VIERZON 2004

May 21, 2004

Many thanks to Pascal Villedieu for the details and pictures.

We don't hear enough about pinball in France and given the enthusiasm for the game in the country that's a shame. Although there is no formal organization for pinball fans, there are annual shows and one such was held on the 1st and 2nd May at the Pavillon des Expositions in Vierzon, right in the heart of France.

This was the 13th annual "Rock 'n Broc Years" show organized by Bernard Moulin and it has come a long way since the first show held at a hotel in Vierzon by a group of around ten collectors.

Despite the poster concentrating on Americana there was a formidable pinball presence of almost 100 machines together with various professional and amateur vendors.

There was a special presentation of Gottlieb system 1 games organized by the famous Gottlieb collector, J.R Karr and featuring sixteen different system 1 games from sixteen different collectors.

The collection included a few rarities such as this Asteroid Annie and the Aliens.

The French Dr. Pinball Didier Fruleux gives his diagnosis and dispenses advice.

Most of the games at the show were for sale and there were also many backglasses and game parts available.

There was also this selection of late '80s pinball games from Williams.

The emphasis was mainly on pinball but there were also a number of jukeboxes and slot machines. For this year's show there were also a several classic American cars and bikes which helped increase visitor numbers.

This show goes from strength to strength with more visitors and a number coming from Italy to buy old mechanical pinball games. It is a great testament to the large and dedicated following for pinball in France.

There is another, newer French coin-op show in October which is listed in our Diary section.

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© Pinball News 2004