Not even COVID-19 could stop JoeFest from expanding.
“It’s been great even during the pandemic,” said Ed Schumacher, the event coordinator.
Scheduled for June 24-26 at the Augusta Convention Center, JoeFest A Real Toy and Comic Show outgrew its initial space five years ago and hasn’t looked back.
Because of social distancing, fewer vendors could fit into the space at the convention center last year, but with those restrictions lifted, Schumacher said his vendor space has grown from 172 booths to 225 this year.
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In addition to more vendors this year with everything imaginable when it comes to comic books and related toys, Schumacher said he has one of his bigger line-ups of celebrity guests including the biggest headliner he’s had yet.
Former professional wrestler and actor Tyler Mane will be at the event. Mane is best known for playing Sabretooth in “X-Men,” Ajax in “Troy” and Michael Myers in Rob Zombie’s remake of “Halloween” and its sequel “Halloween II.”
The 6-foot-9-inch-tall Mane was known as Big Sky when he wrestled for the WCW. His tag team partner was Kevin Nash.
Other retired wrestlers slated for the event is Jerry “The King” Lawler and Ricky “The Dragon” Steamboat.
A full list of guests and vendors is available at joefestusa.com.
In addition to the guests are a few special events associated with JoeFest.
Schumacher said a popular activity last year was the toy swap. It too is expanding this year.
“It will be two nights, and it will be free to the public,” he said. “We have a room designated after 8 p.m.”
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People who don’t have enough items to set up a vendor booth or collectors who want to trade pieces with other collectors utilized the toy swap last year and wanted more.
Toys are an integral part of the event. It’s in the full title. And the name “JoeFest” is derived from another toy — G.I. Joe.
“It’s the largest G.I. Joe event in the country,” said Schumacher.
Also at Joe Fest will be several sports card vendors. While most of the events will take place within the convention center, the sports card vendors will be in the lobby outside the doors.
JoeFest will be from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. Sunday. For ticket information, visit joefestusa.com.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the managing editor of The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com
