A Fort Wayne favorite is back. And for fans of comics, vintage toys, and rare memorabilia, it’s the weekend highlight they’ve been waiting for.

Collectors from across Indiana are expected to pack into the Allen County Fairgrounds this Sunday as the Hobby and Collectibles Show kicks off its 2025 season with its first event of the year — promising a treasure hunt, a throwback, and a whole lot of fun.

A Sunday Tradition That Just Keeps Growing

From 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., rows of tables will be stacked with everything from Pokémon cards to rare VHS tapes. You’ll find comic books you haven’t seen since the ’80s. Or maybe that Star Wars action figure you begged your parents for in 1996.

Organizers Todd Berndt and Vince Paris have turned a small local hobby event into something of a community staple. This isn’t just a swap meet. It’s a full-on cultural showcase of the things people love, and refuse to let go of.

And the best part? It’s free.

Something for Everyone — Seriously, Everyone

One sentence sums it up best:

If it’s collectible, it’s probably on a table.

There’s no rigid theme, which is exactly why people love it. The show covers all corners of the collector’s universe.

• Golden and Silver Age comic books

• Classic video games and consoles

• Retro toys like G.I. Joe, Transformers, and Hot Wheels

• Trading cards: sports, Yu-Gi-Oh, Magic, you name it

• Pop culture memorabilia from decades past

Whether you’re a serious collector hunting down mint-condition baseball cards or just someone who wants to remember what childhood smelled like (spoiler: probably plastic and bubblegum), there’s a booth for you.

Meet the Minds Behind the Madness

This whole operation runs thanks to a pair of local enthusiasts: Todd Berndt of Berndt Comics, and Vince Paris from Vinny’s Blast from the Past Collectibles.

They’re not some big corporate promoters. They’re just two guys who love the stuff they grew up with and want to keep it alive.

“Every year, we see new faces and familiar ones,” said Berndt. “It’s more than just selling comics or cards. It’s community.”

Paris agrees.

“People come in with their kids now,” he said. “That’s the cool part. What was once ours is now being passed down.”

Families, First-Timers, and That One Guy in a Jedi Robe

You never know who you’ll bump into at the show.

There’s the older gentleman flipping through old Batman issues, looking for that one missing volume. There’s a 9-year-old discovering a Game Boy for the first time. And yes, there’s always one guy in cosplay — whether it’s a Jedi robe, a Spider-Man mask, or a full Ghostbusters suit.

One quick story:

Last year, a local dad bought his son a copy of the exact Spawn comic he had as a teen. The kid? Couldn’t stop reading it all day.

That’s the vibe. Less about buying — more about sharing.

The Real Value Behind the Booths

Not everything at the show is about nostalgia. Some of it’s serious business.

Collectibles markets have exploded over the past five years. Cards that once went for a couple bucks now hit four digits. Factory-sealed games are getting slabbed and sold like fine art. Some vintage toys have outperformed stocks — not even joking.

Here’s a quick look at recent valuation trends:

Collectors at the Fort Wayne show know their stuff. There’s real value on those tables — both sentimental and financial.

A Show That’s Open to All — No Gatekeeping Here

You don’t need to be an expert to enjoy the event. Actually, you don’t even need to know what you’re looking for.

A big part of the charm? The people.

Vendors are usually collectors themselves. They’ll talk your ear off about the history of a toy line or give you a deal if you’re genuinely interested.

This is a safe zone from the snobbery you sometimes find in other hobby spaces. Whether you’re 7 or 70, everyone’s welcome. No pressure. No judgment.

One sentence, short and sweet:

It’s all just fun.

Mark Your Calendar, Bring a Bag, Maybe Even Some Cash

If you’re heading down, here’s what you need to know:

• Where: Allen County Fairgrounds, Fort Wayne

• When: Sunday, April 7, 2025

• Time: 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.

• Entry: Free

Parking’s easy. Kids are welcome. And it’s indoors, so weather won’t spoil the party.

Pro tip: bring cash. Most vendors take cards these days, but a few old-school sellers still prefer cash, especially for smaller items.

And bring a tote bag. Trust us — you’re going to leave with more than you planned.