OLD GREENWICH, Conn. – The entrepreneurs at USA Theatres customarily think “outside the box.” That’s why their entrance into the antique industry is not so far fetched. USA Theatres is entrenched into nostalgia – old-time drive-in shows and outdoor theaters. But, unlike the traditional drive-ins, USA Theatres takes its show on the road. After erecting a 40-foot screen (two building stories tall), setting up the projector, running sound, and getting the popcorn popping, USA Theatres shows anything from Gone with the Wind to Napoleon Dynamite. “To my knowledge, we’re the only company that’s doing what we do,” says Ronald M. Vastola, outreach coordinator of USA Theatres. Every weekend from June to the end of September, USA Theatres is traveling throughout Pennsylvania putting on everything from the classics to first-run films. However, during the winter months not many USA Theatre employees are willing to put up the mega-screen in 45 mph winds, or lay cables in snow. Besides the nostalgia of the drive-ins thrives on memories of hot summer nights – not on bone-numbing darkness. “So we thought that since antiques and drive-in cross over into nostalgia, we’d enter the market,” Vastola says. “Our previous show dealing with many of the old turn-of-the-century tobacco cards, and more, was successful, so we thought we could do more.” In March 2010, USA Theatres sponsored the Baltimore Non-Sports Card Convention, a show featuring numerous exhibitors from the non-sports hobby, including artists, authors, manufacturers, publishers and dealers. As a result of that show, the company decided to launch the American Antique Toy & Coin-Op Show. Vastola, who several years ago restored old coin-operated soft drink machines, said the show will not only take in coin-ops; but, also tin toys, cast iron, mechanical toys, pressed steel, banks, advertising pieces, holiday commemoratives, military toys and more. Jukeboxes are expected to be another big collectible category at the new show. Although it is early, and word on the show hasn’t yet been released, he expects more than 40 dealers. The location at the Eastern Civic Center in Old Greenwich is a highly strategic choice, he says. The site will be able to easily draw from New York City, a 40 minute, $8 ride from Grand Central Station. At the same time, it provides ample parking and is close to New Englanders coming in from Boston, Connecticut, Pennsylvania and even Vermont and New Hampshire. Of course, he notes, for an exceptionally good show collectors are known to drive miles. Furthermore, he believes that he’s filling in a niche – particularly for coin-op collectors – that hasn’t been fulfilled. “There are a lot of antique shows,” Vastola says, “but, there’s not a lot in the way of coin-ops. There are the two big shows in Chicago, and that’s about it. Also, I think there are a lot of toy collectors out there.” A variety of food and beverage will be available at the show. “It’s going to be a brisk and fantastic show,” Vastola said. Contact: (717) 542-0567 www.usatheatres.com Eric C. Rodenberg |