Teens and adults are invited to the event the library describes as a mini-Comic Con.
Locals can celebrate comics, pop culture and more on Saturday, Aug. 4, when the floor of the Burlington County Library in Westampton once again transforms into a “mini-comic con” for teens and adults.
Presented by Burlington County Library System and the Friends of the Burlington County Library, the fourth annual “Fandom Fest” will run from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m., with free admission.
Officials say this year’s event will build on the success of the previous festivals, with the 2018 program to feature even more fandom fun focusing on comics, anime, television, movies, video games and more.
As always, officials say visitors are encouraged to show off their cosplay enthusiasm by dressing as their favorite characters to explore the “convention” floor.
This year’s guest speakers will include local cosplay artist and voice actor Dokudel, known for her obscure and old school costumes; podcaster, model and comics writer Amber Love; animator, illustrator and comic book “geek” Philip McNulty of Animated Phil; and Ryan Brady of Camden’s Comics who creates and publishes his own independent comic titles.
The 2018 festival lineup also will feature appearances by the crew of the USS Challenger, an Ocean County-based “Star Trek” fan group, and members of the 501st Legion, an international group of “Star Wars” fans.
Officials say the the ever-popular Fandom Fest Cosplay Parade will kick off at 3 p.m. in the auditorium, with a dress rehearsal at 2:30 p.m.
Additional activities planned for the event are:
· Fandom Jeopardy at 11 a.m.
· “Opening Creativity” with Amber Love at 11 a.m.
· “Marvel versus DC” with Phil McNulty and Ryan Brady at noon.
· A session about Kpop (Korean pop music) at noon.
· A “Star Wars” Escape Room at noon and again at 2 p.m.
· Fandom Makerspace from 12:30 p.m. to 2:30 p.m.
· Iron Cosplay at 1 p.m.
· A Pokemon Trading Card Game Tournament at 2 p.m.
· A fun retro video gaming area for those who want to sample some classic video game action.
· A display of fandom-related materials from the library’s collections.
In addition, the Friends of the Library will also host a special books/media sale from 10 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. featuring science fiction and fantasy titles, with prices starting at just $1 per item.
Officials say visitors will also have an opportunity to check out the library’s impressive collection of graphic novels, manga, DVDs and video games.
The Burlington County Library is located on Pioneer Boulevard off Woodlane Road in Westampton. For more information about the library’s fourth annual Fandom Fest, go to www.bcls.lib.nj.us or call (609) 267–9660.
