Come to coin show in Iola

Iola, Wis., is a small town of 1,300 people located off the beaten path in the central part of the state.

I am here because it is home to Krause Publications, publisher of Numismatic News and this website.

Usually I have to leave Iola to attend a coin show. This year, a coin show will come to me.

Our state organization, Numismatists of Wisconsin, will hold its annual show in Iola this year May 15-16 at the Iola Old Car Show Activity Center.

Expected are 40 dealers staffing 55 bourse tables.

It is not the American Numismatic Association convention, but it is handy.

I can leave my desk, walk to the show and arrive in less than five minutes.

The activity center is just across the parking lot.

Of course, the reverse is true. Attendees can leave the show and arrive at my office in less than five minutes.

Such physical closeness during the show is a metaphor for the history of the organization.

It was founded here July 8, 1960, at an open house for Wisconsin hobbyists hosted by Krause Publications founder Chet Krause to mark an expansion of his office building down on the lake.

This is the sixth time NOW has been to Iola in 55 years.

Krause is looking forward to attending this show as well.

Admission is free. Hours are noon to 6 p.m. Friday, May 15. On Saturday they are 9 a.m. to 4 p.m.

There will be a special anniversary dinner May 15. Details are being worked out.

Contact show chairman Clifford Mishler by telephoning (715) 445-5050, by mail at P.O. Box 316 (105 North Main Street), Iola, WI, 54945, or by e-mail at mish@EclecticPursuitsIola.com.

All attendees will receive a free show souvenir.

What is it?

Come to the show and find out.

Buzz blogger Dave Harper is winner of the 2014 Numismatic Literary Guild Award for Best Blog and is editor of the weekly newspaper "Numismatic News."