TRADE-O-REE DRAWS SCOUTS FROM ALL OVER

Guy Singer, an England native, moved to the United States so he could attend more Boy Scout Trade-o-rees. Singer, who now lives in Knoxville, Tenn., specializes in trading international patches and scouting memorabilia.

"I used to come to three or four of these a year," he said while lining patches up across a table. "I got hooked." Now he attends about 30 Trade-o-rees each year.

More than 300 Boy Scouts are expected to attend the third annual Trade-o-ree this weekend at the VFW Hall. Troop 5 sponsors the fair, which helps raise money for troop activities. Scoutmaster Jerry Hampton of Cape Girardeau organized the event.

"He goes to trade organizations all over the U.S.," said his wife Betty. "So he decided to start one here for a troop fund-raiser. All proceeds are given to the troop.

Scouts looking for patches, badges, equipment and books are sure to find it among the 50 or more booths this weekend.

"Some are as old as scouting," said Betty Hampton, donned in scouting wear from head to toe. "Others are specific to this area, like from Camp Lewellan or the local council."

Many of the visitors who attend the Trade-o-ree aren't always looking for something specific. "They just like to reminisce or replace things that were lost."

Last year, a woman from Southeast Missouri came looking for something from her son's first troop in Idaho. And she found the necktie slide here, Hampton said.

Vendors from Virginia, Tennessee, Texas, Kansas, Illinois, Arkansas and Texas will display their wares today beginning at 8 a.m. at the VFW, 1049 N. Kingshighway. Admission is $1 and Scouts in uniform are admitted free.

Phillip Boatman drove 650 miles from Hillsdale, Va., to attend the Trade-o-ree. "There are probably over 100,000 items out there," he said, adding that he looks for patches from Texas council where he was a scout. "Obviously, the only way to find it is to come," he said.