A nationally known collectibles expert with Northwest Iowa roots is bringing a unique mix of nostalgia, history, and potential hidden value to Sioux Center this weekend.
Joel Magee, known as “America’s Toy Scout”, will host his traveling Antique Toy Roadshow on Friday, March 27, and Saturday, March 28, from 10 a.m. to 5:30 p.m. at the Fairfield Inn & Suites in Sioux Center.
The event is free and open to the public, inviting people to dig through their basements, attics, and storage bins in search of vintage toys and collectibles that could be worth more than they think.
From Sioux City Roots to National Recognition
Magee’s story starts right here in Northwest Iowa.
A Sioux City native, he turned a childhood fascination with toys into a decades-long career that’s taken him across the country. Over more than 30 years, he has built a reputation as one of the nation’s leading toy appraisers and collectors. He has appeared on shows like Pawn Stars, Modern Marvels, and Collector’s Call.
What began as a simple rediscovery of childhood memories quickly became something bigger.
Jeff Schriefer, the Toy Scout Road Show Manager, explains how it all started.
That spark eventually turned into a nationwide business, one that now brings Magee and his team to communities like Sioux Center.
What the Toy Scout Actually Does
The concept is simple but often surprising.
The Toy Scout travels city to city, setting up in hotel conference rooms and offering free appraisals and on-the-spot purchases for vintage toys and collectibles.
Schriefer sums it up this way.
They’re primarily looking for items from the 1980s and earlier, including:
- Star Wars figures
- Hot Wheels and Matchbox cars
- G.I. Joe and Barbie collections
- Comic books (especially 1960s and older)
- Tonka trucks and tin toys
- Coins, gold jewelry, and class rings
Even items that are worn, incomplete, or out of the box can still carry value.
Hidden Treasures in Everyday Homes
One of the most compelling parts of the Toy Scout experience is the unpredictability.
Schriefer says some of the most valuable finds come from the most unexpected places, even boxes people assume are junk.
In other cases, entire collections surface, like one memorable haul.
A Connection to the Past
For Magee, the business isn’t just about buying and selling.
It’s about the emotional connection people have to the items they’ve held onto for years — sometimes decades.
Many of those items represent childhood memories, family moments, or personal milestones. And part of the Toy Scout’s role is helping people navigate whether to keep or part with those pieces.
That human side of the business is something Magee has emphasized throughout his career, treating each item not just as a collectible but as a story.
A “Hometown Show” in Sioux Center
This weekend’s stop carries extra meaning.
With Magee’s roots in Sioux City, the Sioux Center appearance is being treated as something of a homecoming.
And organizers say this is exactly the kind of event where locals can benefit, whether they’re curious about value, ready to sell, or just interested in seeing unique items up close.
The Toy Scout Antique Roadshow will be held:
Friday, March 27: 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Saturday, March 28: 10:00 a.m. – 5:30 p.m.
Location: Fairfield Inn & Suites
290 St. Andrews Way, Sioux Center
Organizers say if you’re unsure about an item, bring it anyway.
Admission is free, and no appointment is required.
