The Leavenworth Militaria Show and Sale is scheduled for Saturday, Feb. 13, at the Heritage Center at 109 Delaware St. in Leavenworth, Kan.
The show will feature military items from all over the world from World War I to the present.
Trevor Brown has organized the show for the last three years. His father began the one-day per year military show in February more than 20 years ago.
Brown has a degree in history and a degree in geography and he said he has a very broad interest in all things history related.
Around 30 vendors from Kansas, Missouri, Iowa and Nebraska regularly have tables at the show and this year a vendor from New Mexico will also have tables of military items.
Weapons from many wars and periods of history will be featured. While the show is open to all periods, the majority comes from World War II, Iraq War and war in Afghanistan, and the Gulf War.
The popular military show brings in not only collectors, but also a number of people who are interested in history.
“Being a February show, it all depends on the weather,” Brown said. “Sometimes the cold brings them out and other times it keeps them away.”
Some vendors specialize in one particular area, while others have a wide range of items, which includes uniforms, patches, hats, helmets, books, pictures, posters, and weapons.
Brown’s favorite part of organizing and participating in the show is getting to reunite with vendors from past shows.
“We have a group of historical cosplay that come in uniform and at times bring vehicles to show,” Brown said.
Brown has seen many unusual and rare items that vendors showcase at the annual event.
Some of the rarest items he’s seen include dishware from different bases, that sold out at previous shows, and a folding courier’s bicycle.
The items come from all over the world and range from German World War I memorabilia to foreign officers’ uniforms from Vietnam.
Brown owns a variety of collectibles that range from military to fandoms to comics to games. All of his historical items came from his father, who collected Civil War and American Indian Wars items.
In addition to being interesting gatherings for collectors, the shows have proven to be a great educational opportunity for children and teens, where they can learn about history in a direct, hands-on way.
“This is at times, the closest some can get to history other than being there,” Brown said. “We have freedoms today that men and women from the past gave their lives for us to have and we need to remember those who did not come back, and those who did.
“Some today may be too quick to give up some freedoms, while other times we may all have to make a sacrifice at home, as many in the past did, to make a difference and understand why.”
For more information about the event call Brown at 785-221-4263.