Hear Philly: Lego-Centric Extravaganza Returns To Philadelphia Expo Center
By Andrew Kramer
PHILADELPHIA (CBS) - Everyone's favorite colorful building toys take center stage April 25th and 26th at an event featuring many exclusive, hands-on Lego attractions.
"Brick Fest Live is a family friendly event where you get to experience Lego like you never have before," says event producer Chad Collins.
The inaugural Brick Fest Live was last April, and since then they have done several shows all over the country.
"What's exciting about this event is it's our first one of 2015 and it's always great to launch here in our own back yard," Collins says.
Like any growing attraction, there will many new things to see this year.
"Some of the new things we're bringing this year will include a giant Lego minifigure built out of balloons and this is going to be built right there at the show, so you get to see it assembled as you get there," Collins explains. "Another cool attraction is something we're calling 'The Glow Zone' and a lot of people don't know that there are some Lego elements that actually glow under backlight, and we're going to have a whole area to show you that you can build in these different ways and get creative at home."
But don't worry, many features that made the show so popular last year will be back and better than ever.
"Of course we'll always have our staples, which include our derby races where you get to build a Lego racecar and race it down one of our 35 foot long tracks and race against your friends under a timed race," Collins says. "We also have a reading rest stop where you can check out all the latest titles from DK Publishing. Another fun attraction is our mosaic station where you get to use smaller bricks and build a piece of art and hang it up to display it for everyone else to see."
While a wonderful spectator event, Brick Fest Live also allows you to get creative and build yourself.
"It has a little bit of everything," Collins says. "There's going to be 20,000-30,000 square feet that are just Lego models that you can look at to be inspired. And then there's also a ton of hands on attractions where you can get in, after you looked at some of the models you can create your own attractions and then add them to preexisting cities so you can make them your own."
In case you were thinking it, no, you're not too old to attend. Collins says this event is geared toward Lego lovers of all ages:
"These days it really spans across generations. A lot of parents are now starting to buy their kids Lego, and it's reminding them of the time they spent with Lego as a kid and it's reenergizing them, so if you played with Lego at all in your life, or you just want to learn something new, this event is for you."
Collins adds at Brick Fest Live, you're going to see the most Lego you've ever seen under one roof, which is sure to make you feel nostalgic:
"The nice part about that is we even attract several vendors that are going to provide you with custom Lego accessories, custom mini figures and vintage sets -- sets you can't find at big box stores you'll be able to find here. So if there's that one set you remember as a kid growing up with, chances are you'll be able to find it here and bring it home and remember what it was like to get into Lego."
And Collins says their primary goal is to inspire, educate and entertain:
"If any of those things excite you, or if you have a child that's into Lego and they're problem solving, at the end of the day, building with Lego is an investment in your future. And once you understand that, you'll figure out there's an unlimited return on that investment."
Other Lego user groups that will be on site at Brick Fest Live include PennLUG, ColonialLUG and the brand new TubeLUG.
For more information on the Philadelphia show and the others all around the nation, you can go to www.brickfestlive.com.
