2010 - SMOKY MOUNTAIN PEDAL CAR & TOY SHOW Location:  PIGEON FORGE, TENNESSEE
Date:  Thursday, Friday and Saturday April 29, 30 and May 1, 2010

PIGEON FORGE PEDAL CAR SHOW 2010 by Linda Portell 

If anyone tells that the pedal car hobby is dead “DON’T BELIEVE THEM”.

The show brought in many new faces, and some old faces that we had missed for a number of years. The collectors ranged in age from 3years old to us older generation collectors. The promoter for this year’s show was al Nyquist. To say that he did a good job is an understatement. He did an excellent job. Everyone knew where to set up (whether it was inside the ball room, or out in the parking lot.) He had things set up with ease. As a parts vender it was great for us. We were able to set up inside the ball room, and at the end of the day walkout knowing that our parts were safe. Don’t get me wrong. I love being among the collectors at the end of the day, and having people stop by our room for a conversation, but it was nice not to have to step over the parts in our room.

 
Al Nyquist                                                                                                                   Dave Kleespies                                               Dave delivering a Mack truck to a customer

Trading was hot and heavy right off the bat. You could see cars going from one collector to another. Dave Kleespies barely got his table set up when a fantastic truck with a trailer was bought. He quickly went from 3 very nice pieces down to 1. There were several collectors who came in, bought toys and then left with their treasures.

The youngest collectors were busy trying out their new rides. Gavin and bulldog, along with David fisher’s daughter were showing us older collectors just what the toys were made for. We all had some good laughs at them. Even the non human collector got into the act. Petie ( the camilian) was test driving on e of the cars.

There was one new collector that came to the show. He was very intense about his ability to purchase some cars to take back home to Florida. He had a good eye for what he wanted, and tough when it came to dealing on a price. This young man was a breath of fresh air to us all. He is Alex, and he is only 15 years old. He bought cars to restore himself. After he bought his cars he and his father came into the ballroom to by parts from us “Portell Restorations”. His dad stood as Alex and Dan Portell talked about the parts he would need for each car. After he had bought his cars and parts it was time to load them into his dads SUV. I watched as they moved thing around to fit everything into the car. There was no way they could have put even a piece of paper in the car with them. I know they had at least one car with a bell mounted on it. They must have been hearing bells for at least a week after they got back home.

Alex                                                                     Dan, Alex and his dad John                                                                                    Dan taking a break from the hustle and bustle of the show

One of the faces that showed up this year was Alan and Betty Wilson (cowboys and Kidillacs) it was wonderful to see them again. They didn’t bring parts this time because they were on a vacation type of trip. We are sure to see more of them at the shows in the future. Ken Schmidt also was there. He is also a blast from the past.

So, when someone tells you that the hobby is dead. You can tell them that it is very much alive and doing well. With many of the older collectors coming back, and the young one showing up the hobby is in very good shape!!!!!!!!!!!

To Al Nyquist a very big thank you for a show well done!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!