G.I. Joe collectors holding 25th and final convention in Chattanooga this weekend

More than 1,000 G.I. Joe collectors - some from as far as Brazil and Europe - are arriving in town Thursday for the 25th and final convention of the international G.I. Joe Collectors Club, based in Fort Worth, Texas.

G.I. Joe Con begins Thursday in the Chattanooga Convention Center for registered participants, with sightseeing tours and private club sales on tap. Saturday and Sunday's sessions are open to the public, but require the purchase of a day pass of $25 adults, $10 children (ages 4 and under are free.)

The exhibit hall will be filled with vendors selling all types of G.I. Joe merchandise. (Photo contributed from G.I. Joe Collectors Club)

This G.I. Joe Con's mission: Wrap up the collectors' gatherings with one last chance to get signed memorabilia, meet the minds behind G.I. Joe and enjoy a last hurrah with casino-themed dinners, G.I. Joe film fest, contests and customizing classes.

"We've brought in some of the older Hasbro designers and marketing people whom we haven't seen for awhile," says Brian Savage, director of G.I. Joe Collectors Club and convention organizer. "This convention is a little different in that they'll see faces they saw a long time ago at conventions."

Among those guests: Kurt Groen, whom Savage says shepherded the classic collection re-emergence of the 12-inch Joe; Larry Hama, original writer for the 1980s comic book; Larry Selman, box artist; and Adam Riches, a comic book artist who does packaging art.

Savage says G.I. Joe Cons draw all ages - baby boomers who have the original American hero from 1964 to their grandkids who know Joe as a 3 3/4-inch action figure.

"G.I. Joe has been in several different form factors; he's been 12 inches tall, 6 inches and 3 3/4 inches. But we like to say he's always saved the world 'one backyard at a time.'"

Anyone who owned one of the original Joes with painted hair or one of the 1970s' Fuzzheads (flocked hair) may wonder what they are worth now. Savage says convention guests are welcome to bring their Joes in to sell. Show vendors do not give appraisals, but Savage says what a vendor is willing to pay to buy it will give an approximate idea of its value.

And if you have a 12-inch G.I. Joe nurse or Royal Canadian Mountie stashed away in the closet, you may have hit the jackpot.

"A G.I. Joe nurse is in the $3,000 to $5,000 range," says Savage. "The Royal Canadian Mountie is sold in a couple of versions: one in Canada and one in the U.S., which didn't get much into the states, which is why it's so valuable."

For more information about the convention: www.gijoecon.com.