All it took was a phone call from Steve Duke, owner of Westchester Gold and Diamonds, to entice two celebrities of History Channel's Pawn Stars to visit Port Charlotte, Fla. More than 2,500 fans came out to the Southwest Florida pawn shop on Friday, May 21, some waiting more than half an hour, to meet Rick "The Spotter" Harrison and Austin "Chumlee" Russell.
"It was something to do for the community," said Duke's wife Janie when asked how the appearance was arranged, "People came from all over…hopefully they stayed at least for lunch [in Port Charlotte]."
Pawn Stars Meet with Fans in Port Charlotte
Flanked by burly security guards, Harrison and Chumlee posed with fans for photographs, gave autographs, appraised personal treasures and jewelry, and kept an eye out for collectibles to take back to their Las Vegas store called Gold & Silver Pawn Shop. Harrison runs the world-famous shop with his father Richard and son Corey. Chumlee is a friend of Corey's who spent a great deal of time in the shop while growing up and is considered family.
This was Chumlee's first visit to Florida and while he said he was enjoying his whirl-wind visit, it was "hot" but a different heat than his hometown of Las Vegas. He also said this was the first meet and greet in a pawn shop for Pawn Stars.
Second Chance to See Pawn Stars in Port Charlotte
Fans who missed Pawn Stars on Friday will have a second chance to meet the reality television celebrities on Saturday, May 22 between 10:30 a.m. and 4 p.m., at Westchester Gold and Diamonds (4200 Tamiami Trail, Baer's Plaza, Port Charlotte, Tel: 941-625-0666). The event is free and for those who spend $100 or more that day will receive a free Pawn Stars t-shirt featuring Chumlee. Fans also receive a 20 percent discount off most items purchased at the pawn shop. Immediately following the event, Harrison and Chumlee head back to Las Vegas for their next promotional appearance.
About History Channel's Pawn Stars
The reality television show debuted in July 2009 and features daily operations of the 24-hour Las Vegas pawn shop and personal interactions with shop owners and staff. Richard "The Old Man" Harrison opened Gold & Silver Pawn Shop in 1988. Rick Harrison is referred as "The Spotter" for his ability to spot stolen or fake items. Chumlee is the people-pleasing shop employee who sometimes puts his own interests before good business sense.
The third season of Pawn Stars premiers Monday, June 7 at 10 p.m. EDT, 9 p.m. CDT on the History Channel.
Jennifer Huber - A 20-year veteran of the tourism industry, Jennifer's career path began during college when she followed the hiking path in Yellowstone ...
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