2010 Chicago Toy and Game Fair

The organizers of the 2010 Chicago Toy and Game Fair (ChiTAG) recently announced some of the lineup for the event, scheduled for November 20-21 at Chicago's Navy Pier. In addition to being able to play with the latest toys and games, attendees can meet toy and game inventors, Star Wars characters, and sports mascots, and see the Oscar Mayer Wienermobile, plus much more.

Among the toy and game inventors attending the show are Leslie Scott (creator of Jenga), Bruce Lund (inventor of TMX Elmo, founder of Lund and Company Invention), Tim Walsh (Blurt! and TriBond, also an author and filmmaker), Richard Gill (who made Pictionary and Trivial Pursuit household names), Kim Vandenbroucke (game designer, reviewer and blogger), and Peggy Brown (Buzz Word, Backseat Drawing, also an author).

Other planned events include a Monopoly tournament, a Chess tournament, the latest Eurogames from the Essen Fair in Germany, a "Mommy Blogger Brunch," and a free Illinois Accredited Educator Conference for teachers. Fair hours are 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. on Saturday, and 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday. Admission is $10 for adults and $5 for children. Free admission is granted to children under three, scouts in uniform, members of the military, teachers and librarians.

"This year's theme is more," said executive director Mary Couzin. "ChiTAG, the nation's only public toy and game show, will feature more games and toys, more fun and more entertainment. The Chicago Toy & Game Fair is a magical place for parents and kids, teachers and toy and game enthusiasts."