The crowds were enormous. We were there on Thursday for the opening of May's field and can echo that observation. It looked as if 5000 or more potential customers were waiting for the gates to open at 9 a.m. Every buyer who had a significant other or partner appeared to want to communicate with said party by two-way radio, many of whom seemed to be on the same frequency, making for some very interesting conversations. And the number of hundred-dollar bills seen in circulation staggered the imagination.
Some sellers stick to their guns.
The same price to everyone, dealer or collector. With all those crowds, theft was a problem. Some said the art glass dealers had been hit. There was a report of swift and severe justice administered when another thief was caught. The historical association at that time decided not to publicize the thefts until the suspected thief, Craig Mabius, the former curator, was indicted.