History Channel's 'American Pickers' could come to York County
When History Channel's "American Pickers" series films for season 8 in the state in August, there is a chance that Central Pennsylvania could be featured.
Submissions are being accepted for collectors to appear on the show and have their antiques picked through.
The show visited Pennsylvania in 2012 and released a call for collector submissions in the area. At the time, there was hope in York County for a visit, but that didn't happen. There is renewed hope this year.
The popular documentary show features two veteran antique "pickers," Mike Wolfe and Frank Fritz, as they tour the country looking to buy fascinating antiques from collectors and learn the stories behind their purchases while sometimes making a profit on the resale of the items.
Mary Swanhaus, a producer who does research for "American Pickers," says that she has received hundreds if not thousands of leads from Pennsylvania residents for the filming taking place next month.
Darrell Auterson, president and CEO of the York County Economic Alliance, said a producer from the show had contacted the organization about promoting the show in York County.
"American Pickers'" production company Cineflix Productions also contacted the Lebanon Valley Chamber of Commerce to receive assistance in promoting the open call for collectors in the area.
The call for collector submissions only extends to private parties, meaning that stores and museums are ineligible.
"American Pickers" will likely film between Aug. 10 and Aug. 23, according to Swanhaus. The content filmed in Pennsylvania will likely air in late fall or early winter.
"Pennsylvania is one of (Wolfe's and Fritz's) favorite states to visit. It's never too early to get the word out to see if there is a match," Swanhaus said.
She summarizes the qualities they are looking for in subjects for the show, citing, "Interesting people with interesting things." She says that as far as location is concerned, Wolfe and Fritz really enjoy picking in rural areas, searching through barns, outbuildings and garages.
The news release sent by Cineflix to the Lebanon Chamber of Commerce outlined some of Wolfe's and Fritz's interests, noting vintage bicycles, toys, unusual radios, movie memorabilia, advertising, military items, folk art, vintage musical equipment, vintage automotive items, early firefighting equipment, vintage clothing and pre-50s Western gear.
Although those items certainly do fascinate the pickers, Swanhaus says that they are interested almost anything. Great finds for the show are often piled together in a way that requires sorting and are often dusty or rusted.
She also says that Wolfe and Fritz really enjoy when the pieces they find have an interesting story or relate to American culture.
"They like when you can tell there's a lot of history there," she said. "It's about keeping (Wolfe and Fritz) excited and keeping it fresh."
The show began airing in January of 2010 on the History Channel. It airs at 9 p.m. Wednesdays.
Visit York County!
When "American Pickers" made plans to visit Pennsylvania in 2012, there was interest locally in having the show visit York County.
Although it didn't happen, there were suggestions to check out, including a West Manchester Township farm with a two-seater outhouse and a hand-carved Jesus statue.
Applications or suggestions to appear on American Pickers can be sent to americanpickers@cineflix.com and include name, email address, phone number and a detailed description of the collection.
Photographs of the collection are a benefit. Phone inquiries: 855-OLD-RUST.
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