Are you looking to replace that old toy truck your mom threw out when you were little? A visit to the Toy Show of Clarkston on Saturday, April 17 might just be the answer.
W&D Promotions will host this year’s show at Clarkston’s Knights of Columbus Hall on Maybee Road. With some of the most interesting selections from this year’s dealers, show owner Eric Olbrich presents a wide variety of antique toys to choose from.
‘We strive for quality,? Olbrich said. ‘I work real hard on getting the best of the best.?
The show features mostly antique toys dating back to the early 1900s. The selection varies from pressed steel and cast iron vehicles to dolls, toy soldiers, television collectibles and Hot Wheels.
‘It’s the finest quality group of antique and collectible dealers in the tri-state area,? Olbrich said.
While eBay might make finding a rare toy somewhat easier, toy shows like Olbrich’s allow the buyer to get a firsthand look at the piece and the satisfaction of completing the hunt.
‘The majority of people are there reminiscing about their childhood,? Olbrich said.
Automobile and motorcycle toys and merchandise are always popular sellers, according to Olbrich. However each year brings new trends and demands.
‘The classic toys are holding value,? Olbrich said. ‘Pressed steel toys go up about 10 percent every year because they’re too hard to reproduce.?
Toys based on popular culture come in and out of popularity at the shows. Beanie Babies are no longer the hot seller they once were, but make sure to hold on to any toys based on the animated television show ‘The Simpsons?.
‘Fads come and go,? Olbrich said. ‘They’re here today and gone tomorrow.?
Today’s toy shelves have seen the rebirth of 1980s classics such as Strawberry Shortcake, My Little Pony and Transformers. The same is true of cycles at toy shows.
‘Toys from the 1950s and 1960s are starting to come back,? Olbrich said.
Sometimes the choices can even surprise dealers.
‘The ‘Munsters? and the ‘Addams Family? are very popular,? Olbrich said.
The atmosphere promises to be a relaxed one at this year’s show. Olbrich works hard to make sure that the dealers represent various types of toys to avoid competition between booths.
‘I don’t like dealers against dealers,? Olbrich said. ‘This (selection) gives the customer a greater array.?
Olbrich has a lot of prior knowledge about antiques. Growing up, two good friends had parents who were antique dealers. For Olbrich, it was a natural progression.
A graduate of the College for Creative Studies in Detroit, Olbrich’s extensive background into art and art history only add to his knowledge of antiques. He purchased the rights to the show three years ago.
‘You never know what will show up,? Olbrich said.
The Toy Show of Clarkston runs from 9 a.m. until 3 p.m. For more information, contact Olbrich at (248) 646-1047.