Kentucky Joe Winterfest 2025!: A Con Review!

I could not make the KYJoe 2024 summer show, so I made up for it by attending the KYJoe 2025 Winterfest!

See what action figure goodness lies below...

KYJoe 2025 Winterfest took place on January 24-25 at the Paroquet Springs Conference Centre in Shepherdsville, KY!

The venue is just right, not being too cramped, but also not being so large that I have to pay more for everything!

This is a prototype of a desert MARPAT Marine that never got produced from the G.I. Joe Classic Collection line. He is unique for his unproduced hat, elaborate plastic backpack, and short sleeve version of the uniform.

Fellow Joe customizer Andy-in-Indy was there collecting goods and showing off his Paul Knapp action figure!

The Pawtucket Platoon brought this cool custom 1/6 Headless Horseman figure!

Marauder Task Force showed off their ever expansive, modern 1:18 line. These figures are awesome, because they are built for modular customization, very playable, and well priced!

I saw these loose sets of Power Team equipment for sale. One is medical equipment, and the other is the military snow set with husky. Both of them are uncommon. If I did not already possess these, I certainly would have bought them for these prices!

95% of the Mattel Masterverse line is super cheap on the secondary market. Sadly, this Webstor wave is not for some reason. I wanted him, but I also did not want to fork over $90 either.

These are 2 of the M&C Enemy Commando figures from the cancelled Dollar General exclusive line. When these hit the news during their release about 20 years ago, Dollar General was ordered to destroy all remaining stock in stores. These used to be top dollar, but their controversy and value has since waned.

The Counter Culture Adventurer was an official Joe Con souvenir from years ago. I think he would be fun to own, but not at the prices he goes for.

Mattsquatch Customs exhibited their extensive line of 1/6 vintage style Joe exclusives!

This was a rare 1/6 Henshin Cyborg with cyber motorcycle from the 70's! It was very pricey, but it was also interesting to see in person. I did not see many Henshin Cyborgs even when I was in Japan.

Professional toy designer, Greg Autore, presented a table with a new exclusive Conquistador G.I. Joe! I am unaware if this was a concept he originally thought up while at Hasbro, or if this was something new. I do know one of the concepts he proposed at Hasbro was a Medieval 1/6 G.I. Joe with knight armor and horse.

Greg's booth had a cool diorama including his inflatable “Ghost Tank” designed for 1/6 WW2 figures!

I finally brought my Classic Collection Talking MP figure to photograph with him. While at the company, Greg did not want a Joe head designed after his, but he did not mind lending his voice to the phrases of this distinctive figure!

One of the greatest finds I ever unearthed at a convention was this discrete tub of “junk.” After closer inspection, I discovered that it was actually unmade experimental clothing from the Hasbro Soft Goods department when they were still designing 1/6 Joes!

The former head of G.I. Joe at Hasbro, Derryl DePriest, sold these me unmade pieces at a buck a piece! I gave him most of the cash I brought to this show!

Buddy Finethy made a special guest appearance advertising the annual spring show, ToyLanta! I unfortunately cannot make it to ToyLanta this year, because I have a trip to Antarctica planned during the same period.

This is a shot of the “Hasbro Soft Goods” clothing I bought. There are clothes in this lot with fabrics,  patterns, and decals that never made it to the actual toy line. These were all completely playable and functional items as well!

Here are some accessories that were in the bin as well. The unpainted Texas Ranger Manhunt hat was actually from one of Greg Autore’s Hasbro tubs!

KYJoe is one of the last great holdouts for 1/6 Joe stuff. The prices are fair, and there is a lot personal creativity floating in the air. This show also draws many dealers and hobbyists from the Midwest. If it is convenient, I always try to make it, and so should you!

-Chuck