Central Alberta Fanfest brought a comic-con atmosphere to Ponoka on Saturday, drawing nearly 100 attendees to the small-town celebration of fandom.
Held at the Ponoka Jubilee Library, the event featured 10 vendors offering everything from crocheted dolls to collectible figurines and stickers.
Fan groups like USS Cerberus, a Star Trek crew, and Midnight at 25:00, an Edmonton-based anime dance group, were among the day’s special guests.
Attendees took part in a variety of activities, including Pokémon Pictionary and Super Smash Bros. tournaments. But the main attraction was the cosplay contest, which featured multiple categories and skill levels, drawing participants from across Alberta.
Among them was Jack Laplante, who travelled from Edmonton with two friends. He cosplayed as Dalinar Kholin from The Stormlight Archive and took home top honours in both the beginner craftsman division and the armour and props category for his handmade sword.
While the fanfest was smaller than major comic conventions, Laplante enjoyed the welcoming and creative space and plans to come back with his friends again next year.
** Vertical image in gallery submitted by Jack Laplante.
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