Second annual Timmins MiniCon underway this weekend
The Northern Ontario Expo is holding its second annual Timmins MiniCon this weekend, to celebrate geek culture and give local vendors more exposure in the community.
Nerd culture enthusiasts love an opportunity to celebrate their fandom.
That's why organizers of the Timmins MiniCon wanted to bring what was initially an impromptu pandemic event, as restrictions lessened last year, back for a second round.
"When we did our first one, we were very restricted in what we could do and we had a lot of things that we had to follow, procedures that were in place. So, we wanted to give the MiniCon it's full– you know it's full aspect and it's full–what it could be worth," Jason Denis, the event's organizer, told CTV News.
There are about 17 vendors at this weekend’s event. These vendors are able to connect with the local geek community in a more personal and relaxed way than would be possible at the full-scale Northern Ontario Expo.One of 17 vendors showcased at the Timmins MiniCon hosted by Northern Ontario Expo on Sept. 24/22. (Photo from video)Vendors said there are a variety of items in high demand at the convention.
Fans told CTV News there is a lot to love about the MiniCon.
"Out of everything, I'd have to say it's all of this merchandise… And the stuffies, those are always a really popular seller,” said one of the attendees.Some of the stuffies up for sale at Timmins MiniCon on Sept. 24/22. (Photo from video)Some vendors said Stranger Things and anything horror were pretty popular so far; maybe Halloween coming up is having an impact.
"It's so much fun, it's so nice to connect with other people who are interested in similar things, and show off our work," said another attendee.
Many vendors carry handmade creations or other one-of-a-kind collectibles. Many retro games were also up for grabs.
Cosplayers are also showing up in large numbers to show off their costumes and creativity.
Organizers said they hope the MiniCon will become an annual event; this could become another annual geek culture staple in the community, depending on how it performs this weekend. They are hoping it can beat last year's turnout of around fifteen hundred people.
The convention continues at the McIntyre Community Centre on Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Admission to the event is $5 for everyone three and up.
More information on the event can be found on their website and follow Northern Ontario Expo on Facebook for updates and other events.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
BREAKING King Charles' cancer treatment progressing well, says Buckingham Palace
King Charles III’s doctors are 'sufficiently pleased' with his cancer treatment and he is expected to return to public-facing duties, Buckingham Palace announced on Friday.
Orca calf that was trapped in B.C. lagoon for weeks swims free
An orca whale calf that has been stranded in a B.C. lagoon for weeks after her pregnant mother died swam out on her own early Friday morning.
AFN chief says Air Canada offered a 15% discount after her headdress was mishandled
After the Assembly of First Nations' national chief complained to Air Canada about how staffers treated her and her ceremonial headdress on a flight this week, she says the airline responded by offering a 15 per cent discount on her next flight.
Regina police officer injured after being accidentally shot by fellow officer's gun
An investigation is underway after a Regina police officer was accidentally shot by a fellow officer’s gun during the search of a house early Friday morning.
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau on navigating post-political life, co-parenting and freedom
Sophie Gregoire Trudeau says there is 'still so much love' between her and Prime Minister Justin Trudeau, as they navigate their post-separation relationship co-parenting their three children.
DEVELOPING Bird flu outbreaks: WHO weighs in on public health risk
The current overall public health risk posed by the H5N1 bird flu virus is low, the World Health Organization said on Friday, but urged countries to stay alert for cases of animal-to-human transmission.
Taylor Swift dons Montreal designer's dress in 'Fortnight' video
A pair of Montreal designers' work has now been viewed over 41 million times. Taylor Swift dons a Victorian throwback black gown in her latest music video, 'Fortnight', designed by UNTTLD due Simon Belanger and Jose Manuel Saint-Jacques.
From faulty kids' cribs to flammable kids' bathrobes, here are the recalls of the week
Health Canada issued recalls for various items this week, including kids’ bathrobes, cribs and henna cones.
Island near Mull of Kintyre for sale for US$3.1 million
An idyllic 453-acre private island is up for sale off the west coast of Scotland and it comes with sandy beaches, puffins galore, seven houses, a pub, a helipad and a flock of black-faced sheep.