Not even last weekend’s blistering cold could prevent the 47th annual and nationally recognized Cranston Card and Collector’s Show from setting an all-time attendance record.

Saturday’s temperature dipped to 10 degrees below zero yet upwards of 600 people were inside famed C. Arthur Flori Gymnasium at Coventry High School and enjoyed food from food trucks outside on both days.

Moreover, more than 800 people were back inside the spacious CHS gym and were part of the 2023’s record setting show.

“Everyone is thrilled,” said Mike “Mango” Mangasarian, the show promoter who continued the tradition founded by the late Thomas McDonough back in 1976 to support the St. Joseph Men’s Guild at Immaculate Conception Church in Cranston. “We’re ready for Feb. 4-5, 2024.”

The 2023 edition featured 80 vendors who set up 147 tables and came from as far away as Seattle as well as all six New England states and other parts of the country to raise money for four important non-profits - namely the St. Vartanitz Youth Sports Federation Sports Program, Immaculate Conception Church in McDonough’s memory, Sisters of the Poor in Pawtucket that was further boosted by racing collectibles donated by John Marandola of Cranston.

“Hopefully the 2024 show will have warmer weather,” Mango mused. “The food trucks struggled to get their generators to stay on to feed everyone; some dealers missed Saturday due to pipes bursting in their homes; yet were back on Sunday.”

He also announced two other shows will be held on June 3-4 and Oct. 7-8, 2023 leading to the 2024 super show in Feb. 2024.”

Any dealer who’d like to register for either of the three shows should contact him via mikemangomsn.com.