About the Event

CrockFest

This page contains GENERAL information about CrockFest. To view information specific to this year’s event, please see the various corresponding menu items listed under CrockFest on the main page.

You can also access the information using the links at the bottom of this page.

CrockFest at a Glance / General Information

The Red Wing Collectors Society held its first Convention in 1977 at the Goodhue County Historical Society in Red Wing, MN. In the early years, the Convention was also held at the Red Wing American Legion and Minnesota State College Southeast Technical College. In 1996, the Convention made its home at Red Wing High School. In more recent years, CrockFest has been held at the River Bluff Education Center in Red Wing.

The RWCS official CrockFest Convention events begin on Thursday of CrockFest week; however, many events and activities are going on in Red Wing before CrockFest begins.

Monday/Tuesday: – RWCS Foundation’s Outdoor Antique Market
Sellers of Red Wing dinnerware, stoneware, and art pottery begin to set up their booths at the Pottery Place Mall. Also, many locals will set up garage sales in their driveways all around Red Wing. With these sales open the hunt begins.

CrockFest attendees also take time to visit antique shops in Red Wing and in nearby towns. Red Wing is nestled on the Mississippi River and Wisconsin is just across the bridge.

Wednesday:
The hunt at the antique shops, garage sales, auctions, and sales continues. Chapters start to gather and members get ready for the first day of the Convention.

The RWCS Badge Pick-Up opens Wednesday  afternoon at the Pottery Museum of Red Wing for members
pre-registered online.

Convention Schedules and Information about Educational Seminars, Show and Sale, Members Auction, as well as other items may be picked up at that time.

That evening, the RWCS Foundation hosts an event fundraiser in the Pottery Museum of Red Wing. 

THURSDAY – CrockFest Opens, Commemorative Unveiled & Members Auction
This is the official first day of Convention activities at River Bluff Education Center, Red Wing MN. The schedule begins with the Opening Sessions and Keynote Speaker Address followed by the unveiling of the Annual Convention Commemorative.

The highlight of the day is the  Members Only Auction which will be held at the River Bluff Education Center Gym. Members registered for CrockFest Convention will be able to preview and attend the Members Auction. The Auction will also be online for those unable to attend in person.

During the day, members have the opportunity to view the Displays and Rare Items being shown at the Convention by members and attend Chapter Meetings. 

Members Only Auction – Members consign stoneware, dinnerware, art pottery, and unique Red Wing items fill the auction. This is truly a member auction with something for every collector’s interest and level. 

FRIDAY – Education and Social Events
The jam-packed Education Sessions are open to all members registered for CrockFest. There are several sessions for attendees. All RWCS members are encouraged to bring their children and grandchildren to CrockFest. The session is free to member families. In addition, to the wonderful educational opportunities, the members have time to view Displays and meet up with collector friends.

The RWCS also holds its annual Members Business Meeting for the organization. This is the members’ opportunity to hear more about the club’s operational news, Convention so far, upcoming events, and other organization business as the agenda outlines.

Friday Night Social Event
Immediately following the RWCS business meeting, join your fellow collectors at this event for fun and friendship, food and music in the Parking lot near The Pottery Place. 

SATURDAY – Show and Sale

  • 9:00 am for RWCS members registered for CrockFest
  • 10:30 am – OPEN TO THE PUBLIC! FREE ADMISSION

Saturday morning, the much anticipated Show & Sale will be held at River Bluff Education Center’s Gym. A large group of vendors will be selling Red Wing Pottery, stoneware, and memorabilia. The RWCS recently expanded Show and Sale to also include opportunities for sellers to showcase quality period antiques and collectibles in booth space. 

Information specific to CrockFest 2024:

Check the Convention Schedule to keep up to date on all the Convention events.