Vintage toy show returns to Merced
Sometimes an old toy can rekindle pleasant childhood memories and make a person feel young again. Sunday’s Vintage Toy and Collectible Show in Merced could be a trip back in time for adults who have outgrown antique wind-up toys, lunch pails or even “Star Wars” memorabilia.
The fourth annual show from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. at the Merced Elks Lodge, 19th and M streets, will feature about 20 toy dealers from all over Northern California, promoter Pete Culver said.
“You can relive your childhood,” Culver said. “You see a lot of history in the world of toys.”
Toys from the 1800s to the 1980s will be on sale. This includes vintage Marx trains, metal lunchboxes, Smith-Miller trucks, “Star Wars” items, plastic models, comic books, old cap guns, Hot Wheels, G.I. Joes, and other wind-up or battery-powered toys, Culver said.
Culver’s assistant, Dan Fuentz of Merced, will be bringing about 100 metal lunchboxes along with some wind-up and tin toys. He has been collecting for about 15 years and loves to go “treasure-hunting” with his wife and children.
“It’s about anything that makes you smile,” Fuentz said. “It’s (collecting) awesome.”
From 9 a.m. to 11 p.m., early birds will be admitted for $10; from 11 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. the general public will be admitted for $5, Culver said. Food will be available with proceeds going to the Merced Elks Lodge.
Sun-Star staff writer Doane Yawger can be reached at (209) 385-2407 or dyawger@mercedsunstar.com.
This story was originally published February 12, 2015 at 10:00 AM with the headline "Vintage toy show returns to Merced."