Card collectors will be buying and selling sports, Pokemon, magic, and other cards today and tomorrow at Iowa Speedway, as the United Way of Jasper County and the IOWA Foundation host the inaugural Washer City Card Convention. The two-day vendor show is free to attend, and is a fundraiser for the local United Way and the IOWA Foundation. The convention is named after the Little Washers, which was the former name of Newton High School’s athletic teams. United Way of Jasper County Executive Director Jessica Lowe Vokes says revenue is generated from the 40-plus vendors who paid to have tables at the show to sell their cards, and from attendees purchasing autographs from celebrity guests and photos with them. Former Iowa Football players Tim Dwight and Chuck Long are two of the celebrities that will be at the show. Vokes says local organizations and businesses are also being promoted at the show.

“We will be providing a space for Get to Know Newton, the Chamber, and Main Street. We are also working with local businesses if they want to advertise and provide coupons. That way, people know we want them to come into town and enjoy the food and shop for some things as well.”

The Newton City Council awarded the event a $2,500 Newton Hotel-Motel Tourism Grant to help with expenses. The Washer City Card Convention is being held from 2 p.m. to 8 p.m. today, and 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. Saturday.