This year's Lithos fair exceeded expectations, which is in significant contrast with the INTERGEM fair in Anwerp two weeks ago. The careful oversight and constant quality control is definitely paying off, and as a result I've heard mostly positive reactions from visitors and exhibitors. Only minerals and fossils are allowed, and perpetrators are kicked out without mercy.
Interesting is that the fair is free for visitors and exhibitors alike, and the costs are covered solely with revenue generated by the bar. This results in high quality of exposed material, as well as a good balance between professional sellers and collectors. The absence of an exhibitor fee allows specimen prices to start very low, making the Lithos fair ideal for starting collectors to get into contact with the "scene" in Flanders and acquire some good specimens without going bankrupt right away.
The Lithos fair is growing towards one of the most significant in the Benelux, and definitely worth visiting.
And another important plus: the fair hall is literally located right next to the Harelbeke railway station, making transport to and from the fair fast and easy. Unlike other major Belgian fairs such as the one in Hannut, which is especially in the weekend (lower train frequencies) barely reachable at all.