Toy show brings out the kid in everyone
By Justin Seward - Lethbridge Herald on March 15, 2022.
Over 1,500 people flocked to the Rocky Mountain Turf Club on Saturday for the Lethbridge Toy Show and Sale.First-year organizer Judy Sakalmeier took over the show in December from the previous co-ordinators.
“It’s always had a really good name to it— it’s always had a good run — and people have always been interested in it and I like that aspect,” she said.
“I like looking for different treasures, you know, everybody has that toy. I don’t care who you are, where you’re from nationality wise; but everybody has that toy they either remember from childhood or you used to see it on TV and you really want it. You could be 50 and still want that thing just for the memory wax.”
Guests could view vendor tables that ranged from three child entrepreneurs that made homemade signs, baskets and magnets to comics and records to Star Wars and old and new tractors.
“It’s a huge mix — that’s what families can find. There’s something for a two-year-old up to a 70, 80-year-old,” she said.
The 30 vendors came from all over the province and stretched into B.C. and Saskatchewan.
“They kind of follow,” she said.
“They are a group of individuals that like getting together to do this and it’s like a family almost for some of them because they all know each other.”
She says the show was busy.
“We had a huge line up out the door before 10 a.m. and people were waiting to come in and it’s been a steady flow ever since,”
Her hope in the future is to team up with the Calgary and Medicine Hat toy shows to create a bigger weekend event.
“I just want to keep growing and be bigger and better,” she said.
“It’s great to come down and get everybody out in the community to support others,” said Tricia Grimes, a vendor who attended the show.
Grimes said she enjoyed conversing with people.
“I’ve had some good conversations and you know I like to see kids — I love kids. I like to see them find a few treasures as well, same with adults,” said Grimes. 2
-1
