CHICAGO – The Midwest Decoy Collectors Association annual convention will be April 20-25 at the Pheasant Run Resort in Saint Charles, Ill. Members from the United States, Canada, Mexico, Europe and Asia, will be in attendance at what many collectors refer to as the premier world event for antique decoy enthusiasts.

With the world’s growing interest in decoy collecting, organizations such as the MDCA and their annual convention play a key role in the growth and advocacy of this fascinating and rewarding hobby.

For 44 years, the MDCA’s annual convention has continued to offer a fun and entertaining experience for the entire family. Each year the annual event features educational seminars, auctions, buying and selling, and networking opportunities for decoy collectors. This year promises to offer even more chances to mingle and meet with some of the world’s leading authorities on decoy collecting during the Friday evening annual networking and dinner buffet.

As always, there will be plenty of opportunities for collectors to buy, sell and trade. From Monday, April 20, through Saturday, April 25, the ever-popular room trading and displays will be open to attendees. There will also be more than 386 tables with more than 20,000 items on display at the Pheasant Run Resort Mega Center.

This year’s seminars and educational opportunities include Carvers of Michigan’s Saginaw Bay with Bill Stout, Wednesday at 10 a.m., and Facts Every Collector Should Know with Vaughn Walter, Wednesday at 3 p.m. MDCA members will also offer free identification and evaluation services on Friday and Saturday, April 24-25.

Additional events and displays include a special member exhibit of 40 Long Island antique decoys. These decoys from member’s collections will be organized in a special presentation at the Mega Center at Pheasant Run Resort. Also on display in the Mega Center will be the Contemporary Carver International Display. Both displays will be available for viewing on Friday from 2 to 8 p.m. and on Saturday from 9 a.m. to 1 p.m.

Also in attendance, the National Duck Call Makers and Collector’s of America will conduct their annual call competition and convention. Winning examples of the call makers carving competition will also on display.

The MDCA convention will be held at the Pheasant Run Resort, 4051 E. Main St. (Illinois Route 64) in St. Charles. Visit www.pheasantrun.com for more info. Show hours are Friday, 2-8 p.m. and Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission to the show is $5 per adult. Memberships are $15 per family. MDCA members and children are admitted free.

Additional information is listed on the MDCA Web site: www.midwestdecoy.org.