The Dusty Attic Toy Show is one of the premiere monthly toy shows in the Lone Star State, and The Dallas Express checked it out this past weekend.
“The one thing that we wanted to set up was to create a family fun environment for everybody to come,” said co-founder Randy Castillo. “We have something for everybody, boys and girls.”
The toy show showcased vendors from around North Texas that brought classic toy collections, including toys from the Dragon Ball Z anime series, toys and comics from the Marvel Cinematic Universe, classic toys and comics from the DC Universe, and classic fan-favorite Hot Wheels.
Going on 12 years and running, Castillo and co-founder Charlie Maze moved their toy show from Red Oak to the Hella Event Center in Garland, a building built in 1976 to support the mission of Shriners Hospitals for Children.
“We opened, and they came, and we’ve been at capacity each time, we’re just, we’re happy to be here with the Shriners,” said Maze. “The people here are great, it’s a great organization, and we just love to be a part of their routine.”
While attending the event, The Dallas Express ran into toy seller Dennis Buckner, who is known for his impressive Hot Wheels toy collection.
“I started collecting in 1968, but I’ve been more into it for the last 10 years,” said Buckner.
Toys were not the only things on display for sale at the event. The event also showcased homemade cookies, Funko Pops, and custom-made rugs and quilts.
Maze and Castillo were also able to book former Hellraiser: Judgement star Paul T. Taylor, who was on hand to sign autographs and take pictures.
The event also featured DUDV2 Custom 3D Printing, a local small business that makes 3D-printed gifts and toys.
“We run about 33 printers around the clock,” said Richard Clark, owner of DUDV2 Custom 3D Printing.
“I got into it just as a hobby, you know. A couple of my friends were looking at different things, and I actually ordered something off of eBay that was 3D printed. I wanted to replicate it, so I bought [a 3D printer] and started printing stuff as a hobby, and in January, we started printing stuff commercially,” said Clark.
The Dusty Attic Toy Show hopes to be a place not only to buy and sell toys but also to create memories with families and enjoy a fun atmosphere.
“I loved your expression when I brought you in the door, you looked up and you were speechless for a good minute. That’s what I want, people walking in to go, ‘Wow!'” said Maze, speaking to The Dallas Express.
“I think that family unity, you know how today’s world is and so forth like that, it starts at home, you know? Bring your family to someplace where you can leave all that behind and just have fun. Let your dad talk to your daughter about, ‘Oh, I used to do this, or I had this when I was a kid,’ that is so important to us when we see it happening on this floor,” said Maze.
Check in with The Dusty Attic Show’s Facebook page to keep up with next month’s show.