If you’ve got a knack for knowing trash from treasure, or just enjoy learning from those who do, then you’re in for a treat this month! On Feb. 24, the hit History Channel show, American Pickers, comes to life on the Coral Springs Center for the Arts stage with a unique, fast-paced and highly interactive event featuring two of the show’s stars, Danielle Colby and Frank Fritz!

The lovable Frank Fritz has been a “picker” his whole life. And to those not in the know, the term “picker” loosely translated seems to mean “a person who sorts through stuff hoping to find valuable stuff.” Or so we can tell from the show.

Fritz’s passion for antiques, junk and anything with an engine forged a lifelong friendship between him and co-star Mike, who have known each other since the 8th grade. Their mutual love of hunting treasures eventually took them on the road together and the road often leads them to amazing places with very interesting people who have quite a story to tell.

Problem was, when they’d return home, no one would believe their stories. “‘Yeah, right,’ they’d say, ‘you met someone with 1,700 chandeliers, or 500 Model A’s? Prove it.’ So we did,” Frank chuckled over the phone from his home in Iowa. “We got a camera and started filming each other on our trips, and with the help of a local production company, we were able to document our adventures on DVD.” Frank and Mike knew they had something special on their hands, and although it took four and a half years of pitching the idea, the show based on Frank and Mike’s lifelong passion, American Pickers, was finally picked up and is now in its third season.

Mike admits a lot has changed in the 20+ years he’s been a picker. The internet and sites like eBay certainly changed the game, but while you can find pretty much anything on the internet these days, you won’t find Frank locked down behind a computer (well, maybe on occasion). For Frank, “It’s the thrill of uncovering treasures in remote locations that have been hidden for 40-50 years that drives me,” he says.

You can follow Frank and Mike Monday nights at 9pm on the History Channel as they travel all over the country exploring homes, barns, junkyards, and anywhere else that treasures may be hiding … as well as the times they’re left knee-deep in trash!

Frank will be joined on stage by the very talented Danielle Colby, who’s the friendly face behind Mike’s business, Antique Archaeology, located in Le Claire, Iowa. While Frank and Mike are out on the road, Danielle is holding down the fort, searching out leads, speaking with buyers and packing up shipments.

During the live show on Feb. 24, Frank and Danielle will show video clips and outtakes from the show, and discuss their “picks” and travels all over America! And the live shows are right up Frank’s alley. “I enjoy the live appearances and having the opportunity to meet people and answer their questions,” he said.

But what makes the 90-minute live show additionally exciting for the audience is its interactive nature. Audience members receive a raffle ticket upon entering the theater. As raffle tickets are drawn, the audience members with the matching numbers are invited to join Frank and Danielle on stage to test their “picking” knowledge. Audience members then choose from a category of items, which could be anything from signs or toys, to motorcycles or furniture. Once images of the two items appear on the big screen, it’s up to the selected audience members to determine which item is “trash” and which is a “treasure.”

“It’s exciting for us and the audience alike,” said Frank. “It can be really difficult to gauge which item is worth more, but I’m always rooting for the audience members to pick the correct items.”

Following the show, the audience also will have an opportunity to meet Frank and Danielle, receive autographs and purchase merchandise from the TV show.

American Pickers Treasure or Trash? begins at 8pm on Feb. 24. Ticket prices are: Orchestra $49.82, Mezzanine $39.22, Balcony $28.62; with Special VIP Tickets at $71.02 (includes seating in Golden Circle & a post show Meet and Greet). Purchase tickets at the Coral Springs Center for the Arts Box Office (2855 Coral Springs Dr.) at 954.344.5990 or visit www.coralspringscenterforthearts.com.