Vintage Toy Expo Draws Crowds to Canfield Fairgrounds

Over 100 vendors sell classic video games, Hot Wheels, and more at annual nostalgia-filled event.

Apr. 4, 2026 at 6:56pm

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Fans of vintage toys and collectibles had the chance to browse and purchase a wide variety of classic toys and memorabilia at the 'Ohio's Ultimate Toy Expo' held at the Canfield Fairgrounds. The event featured over 100 vendors selling everything from retro video games to Hot Wheels cars, as well as a special appearance by professional boxer 'Butterbean'.

Why it matters

The annual vintage toy expo taps into the growing demand for nostalgia-driven collectibles and experiences, allowing attendees to reconnect with the toys and games of their childhood. As more consumers seek out unique, hands-on shopping experiences, events like this provide a platform for vintage toy enthusiasts to find rare and hard-to-find items.

The details

The toy expo took place at the Michael Kusalaba Event Center on the grounds of the Canfield Fairgrounds. Over 100 vendors were on site selling a wide variety of vintage toys, collectibles, and memorabilia, including classic video games, Hot Wheels cars, and other items from the 1980s and earlier. Attendees also had the opportunity to get photos with professional boxer 'Butterbean' at the event.

  • The toy expo has been held annually for the past 5 years.
  • This year's event took place on April 4, 2026.

The players

Corey Ward

The event promoter, who says the vintage toy expo is 'more of a nostalgia, vintage show' where people can buy toys they grew up with, both new and used.

Butterbean

A professional boxer who made a special appearance at the toy expo for attendees to get photos with.

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What they’re saying

“It's more of a nostalgia, vintage show. So if you wanted to get a toy from the 80's – that for instance, say I grew up with – you could buy it here, you could buy it brand-new, you could buy it used. Things are getting a lot more…people want to come out more, they want to touch it, feel it, see it, as opposed to eBay.”

— Corey Ward, Event Promoter

What’s next

The Ohio's Ultimate Toy Expo is expected to return to the Canfield Fairgrounds next spring, providing another opportunity for vintage toy enthusiasts to browse and purchase their favorite collectibles.

The takeaway

Events like the Ohio's Ultimate Toy Expo tap into the growing consumer demand for nostalgia-driven experiences, allowing attendees to reconnect with the toys and games of their childhood in a hands-on, community-driven setting. As more shoppers seek out unique retail experiences, these types of niche collectible shows provide a platform for vintage enthusiasts to find rare and hard-to-find items.