February 2003 - If you live anywhere near "HOT-LANTA" (Atlanta, Georgia) AND if you are interested in GIJOE and other action figure collectibles, you should head south on March 30th to attend JOE-LANTA: the Atlanta GIJOE Show!

JOE-LANTA is a regional GIJOE/Action Figure show that is held annually in Atlanta, Georgia. In each of its first two years, JOE-LANTA drew over 500 attendees. Collectors came from around the Southeast region and from across the United States to enjoy a day of action figure fun in 2001 and again in 2002. The 2003 show, planned for March 30th, will be the third JOE-LANTA Show and will be the largest yet.

JOE-LANTA 2003 is expected to draw 750 to 1,000 attendees and will feature over 80 tables of GIJOE and Action Figure collectibles. There are also events planned for attendees on the Saturday evening before the show on March 29th. These events will include a charity auction, guest speakers, video presentations and an intimate pre-show sales event with a select group of dealers.

The show promoters (members of the Hasbro Sponsored Official GIJOE Collectors' Club which hosts the National GIJOE Convention annually) are Buddy Finethy and Lanny Lathem of JOE-LANTA Productions.

"We feel that JOE-LANTA is more than just another toy show," says Lanny, "It's a chance for collectors to spend time with others who share the same interests, and get some really cool toys too! Buddy and I think the spirit at JOE-LANTA is unique among shows of its kind. Our goal is for everyone to have a great collecting experience in a warm friendly environment."

Helping to create this environment, the JOE-LANTA Show boasts some of the finest 1/6th scale dioramas ever built. The show's diorama team annually constructs a huge show diorama that pushes the limits of 1/6th scale modeling. Their work must be seen to be believed.

This level of creativity is also reflected in the volume of entries in the JOE-LANTA custom figure and diorama contests. Prizes are awarded for various divisions with a special division just for children. Indeed the very number of kids at the show reveals that families are a big part of JOE-LANTA. Special door prize drawings for children have brought many a smile to young JOE-LANTA goers in years past and 2003 promises more of the same.

Check out the JOE-LANTA website for more information at www.joelanta.com
or call 770-772-3680.