Fans of fantasy, sci-fi, anime, gaming, and cosplay will once again gather in Ponoka this summer for Central Alberta Fanfest—a free event designed to bring the energy of big-city conventions to a smaller, welcoming setting.
Set for Saturday, July 26, the one-day expo runs from 11:30 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Ponoka Jubilee Library and offers a wide range of activities and opportunities for fans of all ages to connect.
“Central Alberta Fanfest is a fandom convention,” said Cynthia Bottomley, library assistant and lead organizer. “We strive to provide an engaging and accessible fandom experience for residents of Ponoka, Lacombe and other surrounding communities who may not be able to attend the larger conventions in Calgary or Edmonton.”
The event, which began in 2019 and took one year off due to the pandemic, aims to keep things fun and inclusive—especially for newcomers to fandom.
“It’s also a perfect opportunity for people who have any curiosity about sci-fi, fantasy, anime, animation, or game and fandom to experience the friendly and creative communities that these fandoms create,” Bottomley said.
A central feature of the day is cosplay, where participants dress up as favourite characters or original creations. “We always encourage anybody who comes to dress up as their favourite characters or their unique cosplay designs if they so wish,” said Bottomley. “We will be having some cosplay contests as well, and we’re expanding those categories to include more.”
New categories this year include a furry category and a children’s category, aimed at broadening participation and ensuring everyone feels welcome.
Other planned features include the return of Ponoka Jedi Master Jaarik Kattanno, who will lead a lightsaber training session as part of the Jedi Lightsaber Academy. Bottomley also confirmed that USS Cerberus, a Star Trek cosplay group from Edmonton, will be attending.
“We’re really excited to have them,” she said.
Fanfest typically sees between 80 and 100 attendees, but organizers hope that number will continue to grow. “It is at a lovely size, I would say, where you can still get a great convention experience but not get overwhelmed,” Bottomley said.
She noted that while the event is still in the planning stages, additional activities are being considered, such as a Magic: The Gathering area and a gaming session. Vendor applications are also open.
Volunteers are needed to help with planning, setup, and takedown.
For Bottomley, Fanfest grew out of a personal passion and a successful anime and manga club that drew more adult participants than expected.
Attendees don’t need to be seasoned fans or cosplayers to take part.
“You don’t even have to be a cosplayer. You don’t have to have any experience to come to this event,” said Bottomley. “We want you all to come have fun, check it out, see what’s going on.”
Fanfest remains free and open to the public.
For more information, or to volunteer, contact Cynthia Bottomley at the Ponoka Jubilee Library or email fanfestponoka@gmail.com.
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