MidSouth Toy Fest: Inaugural Celebration Unveils a Toy Wonderland for Collectors of All Ages
The inaugural MidSouth Toy Fest brought joy to toy collectors of all ages as it unfolded on Saturday, December 9. Held at the Great Hall & Conference Center in Germantown, the event exceeded the expectations of organizers Harry Koniditsiotis and Barry Scott, drawing a sizable crowd despite the rainy weather.
Koniditsiotis, co-owner of 901 Toys in the Cooper-Young district, initiated the successful Midtown Con at Black Lodge last year, emphasizing his personal passion for toys, comics, and records. MidSouth Toy Fest, in contrast, placed a stronger focus on toys. Koniditsiotis, who established his toy store in Midtown a year ago and owns 5 & Dime Recording in Cooper-Young, expressed the event’s emphasis on the rich era of toy collecting in the 80s.
Barry Scott, a frequent attendee of toy shows in the region in search of rare items for his vintage Star Wars collection, had envisioned a larger-scale event for enthusiasts like himself. Over 50 vendors showcased a diverse range of toys, including modern favorites like Funko Pops and LEGO, alongside classic lines such as Star Wars, Masters of the Universe, Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles, G.I Joe, and Transformers.
Attendees, ranging from seasoned collectors like Mikayla Freeman searching for elusive anime figures to young enthusiasts like 6-year-old Emma Lopez and her father Joaquin, explored the offerings. The event catered to a wide audience, with collectors finding everything from hard-to-find items to nostalgic reproductions.
Wesley Burden from Centerpoint Toys & Games in Millington shared his success in filling gaps in his collection, emphasizing the unique opportunities these events provide for collectors. Jamie Lonon, managing Replay Toys in Jackson, Tennessee, expressed satisfaction with the turnout and hinted at a return for the next edition.
Among the vendors, Errin Cobbins of Skywalker Funkos Collectibles LLC and Russ Anderson of KC Computers found the event to be a great platform to connect with the vibrant nerd culture. The inclusion of Toys For Tots, accepting donations on-site, added a charitable dimension to the festivity.
Looking ahead, Koniditsiotis and Scott expressed their hopes of turning MidSouth Toy Fest into an annual tradition, building on the success of its inaugural edition. The event not only celebrated the passion for toys but also fostered a sense of community among collectors and enthusiasts in the MidSouth region.