Big Names Headline 2001 Collectible Expo
Marie Osmond, Mary Engelbreit, and Precious Moments founders to make appearances at Rosemont
Edited by Matthew Kalash -- Gifts & Decorative Accessories, 6/1/2001
Thousands of collectors will come to see exhibitors and artists displaying the latest in limited-edition collectibles when the 27th Annual International Collectible Exposition (ICE) returns to the Donald E. Stephens Convention Center in Rosemont, IL, June 28–July 1. Among the more than 200 exhibitors in attendance will be such well known names as Christopher Radko, Enesco, Harmony Kingdom, and Walt Disney Art Classics, and several leading artists will be on hand to sign pieces. Many characters from collectible lines, will meet, greet, and pose for photos. In addition, the show will feature an appearance by singer and doll designer Marie Osmond at the L.L. Knickerbocker booth, June 29 and 30.
Highlighting this year's event will be a public appearance by artist Mary Engelbreit, whose designs are featured in gifts and collectibles by several exhibiting companies at the ICE. Her appearance will be made with the cooperation of the Enesco Corporation.
On Saturday, June 30, Enesco will host a reunion of the three founding members of the Precious Moments collection. Sam Butcher, Eugene Freedman, and Yasuhei Fujioka will participate in the opening ceremonies of Collector Days at 9 a.m.. Afterward, the three men will pose for photographs with Precious Moments Collectors' Club members, and will attend an exclusive autograph signing session at 1 p.m.
The Collectible Expo will be open to retailers only, June 28–29. Admission is free to qualified buyers. On June 30–July 1, the public will be admitted. One-day tickets are $10; a two-day pass is $13.
SPECIAL EVENTS
Swap 'N Sell. June 30, noon–5 p.m.; July 1, 9 a.m.–1 p.m. Collectors can trade or sell retired pieces from their collections. A full table is $125 for one day, or $220 for two days. The fee includes table rental, admission for two, and overnight security.
Memories Banquet. June 30, 6–10:30 p.m. Advance tickets can be purchased through Krause Publications at $60 per person. Each guest will receive a complimentary limited-edition piece.
SHOW INFO
Hours: 9 a.m.–5 p.m.
Address: Rosemont Convention Center, 555 N. River Rd., Rosemont, IL 60018
Call: (877) 746-9757
