On Wednesday they were in Boyertown sifting through the antiques and oddities Kevin Zimmers has collected for more than 40 years.
The professional pickers walked away with oil signs, an 1890s pocket-watch camera and an 1980s Chuck Norris Halloween costume.
The biggest pick was a copy of "Amazing Fantasy #15," the 12-cent comic book in which Spider-Man first appeared in 1962. Zimmers had the comic for 20 years and was sad to see it go - even for $4,500.
"My son goes to Kutztown University and they don't take comic books for payment," he said.
Wolfe's and Fritz's "American Pickers" television show just started its fourth season on History channel and its stop in Boyertown drew dozens of people and lots of traffic to East Philadelphia Avenue.
Cyndi Giacobbe of Gilbertsville saw the pair's familiar white truck drive by and stayed all day on location, taking photos and videos with her cellphone. She picked up two of her children from school and brought them back for some more photos with Wolfe.
"I love the show because they seem to be real," she said. "They go into the ugly places and find treasures."
The treasure-trove that prompted the show's visit started when Zimmers, at age 10, bought a jar of political buttons for $5. He kept a few and sold the rest, quadrupling his money.
Zimmers was hooked and continued to buy treasures at area flea, antique and farmers markets.
He and his wife, Robin, own Zimmers Pets in downtown Boyertown.
A few years ago, Kevin filled three rooms next to the pet store with his antiques and collectibles. Usually, he invites the public in only one day a year for Boyertown's Holiday House Tour.
But a friend of a friend of Zimmers has a connection to "American Pickers" and asked if she could tell the show about his private museum.
He agreed, thinking it would be a neat experience.
"Not everybody gets an opportunity to be on TV," he said. "And I have a lot of stuff I'm proud of."
The television crew showed up after 9 a.m., picked through his warehouse and then took a long lunch break.
Dozens of people gathered around the store.
When Wolfe came out of the trailer, the crowd swarmed in for photos and autographs. Fritz had fewer fans.
Wolfe signed the leg of Caitlin Lorish's jeans.
"I love this show," the Boyertown resident said.
Wolfe and Fritz both signed the dashboard of Paul Guerre-Chaley's '52 Chevy. Wolfe even gave the Douglass Township man an old Oilzum can.
It was also a fun day for the Zimmerses.
The couple's three sons and daughter took off school to help with the show.
The television crew left with their treasures and the Zimmerses made money.
In addition to the comic book they sold, the oil signs went for $90, the costume was $15 and a cigar sign was $125 because Fritz won a coin toss.
The show will air in two to three months, a crew member said.
Mike Wolfe of "American Pickers" signs an autograph for Melissa Morgan,
9, of Gilbertsville, in purple, as the popular TV show invaded Boyertown
on Wednesday. Laughing at right is Melissa's mom, Lisa L. Morgan.
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