June 16 or by mail before June 5.
Convention Schedules and Information about Educational Seminars, Show and Sale, Members Auction as well as other items may be picked up at that time.
That evening the RWCS Foundation Hosts an Event Fundraiser in the Pottery Museum of Red Wing.
THURSDAY – Convention Opens, Commemorative Unveiled & Members Auction
This is the official first day of Convention activities at River Bluff Education Center, Red Wing MN. The schedule begins with the Opening Sessions and Keynote Speaker Address followed by the unveiling of the Annual Convention Commemorative.
The highlight of the day is the Members Only Online Auction which will be held at the River Bluff Education Center Gym. Members registered for CrockFest Convention 2023 will be able to preview and attend the Members Auction. The Auction will also be online for those unable to attend in person.
During the day, members have the opportunity to view the Displays and Rare Items being shown at the Convention by members and attend Chapter Meetings.
Members Only Auction – Members consign stoneware, dinnerware, art pottery, and unique Red Wing items to fill the over 200 lots on the auction. This is truly a member auction with something for every collector interest and level.
FRIDAY – Education and Social Events
The jam-packed Education Sessions are open to all members registered for Convention. There are several sessions for attendees to choose from including this year’s special presentation of Collector Classic Movies featuring a very special seminar “from the vault.”. In addition to traditional adult education, there will be a special session for KidsView. All RWCS members are encouraged to bring their children and grandchildren to the convention. The session is free to member families. In addition, to the wonderful educational opportunities, the members have time to view Displays at the Armory and meet up with collector friends.
Shared Interest Groups – This opportunity brings together collectors with the same Red Wing collecting interest to network, swap stories, and share information. From general groups like stoneware, dinnerware, and art pottery to more specific like Saffron Ware, Iowa Advertising, or Belle Kogan vase. If you have an interest, we can form a group.
The RWCS also holds its annual Members Business Meeting for the organization. This is the members’ opportunity to hear more about the club’s operational news, Convention so far, upcoming events, and other organization business as the agenda outlines.
Friday Night Rock N’ BBQ
Immediately following the RWCS business meeting, join your fellow collectors at this event for fun and friendship, food and music. Location to be announced.
SATURDAY – Show and Sale – River Bluff Education Center Gym
9:00 am for RWCS members registered for the Convention
10:30 am – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! FREE ADMISSION
Saturday morning the much anticipated Show & Sale will be held at Colvill Park. A large group of vendors will be selling Red Wing pottery, stoneware, and city memorabilia. The RWCS recently expanded Show and Sale to also include opportunities for sellers to showcase quality period antiques and collectibles in booth space.
Saturday Events open to the public SHOW AND SALE – 10:30 am – 1:30 pm
Check the Convention Schedule to keep up to date on all the Convention events.