September 30, 2025 — Filmmaker and editor Edwin Aviles has been collecting Pokémon cards since childhood. What started as a hobby eventually grew into a passion, and after some time as a vendor, Aviles is now the host and founder of the Collectors HQ Card Show. The inaugural event was held Sunday, September 28, at the Clovis Veterans Memorial District.
The show drew around 600 attendees and featured 65 vendors selling Pokémon and sports collectibles. Guests enjoyed tacos, raffles, and giveaways throughout the day.
Aviles said he was inspired by the success of card shows in Clovis, particularly CVC and Southpaw, which helped establish the Central Valley’s reputation in the card collecting community. Wanting to make his event more accessible, Aviles offered free admission, with vendor table fees covering the event costs.
Despite some initial concerns—especially competing against the popular ClovisFest the same weekend—the turnout exceeded expectations.
Aviles told the Clovis Roundup that nostalgia plays a central role in the collecting community. “When I talk to people who come up to my table they say I’ve had these cards when I was a kid, It’s a big nostalgic thing,” said Aviles.
While the financial side of collecting continues to grow, particularly with the demand for vintage products, Aviles emphasized that his focus is on the joy of the hobby.
The event was also a family effort. His wife, Alessandra, supported him throughout the planning, while his parents helped bring in the taco vendor. The Big Fresno Card Show assisted with promotion, reflecting the unity and collaboration among local collectors rather than competition.
Aviles praised the Clovis Veterans Memorial District as a venue, describing it as spacious, accommodating, and well air-conditioned. He hopes to continue hosting future shows there and expand on the success of his first outing by adding a card tournament.