The annual show is the biggest event for OSBS. At least a year and a half of work by all the local clubs and OSBS members culminates in four days of competition, food, shopping, learning, and FUN! The show is open to the public the last two days.
Come see us at the 2026 OSBS Annual Show and Sale! The Oregon State Button Society Annual Show and Sale will be open to the public on May 1 – May 2 at the Best Western Hotel in Keizer, OR. Free parking, free admission, free fun. Come spend a day (or two) with us. Take a look below to see what happens at the show and all the amazing things you will see and do.
Each year at the show, we have several educational presentations that are open to members and the public. This year, we have four wonderful presentations in the foyer outside the showroom.
Friday, May 1, beginning at 12:15 pm, Ilse Christensen will present Hints for Newer Collectors. Following Ilse’s presentation, Holly Derderian and Sally Filler will present From Seashells to Shell Buttons. Saturday, May 2, beginning at 11:45 am, Suzie Cohen will present Identifying Various Patterns on Buttons and Quilts. Following Suzie’s presentation, Jan Stutts will present Competition Trays-Getting Started. These presentations will be both educational and enjoyable, so bring your lunch and learn with us!
This year, we also are hosting our first Quilter’s Challenge. This competition is open to OSBS members and the public! The entries will be displayed during the show and will be voted on by OSBS members and show guests. Because this competition is “Best Use of Buttons on a Small Panel or Quilt Block,” each entry must have at least one button attached. See below for entry criteria. If you would like to enter, download and print the entry form below.
It all begins with an idea . . .
Each year, one of the local clubs comes up with a theme for the following year’s show. That club takes the idea for a theme and turns it into graphics, favor buttons, decorations, an educational program topic, and invitations. Then members of the local clubs and OSBS come together to turn this idea into the annual show.
Competition and Education and Events, oh my!
The annual show traditionally is held at the end of April or beginning of May each year. The show has two main parts: the members-only days and the public days.
Competition
The big event at the show is the competition, and this occurs during one of the members-only days. OSBS members select an award of interest and create a tray containing buttons that meet the requirements of the award. That tray is then entered into competition. Some members will enter one category, some will enter many. Some members never enter competition, and that is ok too.
Early in the year before a show, we begin the process of submitting and refining awards for the competition. A member or a local club will come up with a topic for an award. This topic can be centered on materials, embellishments, pictorials, or any of the categories defined by the National Button Society’s Blue Book. The award will also include general guidelines for judging. A committee then turns these submissions into Final Awards and then Judging Criteria that are used on judging day at the show to judge the trays and award ribbons and prizes.
After competition, all trays that were entered in competition will be affixed to display racks for your viewing pleasure and will remain on display until the very end of the show. When you come to the show, be sure to wander through the racks and spend some time looking at all the buttons and how they are categorized and labelled. If you are there at the right time, an OSBS member will lead a tour through the racks to talk about competition and the trays and to answer any questions. If you miss the tour and have questions, an OSBS member will be happy to help you.
If you want to see the award winning trays from past shows, take a look at our Awards page. You will be able to see the Final Awards list there as well to get an idea of how trays are categorized and judged. Maybe you will see an award you would like to enter! We bet you will see something you would like to collect or learn more about.
Education
During the show, we have educational programs during both the members-only days and public days. On the public days, there are two or three educational programs each day on various topics. These programs occur in dedicated presentation areas of the showroom and are free to attendees. Check the schedule at the door and listen for the announcements. These educational programs are interesting and a lot of fun.
Events
The biggest event on the public days is shopping. OSBS members from around the world come to the show with amazing buttons to look at and purchase. We have some wonderful dealers at each show, and every one is happy to chat about buttons and answer any questions. Some dealers are also renowned artists who make buttons or related items.
You will see many OSBS members shopping, working a booth, or at an educational program; if you have questions, just look for the OSBS nametag.
We also have a Market that features fun gifts for sale. The Market will be near the front of the showroom. Many of the items for sale are handmade by OSBS members and are button or fabric arts-inspired.
If you become a member, we also have a number of members-only events throughout the show. Come to the registration desk to find out more information about membership or use the Contact OSBS button to request additional information.
You can also find out more information about the local clubs while you are at the show. Anyone at the registration desk can answer questions or connect you with a local club member.