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Collectors’ Expo adds Hall of Fame athlete, appraiser, authors and other attractions

Aug 16, 2017 | Entertainment

By Joe Kirchmyer

Buffalo Bills Hall of Fame wide receiver Andre Reed, a well-known antiques appraiser and many other special attractions will highlight the very first Collectors’ Expo to take place from 9 a.m. to 3:30 p.m. Saturday, Sept. 9 in the historic Buffalo Irish Center, located at 245 Abbott Road in South Buffalo.

The event will feature dozens of vendors and artisans offering sports memorabilia, local artwork and handcrafted products, coins, music memorabilia and records, comic books, photography, political memorabilia, movie and theatre memorabilia, car and train memorabilia, jewelry, fossils and minerals, antiques and more.

Reed will be appearing at the event courtesy of Bases Loaded Sports Collectibles at a time to be determined. Autographs will be available for $30, and pre-sale tickets are available by contacting Bases Loaded, 794 French Road, Cheektowaga, at 656-0066.

In honor of the Andre Reed appearance, local printer The Pickle Ship from Orchard Park will team up with Cheektowaga artist Ken Newton to produce limited-numbered Reed prints on a vintage press — on the spot — during the Hall of Famer’s appearance! These unique prints will be available at The Pickle Ship’s table during the event, and Newton will also be on hand to sign his artwork.

“I’ve been involved with numerous vendor events, but I can’t recall a show that ever produced limited-edition prints — on a vintage printing press — right on site,” said West Seneca resident Joe Kirchmyer, organizer of the first-time event.

Antiques expert Bill Hartung will offer antique appraisals at the event from 10 a.m. to noon. The cost will be $2 per item with a maximum of three items per person. Proceeds from the appraisals, plus 100 percent of the show’s $2 admission price, will be donated to Dog Ears Bookstore, South Buffalo Alive and the Buffalo Irish Center.

Author and Williamsville resident Dave Bauer is scheduled to be a vendor at the event and will sign copies of his children’s book, “What’s Under That Rock, Papa?” during the Expo. Additionally, local writer Michael Farrell, author of “When the Lights Go Out” and “Running with Buffalo,” will stop by for a book-signing from 11 a.m. to noon. And from 2 to 3 p.m., local author Jeff Schober will sign copies of his books. Schober’s credits include “Faces and Fingertips,” “Boneshaker,” “Broken and Profane,” “Undercurrent,” “Growing Up Gronk​,” “Bike Path Rapist” (with Detective Dennis Delano​), “What a Country, This America,” and “Sabres — 26 Seasons in Buffalo’s Memorial Auditorium” (with Ross Brewitt).

Several other surprises are also being planned that should be of interest to people of all ages, from the very young to the young at heart. If your children are fans of “Elsa,” bring them to the Collectors’ Expo to meet “Elsa” in person from 11 a.m. to noon.

For more information and frequent updates, please follow the Collectors’ Expo on Facebook at www.facebook.com/Collectors-Expo-162985497593654.

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