The Burlington County Library System is inviting comics and pop-culture fans of all ages and interests to its Fandom Fest celebration this Saturday!
The free and family-friendly event will be held from 10 AM to 3 PM this Saturday, Sept. 20, at the Main Branch Library at 5 Pioneer Boulevard, Westampton.
Attendees are invited to dress up as their favorite characters from comics, Star Wars, Dr. Who, Dungeons & Dragons, WWE and other favorites for a celebration of pop-culture creativity and storytelling. The event will also feature presentations, panelists, gaming sessions, Cosplay workshops, vendors and more.
This year marks the event’s long-awaited return after a five-year hiatus. The first Fandom Fest was organized by the BCLS in 2019.
“Comic lovers and pop culture fanatics don’t have to travel to Comic Con to gather with fellow enthusiasts. They can enjoy the same kind of fun close to home at the Burlington County Library,” said Burlington County Commissioner Deputy Director Allison Eckel. “Fandom Fest is an exciting library event that invites fans of all ages to come discuss and debate their favorite heroes, sidekicks and villains; play classic video games; and hear directly from authors and illustrators how their characters and storylines were created. An adventure awaits at this great library event.”
Some of the featured Fandom Fest speakers and workshops include:
- Gaming Through the Ages, 10 AM to Noon: Play some of the classic 8-bit video game favorites while learning about the evolution of gaming technology, including Virtual Reality games.
- Getting Started with Cosplay Workshop, 10:30 AM to 11:30 AM: Learn about the exciting world of Cosplay and how to get started with costuming using simple items from your closet.
- Creating Worlds: A Panel with Writers, Artists and Fans, 11 AM to Noon: Join independent comic creator Ryan Brady, illustrator Jay Cooper and cosplayer/mystery writer Amber Love for an exciting discussion about their work, what inspires them and their favorite fandoms.
- Cartooning Workshop, 10:30 AM to Noon: Design your own characters and tell simple stories with the language of comics during this fun, hands-on workshop with cartoonist Mike Dawson.
- First World Komix Superhero Creation, Noon to 1 PM: Create your own heroes and storylines during this exciting workshop led by Yumy Odom, founder of The East Coast Black Age of Comics Convention.
Attendees will also have opportunities to play board games, complete a Fandom Fest Scavenger Hunt featuring clues and comic book characters, step into the ring and film a WWE Promo video and shop from vendors selling books, graphic novels, comics and fandom art, jewelry and memorabilia. There’s something for everyone!
“Libraries are more than just books and this event offers a showcase for the variety of genres of comics, graphic arts, movies and games in our library collections, along with the many library services, clubs and resources the BCLS makes available to cardholders,” said Burlington County Library System Director Ranjna Das. “Whether you’re a die-hard comic lover, cosplayer, sci-fi fanatic or role-playing adventurer or just looking for a fun day at the library, we’re excited to welcome you to the Fandom Fest. Come create, play, dress up, and enjoy!”