More than 60 military money enthusiasts met March 3-5 at MPCFest 7 in Port Clinton, Ohio, to banter, barter and otherwise enjoy military numismatics.
This was a new high for registered attendance at MPCFest, which has become a popular annual event for people interested in military money.
Activities included a one-day bourse, an auction to benefit the Military Numismatists Scholarship Fund, ongoing show-and-tell sessions and bull sessions, as well as tournaments in bowling, poker and a knowledge contest.
During the Fest, Marvin Mericle was recognized for his lifetime of service to the hobby, and for being the inspiration that got many started on the pursuit of military money. The award, considered to be from the informal military money community, was given by selection committee members Larry Smulczenski, Neil Shafer and Joe Boling.
Two new series of MFC (Military Fest Certificates, a play on the acronym Military Payment Certificates) were issued.
This year?s March Madness quiz contest was won by James Downey, the first repeat winner since inception of the contest. A Texas Hold ?Em-style poker tournament, billed as a reenactment of actual military poker sessions, was won by Rachel Feller. Top prize was a Fest bond in the amount of MFC $7,000. Steve Feller, Rachel?s father, came in second and received an MFC $700 fest bond.
In honor of one of the military money enthusiast who died in the past year, it was announced that ?the site where collectors gather for MPCFests shall be known as Camp Leo G. May Jr.?
Plans are in the works for MPCFest 8.
To learn more, contact Fred Schwan, 132 E. Second St., Port Clinton, OH 43452; e-mail fredschwan@yahoo.com.
