Franklin Civil War Show & Sale Huge Success!
Originally published January 2018 · p. 29
FRANKLIN, Tenn.—The 31st Annual Middle Tennessee Civil War Show (also known as The Franklin Show) scored big again this year to cement its reputation as the nation’s largest Civil War show with almost 1,000 tables manned by dealers from over 30 states and the United Kingdom according to promoter Mike Kent. Kent anticipated a strong show, based on results from November’s Capital of the Confederacy Show in Richmond. His expectations were fulfilled as the show was completely sold out several weeks in advance with a long waiting list. Even Kent was surprised, however, when crowds began to gather Saturday morning. The huge lobby at the Ag Expo Park could not contain all the early arrivals and the show was opened 10 minutes early just to clear the admission area. When the show ended at 3 pm on Sunday, the final results were in and Kent announced that the attendance was up 15% over 2016 and was the best attended Franklin Show since 2011! With its central location, 100,000 square feet under one roof, great access off I-65 and plenty of hotels and restaurants nearby, the Franklin Show has been a crowd and dealer favorite for many years. Originally started by Larry Hicklen in 1986 and managed by Mike Kent since 1991, the show has grown from
Best Dug Relic Bill Gurley / Meigs Brainard Digging in the Trans-Mississippi Best Non-Dug Relic Gerald Roxbury
Naval Swords
Historical Significance Awards Ernie and Tonnia Arnold All Burnside Belt Plate Display Brian Riel Sniper Rifles of the U.S. Military Pete Thomas American Bowie Knives Brandon Luter Springfield Mfg. Display
