Artist Alley, cosplay workshops highlight Comic Con No. 3 at Medicine Hat Public Library
Kuhn says that the ability to buy collectibles and mementos is a major feature of larger gatherings, like the Calgary Expo last weekend.“It’s just a great way to meet new people who have the same interests as you and enjoy your area of comic and fandom interest and buy some merch to celebrate,” Kuhn said.Also new this year is a suite of drop-in workshops in the afternoon. This includes Costume Armour 101 at 3 p.m., led by special cosplay guest Winter.“They’re a very experienced cosplayer who’s won many awards, and so they’re coming down to teach people how to make foam armour to elevate their costume making,” Kuhn said.Experienced local cosplayer Miss Kali leads Cosplay: Playing Into Good Health at 1 p.m., and Louise, the owner of local company Sew Necessary, will lead Pattern Making 101 at 2 p.m.Anyone can attend the workshops, but they are geared toward teens and adults.For kids ages 7-12 years, there will be Super Villain Craft Time with Harley Quinn in the Story Castle at 2 p.m. This will be first-come, first-served while supplies last.The popular Costume Contest takes place in the Library Theatre at 11 a.m. with categories and prizes for Children 11 years and under, Tweens and Teens 12 to 17 years old, and Adults 18 and older.In-person sign-ups are allowed, but pre-registration is encouraged.Idol Dance performer Brooke YXH will provide pre-show and intermission entertainment. Organizers say other highlights for the day include free comic books, the popular Comic Con troupe Those Fallout Guys, a Board Game Lounge, a Magic the Gathering Room, a Video Game Room, Faith Paints by Katrina, A Superhero Scavenger Hunt, and Medieval Demonstrations by the Shire of Sandeshend from the Society of Creative Anachronism.Kuhn says a person could easily spend the entire day there.—A free barbecue provided by Save on Foods runs from noon until 4 p.m. Kona Ice will be here from 10 a.m. to 3 p.m., with 15 per cent of sales donated to the library. Millie’s Soda & Sweets will also be on site.Kuhn says the MHPL Comic Con is a miniature version of a big-city Con but much more accessible and affordable.“We are so excited to bring the Medicine Hat geeky community together under one roof to make amazing memories for years to come,” Kuhn said.To learn more about Medicine Hat Public Library, visit mhpl.shortgrass.ca.
