There were fewer dealers again this year. Long time dealers like Holland & Holland, FAMARS, and Mid South (all of whom were at the Southern this year) weren't there. Dealer attendance at the Vintage Cup continues in the opposite direction of the Southern SXS shoot which has been growing fast and is now much bigger than the Vintagers.
Dealers point to tables at the Vintage Cup costing a lot more than at the Southern as the main reason the two events are going in the opposite direction. Also, the Vintagers $20 daily admission for visitors discourages new people from coming to out to learn about the sport and visit the vendor tents. Neither the Southern nor Great Northeast SXS shoots charge a gate fee for visitors.
Hopefully, the organizers will make the event more affordable for vendors and visitors, as its the vendors and curious vistitors that really bring in new people into the sport.
The Southern and Great Northeast SXS have been growning rapidly of late, it would be nice to see the same thing happening to the Vintage Cup.
