American Music & Pop Culture Expo On Tap For March 2013


HERSHEY, Pa - USA Theatres, which operates a portable drive-in and outdoor movie theatre in Central Pennsylvania, is spinning into the world of vinyl records and pop culture memorabilia, with the launching of the American Music & Pop Culture Expo.

According to the company, the expo will feature numerous vendors buying, selling and trading a variety of popular culture merchandise, such as DVDs, tapes, posters, books, magazines, autographs, comics, trading cards, photos, artwork, jewelry, t-shirts, toys, games, pins, buttons, lunchboxes, advertising items, rare LP vinyl records, CDs, albums and singles (33s, 45s, 78s), players and musical instruments.

Previous shows and conventions, organized by USA Theatres, included a non-sports card convention, which featured various exhibitors from the non-sports industry, and an antique toy and coin-op show, which featured quality exhibitors of fine antiques and collectible toys, including coin-operated items such as jukeboxes.

"All of the events that we organize exhibit the retro factor," said Ronald M. Vastola, Outreach Coordinator of USA Theatres. "From the King of Rock and Roll to the King of Pop, from Star Trek to Star Wars, through Beatlemania and Batmania, Pac-Mania and Hulkamania, the American Music & Pop Culture Expo will appeal to all age groups."

According to Vastola, the event is also expected to feature media guests from music, television and movies.

Attendees will have the unique opportunity for a chance to win a brand new classic style full-size jukebox (MSRP: $1495.95), provided by RetroWonders.com, an online retailer of Crosley Radio products, according to Vastola.

The American Music & Pop Culture Expo is set to debut on Friday and Saturday, March 29 and 30, 2013, at the Granada Avenue Gymnasium, located at 30 East Granada Avenue in Hershey, Pennsylvania.

"Hershey is a great geographic location to host an event," Vastola said. "It is conveniently located to most major metropolitan areas in the Northeast, and can easily attract pop culture enthusiasts from Washington D.C., Maryland, Delaware, New Jersey, New York, and of course, Pennsylvania."

Although it is early, Vastola anticipates 75 vendor spaces to be utilized. "Vendor space will sell out fast," he said.

Early buyers are welcome Friday evening at 5:00 p.m. and also Saturday morning at 8:00 a.m. for $25 per person each day, while general admission on Saturday, from 10:00 a.m. to 4:00 p.m., is $7 for adults and $5 for seniors, college students and active military (Photo I.D. required). Children 11 and under will be admitted for free, accompanied by a paying adult. Parking is free.

"The show will be promoted and marketed through various media outlets, such as television, radio, Internet websites, newspapers, trade publications, and direct market mailers," Vastola said. "We will also be promoting this event all summer long on the 40 foot tall 'Turkey Hill Screen'."

A variety of food and beverages will be available for purchase at the show, provided by Joemomma Foods, Inc. of Hershey, Pennsylvania.

"It's going to be another brisk and fantastic show," Vastola added.

Want to exhibit?

6 ft. by 9 ft. vendor spaces are currently available for $65 each and include one 6 ft. table, two chairs, and two exhibitor badges (discounts offered for larger vendor spaces).

For more information, call (717) 542-0567 or email usatheatres@yahoo.com

For hotel accommodations, attendees are encouraged to contract the Hilton Garden Inn Hershey, the official hotel of the American Music & Pop Culture Expo. The hotel is located 3.3 miles, 8 minutes from the expo. Mention the show to receive a special room rate. Visit their website www.hershey.hgi.com or call the hotel directly at 717-566-9292