From July 2 - 4, fans of America's first action figure will celebrate both the nation's birthday and the G.I. JOE brand's 40th birthday at the 2004 Hasbro International G.I. JOE Collectors' Convention in Orlando. The eighth annual summer gathering is co-sponsored by Hasbro and the G.I. JOE Collectors' Club and will take place at Walt Disney World(R) Resort. This year's theme, "40 Years of Adventure" pays tribute to the role that G.I. JOE has played in providing kids with endless hours of backyard adventures since 1964.

Key highlights of the convention include: a display featuring figures from throughout the 40 years; seminars on G.I. JOE art, comic books, and action figures hosted by members of the G.I. JOE design and marketing teams throughout the brand's history; a campaign to secure a place for G.I. JOE in the National Toy Hall of Fame(R) at Strong Museum; and "Bulletman" action figure races commemorating a G.I. JOE figure of the past.

Convention-goers can also preview the new 2004 G.I. JOE line and browse through hundreds of new and vintage G.I. JOE items. The schedule also includes diorama-building and photography contests and a "play pit" full of G.I. JOE figures for kids to enjoy. The convention will culminate with a special 40th Anniversary Celebration Dinner at Epcot(R) on Sunday evening for registered guests.

This year's convention, expected to be the largest ever, is open to the public on Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. and Sunday 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m. Guests who pre-register will be admitted to the convention on Friday at 2 p.m. All attendees under age 12 will get a free G.I. JOE figure.

WHAT: Eighth Annual G.I. JOE Collectors' Convention; The G.I. JOE brand's 40th Anniversary Celebration

WHERE: DISNEY'S CONTEMPORARY RESORT (Fantasia Ballroom)
4600 North World Drive, Lake Buena Vista, FL, 32830

WHEN: FRIDAY, JULY 2
-- 9:30 a.m. - "Bulletman" Races - convention attendees can let their figures "fly," with this 6-story zip line race.
-- 1:45 p.m. - Toy Hall Of Fame First Ballot Drop
-- 2:00 p.m. - Hundreds of G.I. JOE fans previewing the convention

SATURDAY, JULY 3 AND SUNDAY, JULY 4
General Admission: Saturday, 9:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m.; Sunday, 9:30 a.m. to 2:00 p.m.

PHOTO OPPS:
-- Action figures making a 6-story descent down a zip line to see which is the fastest figure.
-- The First Ballot being cast in the push to get G.I. JOE into the Toy Hall of Fame
-- Dozens of dioramas created by fans, putting G.I. JOE in action settings.