I have gone every year for over 15 years.
1. You have to eat at the Taste of Paducah on Friday night. Fabulous.
2. The buffet at the Methodist Church on Saturday night is also fabulous. They never fail to have a great meal.
Quiltinaday.com has a coupon for the fabric at Paducah and remember she has three stores (downtown, Carson Park and the warehouse) all with fabric and supplies and all with color of the day discounts and other discounts. Always ask. Last year all the fabric was $5 per yard before any discounts. I would not be surprised if she had 8000-10000 bolts since it feels like that. At the beginning of the week the fabric is by color but by the end of the week it is a little confused.
The people of Paducah are warm and welcoming.
The show is always wonderful and huge. Pace yourself. I usually run around like a crazy person for about 4 or 5 hours on the day I go to the show and then take a free bus ride to get off my feet. One year I met the Grand Prize winner on the same bus. There is just so much to see.
Hancocks was a disappointment. But I always hope it will be better. At least they have enough cutters and cashiers. They arrange most of the fabric by manufacturer. Know the price of batting back home. I think their prices on batting are good.