From farm toys to Hot Wheels, Zurich Toy Show and Sale keeps growing

The Zurich Toy Show and Sale is returning on April 12 for a day of unique farm toy finds. Organizer Chris Finkbeiner, pictured above, said this year’s show will be the community’s biggest yet.

By Dan Rolph

The Zurich arena will once again be filled with toys and collectors as the Zurich Toy Show and Sale returns.

The annual event will take place April 12 from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., bringing more than 50 vendors to the Zurich arena for a day filled with opportunities for finding unique collectibles and interesting toys.

The show may be an opportunity for farm toy enthusiasts to find a range of collectibles, but it has also expanded to include Hot Wheels, diecast trucks, dolls, wooden toys and other items collectors may find interesting.

“It’s not just centred to the farm toy group,” said organizer Chris Finkbeiner. “It’s got a little bit of everything.”

Now entering its fifth year in the community, the show has substantially grown since it started. Originally hosted in the Zurich arena’s multi-purpose room, 2025 marked the first time the show had more space to grow by moving onto the Hensall arena floor.

“It was a big step,” said Finkbeiner. “We made the big jump when we went to Hensall. It really doubled. I had 88 tables booked over there. This year, I’ve got 92.”

This year’s show is returning to Zurich, with vendors and displays on the arena floor again.

Finkbeiner said the show draws vendors from throughout the region, who come from areas including Cambridge, Lucknow, Chatham, Moorefield and more.

Looking back to the toy show’s creation, Finkbeiner said there are many shows for collectors in Ontario, but Huron County was somewhat of a desert when it came to toy shows until Zurich established one of its own.

“We had nothing here,” said Finkbeiner. “There is a big demographic right in this area, and we always had to go elsewhere.”

In addition to the many vendors who will be featured at the show, attendees will also be able to view many farm toy displays. Finkbeiner said the show’s display contest will include junior and senior categories, and the Huron 4-H Association’s farm display club will be showing off their creations, all of which will be judged by a panel of the show’s vendors.

The Zurich Toy Show and Sale will also be returning as an event that supports the community, this year continuing to donate proceeds to Blessing Community Store and Food Bank in Zurich.

With the last show raising about $4,000, Finkbeiner said he hopes to see the community come out again in support of a worthy cause.

“It stays here,” said Finkbeiner. “That’s a no brainer to me. Let’s keep it in the community.”

Also returning to the show this year are the popular tractors that will be parked in front of the arena. The show’s mascot, Moozy the cow, which was introduced to the crowds last year, will also be making a comeback in 2026.

“There’s no other show in Ontario that has a mascot,” said Finkbeiner. “It was a huge hit.”

For more information, visit the Zurich Toy Show and Sale Facebook page.