In its fourth year, JoeFest: A Real Augusta Toy and Comic Show, has grown faster than its organizer ever imagined.
“In our first year, we were at the Hilton Garden and had 1,200 square feet,” said Ed Schumacher of the event that’s scheduled for June 25-27 in more than 20,000 square feet at the Augusta Convention Center. “We’re excited to expand like this.”
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The show has two main elements — vendors with collectible action figures and comics and special guests.
Multiple celebrities will be making appearances including professional wrestler Sgt. Slaughter, Warrington Gillette, who played Jason Voorhees in “Friday the 13th Part 2,” former professional wrestler Ron Simmons, actor Mark Dodson, who was the voice of Mogwai in “The Gremlins” and appeared in “Return of the Jedi” and Justin Nimmo, who played the Silver Power Ranger in “Power Rangers In Space.”
The celebrities will be part of various panels throughout the weekend.
Sgt. Slaughter will do a VIP breakfast event June 26.
Schumacher said the special event was well-received last year. It included a meet and greet with the former wrestler.
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“We only did 25 people, and he gave everyone something from his own collection,” he said.
This year’s breakfast will include an autographed 11-inch by 17-inch photograph, breakfast and a chance to win memorabilia.
Multiple artists will be among the special guests.
More than 200 vendors will sell action figures, Barbie dolls, GI Joe figures and comic books.
A swap meet is also part of the event, which will allow collectors to buy, sell or trade items.
Schumacher said last year’s event was moved to September, and about 2,500 people attended. He expects that figure to come close to doubling this year.
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Multiple ticket types are available including early bird, general admission, single and multi-day and various VIP levels.
General admission is from 6 to 8 p.m. Friday, June 25, 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. Saturday, June 26, and 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., Sunday, June 27. For additional ticket information, visit joefestusa.com.
Charmain Z. Brackett is the Features Editor for The Augusta Press. Reach her at charmain@theaugustapress.com.
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