Coin Slot Magazine - #082 - 1981 - December [International Arcade Museum]
FUNFARFUNFUN FAIR
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By Dave Evans
Some Observations
The Third Annual Fun Fair was held October 10-11,
1981 at the Pasadena Civic Auditorium. While the Fun
Fair is only three years old, it still remains the "grand-
daddy" of coin machine shows. I have no access to
paid attendance figures of any Shows, but I believe it
goes without saying that the Fun Fair draws the largest
crowd.
and it is now difficult to tell the original from a
reproduction. This is very confusing to the newer
collector, and could do us all great harm, unless they
are sold for what they really are. If an original machine
is too highly polished and plated, it might be accused
of being a repro!
The show was not without exhibitor complaints.
This week-end was particularly bad in Los Angeles
Many did not like the 10:00 P.M. closing —seems
because of the myriad of other events — Dodgers final
playoff game — Rams Football — Rolling Stones in
town — a couple of Octoberfests — and even an Air
Pasadena closes earlier than that, and dinner is tough
to find late at night. The Hot Dogs at the Snack Bar
Show! It's a wonder anyone showed up! Whether it is
the poor economy, or the lower attendance, or a
saturation of the market, nevertheless many exhibitors
did report lower sales this year than last. However,
there was a fairly steady stream of slot machines being
hauled out of the show to buyer's automobiles — and
for a period on Sunday afternoon, seemed like about
every third of fourth person had a gumball machine
under their arm. All in all, a lot of merchandise changed
hands in two days.
While the total number of booths sold was down from
last year, Fun Fair III still was more than 150 booths —
a sizeable coin-op show if there was ever one. I did not
see any super-rare upright type machines — but there
were plenty of super nice three reelers. Two of the
5$/25
and Jack Connolly—Jim Davys had a Rol-A-Top
console, a Jennings Long Shot built into a 1938
Upright Chief, plus a beautiful pair of gold plated
Rol-A-Top and Treasury with brown paint. Being a
California Show, there were literally hundreds of loudly
painted "California Restorations" which make the
purists cringe, but seem to appeal to the novices.
Shining chrome and gold plate seemed to dominate
most machines, as did multi-coat baked enamels that
look like porcelain. Forthe slot machine restorer, there
were more booths dealing in parts, repro items and
other necessities, than ever before. Many juke boxes
were on display, as well as juke box parta There were
many booths dealing with antique advertising items,
and also many booths that did not really belong — a
demonstrator selling a unique handbag —a booth
with a trampoline and special vibrator, etc. It appears
that the Mead-Canning combine had some problems
in filling up the hall. There were many new exhibitors
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And speaking
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models h of complete cabinets and castings being of
this year, and many from last year did not return. Of
course it is very expensive for us from the Midwest and
East to get to California.
fered — many of much better quality than in the past.
The variety is growing, the quality getting much better,
54-THE COIN SLOT
© The International Arcade Museum
seemed to get a universal disapproval from Exhibitors
who had to rely on them for lunch. The higher admission
of $5.00 — was a sore spot— and will certainly limit
crowds in the future. While I do not agree, many
exhibitors complained about the unrelated items being
offered by some booths— such as the vibrators and
handbags.
But, all in all the FUN FAIR III was a good show —
probably the best — although it is showing some signs
of weakening due to the myriad of other Coin Op
Shows being held all over the country. This fragmenta
tion is something the Show Management has no
control over. It does prove we must build the base of
coin op collectors — the more the merrier!
Some Sidelights
ORIN AND JOHN YEAGER as usual used Slot
Shows for family reunions — after all — Colorado and
Oregon are a far piece apart. Incidentally, John's wife
ELEANOR, is hand cutting the stencils to put filagree
on Mills cabinets. Nice item to have —write them at
Rt. #5 Box 79, Sherwood, Oregon 97140 for details.
Flash—PHIL MORSE did stay both days —was in
BOB STRAUSS' booth for at least 15 minutes on
Sunday before departing. BOB GEDDES as usual,
creating a jam-up in the aisle with his Scopitone
"Go-Go Girl Shows." While he has shown the same film
for two years, I still expect one of those gals to wiggle
out of her top! Are we gonna get to see some of the
Topless Scopitones next year? Even though the Annex
was very sparsely populated with booths, DICK
GERLITZ seemed to sell everything he had —When
you got good rare stuff like a 5$/25$ Rol-A-Top the
world does beat a path to your door. Allen Barr sure
looking in best of health — who would realize he had a
stroke several months ago?? Great Recovery, Allen!!
MIKE CONNOLLY having a real difficult time con
vincing a prospect that his ROL-A-TOP was genuine,
even though priced lower than many at the Show.
Don't the Californians realize that we do not get top
December 1981
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