There’s something for every toy fan or collector at the 22nd annual Chatham-Kent Toy Show on Jan. 19 at the Bradley Centre.
In fact, organizer Rob Sterling said there is so much “something” that the show can’t expand any further. Vendors and displays will take up 215 tables.
The show features farm toys, trains, sports cards, trucks, construction toys, model ships, books, planes, cars, action figures, dolls, collectibles, coins and more, Sterling said.
Today’s size and variety is a long way from where the show began, Sterling said.
“I’ve been part of it since Day 1. I’m 37 now,” he said. “When we started, I think we had about 40 tables set up at one of the conference rooms in the Wheels Inn. What we’re up to now, it’s quite a change.”
It started out primarily as a farm toy show, but it has expanded into so much more.
Sterling said there really is something for every toy or collectible fan.
“It’s the range of items – everything from highly collectible items right down to kids’ play toys,” he said.
The variety of items for sale includes 3-D printed items, comic books, baseball and hockey cards and so much more.
Plus, there are displays from local groups.
The Chatham Aeronauts will showcase some of their members’ scale-model aircraft.
There will be two train displays, courtesy the Chatham & District Model Railway Club.
The show will also feature several hands-on kids activities. Sterling said those are being finalized.
However, a popular activity is locked in, thanks to the Chatham Home Depot.
“The Chatham store has always been great at supporting us. They’re bringing in their building kits,” Sterling said.
The event today maxes out the 25,000-plus square-feet of the Freedom Hall in the Bradley Centre.
By New Year’s Eve, all display tables had been spoken for. Sterling said vendors are still looking for spots at the popular event.
“The requests keep coming in, but we keep telling them no at this point,” he said.
The organizing committee has considered expanding, but Sterling said it would just be too much.
“It’s a lot to manage with what we have. We’re happy with the size we have,” he said. “We do this as a once-a-year event, as a fundraiser, and there’s a limit to what we’re ready to take on.”
The toy show runs from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m. Admission is $5 for adults, $2 for students, and free for children aged six and under.
Funds raised support Outreach for Hunger food bank and the 4-H Toy Club.
Last year’s event saw about 2,400 visitors attend. Organizers hope for a similar number this year.
