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4th Annual Cowlitz Gamers for Kids Video Game Show

Cowlitz Gamers For Kids

Updated by RecycledGamer on 3-18-2013

The Portland Retro Gaming Expo is proud to sponsor the 4th Annual Cowlitz Gamers for Kids Classic Video Game Show on April 13th, 2013 in Kelso, WA. In 2012 we helped John Hancock raise over $5,000 for the Childrens Justice and Advocacy Center (CJAC) and we're convinced we can do better this year with your help!

Location

The show will be on Saturday, April 13, 2013 at the Three Rivers Mall in Kelso, Washington. The event will take place inside the mall in the space formerly occupied by Emporium. Kelso is about 1 hour north of Portland or 2 hours south of Seattle on I-5. The venue is located conveniently right off of the I-5 exit for Allen Street. Doors open at 10:00 AM until 5:00 PM. Admission is a suggested donation of $5 to CJAC, although we invite you to contribute more if you can! The event is child-friendly so please feel free to bring the entire family!

    Three Rivers Mall
    351 Three Rivers Dr.
    Kelso, WA 98626
    See map


Children's Justice and Advocacy Center

About the Childrens Justice and Advocacy Center

It is CJAC's mission to provide children who have experienced sexual or physical abuse a coordinated community approach to investigation, prosecution and treatment that promotes their safety, healing, and well-being.



Nintendo Entertainment System

What Can You Expect?

The show will once again be held in the 20,000 square foot former Emporium, right off the center court of the Three Rivers Mall. Entry to the event is through the mall. Like last year it will feature classic video game vendors, a freeplay gaming arcade, and a video game tournament. Our freeplay arcade will be bigger than ever with tons of classic consoles and full-size arcade cabs!


Schedule of Events

  • 10:00 AM - Doors open
  • 10:00 AM - 3:00 PM - Silent auction begins
  • 12:00 PM - 12:30 PM - Live performance by Seacats
  • 2:00 PM - 2:30 PM - Live performance by Mechlo
  • 3:00 PM - Silent auction ends
  • 5:00 PM - Event ends

Floorplan


Full-Size Arcade Games!

This year's show will feature several full-size retro arcade games, all set to freeplay! It'll be like the 80's all over again.

Arcade games are provided to the show courtesy of members of the Portland Arcade Collectors.

Classic Game Tournaments

Playing in tournaments is free with entry. The Three Rivers Mall has graciously donated the tournament prizes - gift cards good any store in the mall!

  • Indy 500 on Atari 2600 - 10:30 AM
    Prize: $100 mall gift card

  • Pong championships - Celebrating over 40 years of Pong! - 1:00 PM
    Prize: $300 mall gift card

  • Tony Hawk on Playstation 1. Tourney-High Score in Single Session in Career Mode - 10:00 PM to 3:30 PM
    Prize: $100 mall gift card

Musical Entertainment

The Expo will feature live performance by Seacats. DJ Switch will be working the wheels of steel for the duration of the show.

Charity Silent Auction

Several sponsors have donated classic gaming systems for a silent auction. All attendees can participate. The auction runs from 10:00 AM when the doors open until 3:00 PM. Simply write your name next to the bid you want to make on the bid sheet. Highest bid at 3:00 gets to purchase the item. All proceeds from the auction go directly to CJAC.

Here's are of some of the rare and collectible items that will be up for grabs in the slient auction:

  • Rare Gold N64 Nintendo Power 100 controller.
  • Generation NEX Wireless Gaming Arcade Stick for their NES Clone system. This is a hard to find controller and it's brand new. It does require the Generation NEX NES clone system.
  • Nintendo Nelsonic Starfox Game Watch brand new with headset.
  • Very Rare Kellogg Co Starfox mail-in watch. Brand new with the shipping box when it was originally received. Watch is in amazing mint condition and would be a must have for true Starfox collectors. Includes Nelsonic warranty paper.
  • Nintendo Power Game Keeper/Info File. This has the Nintendo Power phone directory and a game milestone achievement list. It's in mint condition and was a rare mail-in item from Nintendo Power. It has 4 games written in it in the middle but otherwise it's in excellent condition.
  • Game Player's Strategy Guide to Nintendo Games Vol. 2 No. 3 with Guides on Zelda II, Bionic Commando, Golgo 13, Metal Gear, Milon's Secret Castle & Ultima.
  • Dr. Mario NES CIB in Very Good condition.
  • Castlevania II NES CIB in Very Good condition.
  • X-Men NES brand new and sealed.

You can view a photo gallery of some of these silent auction items.

Charity Arcade Game Raffle

Darrell Donner of the Portland Arcade Collectors has generously donated a Super Bug arcade game to be raffled at the show. All raffle proceeds benefit CJAC!

2012 Cowlitz Gamers for Kids T-Shirt
John Hancock models last year's Cowlitz Gamer's for Kids t-shirt. T-shirts provided courtesy of NintendoAge.com.

Confirmed Vendors

The following vendors will be in attendance at the 2013 show in Kelso:


Expect some great deals on classic video game merchandise. In addition to outside video game vendors, there will be T-shirts and other merchandise specifically made for the event that will also be sold specifically to suport CJAC.

T-Shirts

A limited number of Cowlitz Gamers for Kids t-shirts will be available for sale. All proceeds from t-shirt sales benefit CJAC. T-shirts sponsored by NintendoAge.com.

Lodging Discount!

Need to stay the night for the show? The Kelso Comfort Inn Suites is just 100 yards from the event venue and has made available a limited number of rooms at a special rate.

  • Standard room (1 king or 2 queens) - $81 + tax
  • Queen Minisuite - $88 + tax
  • Deluxe Suite - $124 + tax

Mention that you are in town for Cowlitz Gamers for Kids 2013 (group 1193926) to get the discount. Quantities are limited to book your room as soon as you can! The Kelso Comfort Inn is located at 440 Three Rivers Dr., Kelso, WA, US, 98626 and can be reached by phone at (360) 425-4600.

Other Nearby Lodging

Need to stay the night for the show? There are several hotels located near the show hall:

Hotel Distance from show Address Phone

GuestHouse Inn & Suites

0.1 mile 501 Three Rivers Dr.
Kelso, WA 		(360) 414-5953

Red Lion Hotel

 0.3 mile 510 South Kelso Drive
Kelso, WA		 (360) 636-4400

Super 8

 0.3 mile 250 South Kelso Drive
Kelso, WA		 (360) 423-8880

Find Out More

For more information visit the Cowlitz Gamer's web site.

If you would like to be a vendor or for more information about the Cowlitz Gamers for Kids Classic Video Game Show, please contact John Hancock.