Allentown-Lehigh Valley Toy Show

This saturday

THIS SATURDAY
Lehigh Valley’s Biggest Slot Car, Diecast and Radio Control Show (Buy-Sell-Trade)
Date: Saturday, April 4, 2026
Location: Charles Chrin Community Center, 4100 Green Pond Road, Palmer, PA 18045 (note: some listings say 18046, but official is 18045)
Website: http://www.valleygoto.com (main event page and vendor info available there)
Admission & Hours
Early Buyers: 8:00 AM – 10:00 AM → $15 cash at the door
General Admission: 10:00 AM – 2:00 PM → $10 cash at the door
Dealer Setup:
Friday, April 3: 6:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturday, April 4: 6:00 AM (Dealers Only)
What to Expect
230+ Tables (recent updates mention up to 250 tables) with dealers from 6–7 states offering slot cars, diecast models, radio control vehicles, and related items for buying, selling, and trading.
Activities:
Builders Bash Model Contest
Slot Car Racing
Hot Wheels Racing
Radio Control (RC) Show and Go
A big hobbyist gathering focused on retro toys, collectibles, and hands-on racing/contests.
The event is organized by Valley Rail Promotions and is well-promoted on Facebook, Instagram, and local event sites. It's listed in the Palmer Township community center calendar right after the Easter Egg Hunt on April 3.
If you're planning to attend, bring cash for admission and any purchases. Vendor/dealer registration info is on the valleygoto.com site if you're interested in setting up a table.
Sounds like a fun day for slot car and diecast fans in the Lehigh Valley area! Let me know if you need directions, hotel suggestions near Palmer/Easton, or anything else.
Here's everything you need to know about the Builders Bash Model Contest at the Lehigh Valley Slot Car, Diecast and Radio Control Show on Saturday, April 4, 2026.
Builders Bash Schedule (April 4, 2026)
Registration & Drop-off: 8:00 AM – 10:30 AM
(Entrants should arrive early during this window to register and set up their models.)
Public Voting / Viewing: 10:00 AM – 12:30 PM
(Attendees and participants vote on the entries.)
Awards Ceremony: Approximately 1:00 PM
The contest runs alongside the main show (Early Buyers 8–10 AM, General Admission 10 AM–2 PM) at the Charles Chrin Community Center in Palmer, PA.
Entry Information
How to Enter: Pre-register via the event website if possible (check valleygoto.com for any online form). On the day of the show, go to the dedicated model registration table (usually near the main entrance) to confirm and get your table assignment/number. Do not bring models inside until you have your number to keep traffic flowing smoothly.
Entry Fee: First 2 entries are $20, which includes VIP/Early Buyer admission to the show. Additional entries may have a lower or separate fee (exact details for April 2026 should be confirmed on the site or at the table). Cash is expected.
What You Can Enter: Custom-built or modified models across multiple hobby categories. This is a "show off your builds" contest open to hobbyists.
Categories (Typical for the Builders Bash)
The contest features expanded classes including:
Slot Cars: HO, 1/32, 1/24, Diorama
Scale Models: Aircraft, Truck, Space/Sci-Fi, Diorama, Car, Ship/Aquatic
Radio Control (RC): Car, Competition, Vehicle, Crawler, Truck, Young Guns (kids/junior builders)
Specialty / Theme Awards: Paint, Military, Open Wheel Car, Engine, Kit Bash, 3D Printed, Interior, Hot Rod, Replica, Wheels, Street Machine, and more
Custom diecast and other creative builds are often welcome too.
Judging & Awards
Judging Style: Peer voting (public and participant input) from 10 AM to 12:30 PM, plus organizer judging.
Prizes: Over 100 awards and prizes total in recent events. Typically includes:
Trophies for the top 3 in each class/category
Many specialty awards for standout details (e.g., best paint, best kit bash, etc.)
Awards are handed out at the 1 PM ceremony.
Tips for Participants
Bring your finished builds ready for display (tables/lifts are usually provided for better viewing and safety).
The contest emphasizes creativity, detail, and craftsmanship in slot cars, diecast customs, scale models, and RC vehicles.
It's family-friendly and a great way to get feedback from other builders and collectors.
For the most up-to-date rules, exact fees, full category list, or to pre-register, visit the official site:
http://www.valleygoto.com (look for the event page or Builders Bash / contest section).
The Builders Bash is one of the highlights of the show and draws serious and casual builders alike. If you're entering, plan to arrive by 8–9 AM to get a good spot.
Let me know if you want help with directions, what to bring, or details on the other contests (slot car racing, Hot Wheels racing, RC Show and Go)!

Lehigh Valley Slot - Diecast and RC Control Show Next Sale April 4th 2026