Expo will highlight collectors and celebs

By Lethbridge Herald on June 20, 2025.

Joe Manio
Lethbridge Herald
Local Journalism Initiative Reporter

The Lethbridge Entertainment and Collector Expo is back for its second year and bigger than ever, featuring more celebrity guests, Q/A panels, autograph opportunities, and numerous family-friendly events and activities. The convention kicks-off tonight and will run through Sunday at the Agri-food & Trade Hub.

“The goal is for everyone to have fun. We had 5000 attendees in 2024, so the goal is to top that this year,” says organizer Brendan Barclay. “The guests we bring will always be the big draw. We bring guests that don’t come to Canada shows often and have never been to Alberta, so it is a first for everyone.” 

The celebrity guests include Luis Moncada from Breaking Bad, David Faustino from Married with Children, Sam Kwasman (voice of Donald Duck) and more. There will also be cosplay contests, gaming zones including VR and retro setups, and community-driven activities; and of course plenty of collectibles vendors and exhibitors.

The collectibles industry encompasses a wide range of tangible items that hold value due to their rarity, condition, historical significance, or emotional appeal. These items can include anything from sports memorabilia and comic books to vintage toys, rare coins, fine art, and even pop culture artifacts. 

The market thrives on a community of passionate collectors and investors who often buy, sell, and trade these goods through specialized auctions, conventions, and online platforms. The value of collectibles can fluctuate based on trends, demand, and the item’s perceived cultural or historical importance. While some collectables are driven by nostalgia and personal interest, others are seen as investment opportunities, with certain pieces appreciating significantly over time.

“I have over 5,000 in my collection that are mostly Disney, Marvel, Television and more. I started going to Disney when I was 5 and have now been 19 times in my life. I am an annual pass holder and my wedding later this year is Disney themed. I would say I collect because of the things I am passionate about and not the value. Obviously every collector wants a valuable collection and I track what it is worth, but I have no desire to sell it,” says Barclay.

According to Grand View Research, the collectibles market in Canada is expected to reach a projected revenue of US$ 11,077.0 million by 2030. A compound annual growth rate of 5.6% is expected of Canada collectibles market from 2025 to 2030. The three most popular collectibles in Canada are coins, currency, and sports memorabilia. Other popular categories include vintage cars, comic books, and toys.

“My booth is called MARVELous,” says vendor (and cosplayer) Andrew Kolasko, who was at last year’s expo. “Ninety-five percent of what I sell is Marvel-related. I’ve got cardboard cutouts from the movies, I’ve got an Iron Man keyboard, I’ve got a Spider-Man lamp, I’ve got Marvel character bed sheets. I’ll be dressed  as Wolverine all weekend.”

And then there’s Pokemon… The resurgence of Pokémon as a pop culture phenomenon, alongside the popularity of the trading card game, has made cards highly sought after. Limited-edition sets, rare holographic cards, and nostalgic first editions are all in high demand, which has caused a strain on supply.

“I have all the cards from the ‘90s,” says Barclay. “I think its longevity is because people my age are starting to have kids, and the kids are now passionate about the things their parents were passionate about, so that’s why it’s coming back.”