The Morden Pop Culture Expo is set to captivate fans of all ages with a weekend packed full of nostalgia, collectibles, tournaments, and food. Organized by Trent Medinsky, the event has grown in scale and promises to be bigger than ever. Best of all, it’s completely free to attend.
A Larger Venue, A Bigger Event
Having hosted previous expos at the Morden's Legion Hall, this year marks a turning point for the event, expanding with more vendors, attractions, and food. “We’re doing more than just a market this time,” says Medinsky, who’s excited about the broader range of offerings. With the entire event now being hosted at a larger venue, visitors can expect a wide range of activities for the whole family.
A Walk Down Memory Lane
Medinsky, an avid fan of 80s pop culture, acknowledges that the retro toys and memorabilia hold a special place in his heart. "The things I had or wanted as a kid, it’s fun to revisit them," he says. While the 80s might be his personal favorite, the Expo covers multiple eras, including the 90s and 2000s. "We’ve got something for everyone over the last 40 years," he adds.
Collectibles Galore
Jon Doell, co-owner of WV Collectibles, which is the main sponsor of this event, will be bringing an array of sports cards and trading card games, including Pokémon and hockey cards. “It’s exciting to relive what we collected as kids,” says Doell. His booth will showcase both new and vintage items, appealing to hardcore collectors and newcomers alike. And yes, for Wayne Gretzky fans, Doell promises that there will be a selection of Gretzky cards available.
Vendor Variety
Visitors can expect to browse dozens of vendors offering everything from comic books and anime figures to vintage clothing and handmade pop culture items. A vendor from Dauphin will be featuring retro "girl toys", and there will also be 3D-printed items, records, and more. “The list just goes on,” says Medinsky, promising a diverse range of pop culture treasures.
Interactive Tournaments
For those who love a bit of friendly competition, the Expo is hosting several interactive tournaments. Harold Espinosa of Sixteen13 Ministries will be running a *Settlers of Catan* tournament on Saturday, offering prizes for the top four players. Meanwhile, video game fans can join live tournaments led by Tiffany Krahn, featuring *Mario Kart* on Saturday and *Super Smash Bros* on Sunday, with prizes and fun for all participants.
Food and Treats
Food will be readily available to keep visitors fueled throughout the day. Sixteen13 Food Trucks will be offering shish kebabs, hamburgers, and more, with plenty of seating for families. Cotton candy will be made fresh on-site, and The Ice-cycle will be hosting a year-end blowout sale with $3 treats that are sure to go fast. "You can feed the whole family and have fun while doing it," Medinsky notes.
Something for Everyone
Whether you're a fan of retro toys, a serious card collector, or just love the fun atmosphere of a pop culture expo, there’s plenty to enjoy. Medinsky encourages attendees to come both days, as different vendors will be featured each day, making it worth the trip on both Saturday and Sunday. “I’ll be all over the place,” says Medinsky, who won’t be tied to a vendor booth but will be ensuring everything runs smoothly.
How to Get Involved
Those interested can find more details on Facebook under the event page “Morden's POP CULTURE EXPO” or follow the group “Morden’s Pop Culture Market” for year-round updates. The event promises to be an exciting and nostalgic weekend, and Medinsky and his team, including Jon Doell, are ready to welcome attendees for an unforgettable experience.
With files from Ty Hildebrand and Jayme Giesbrecht