Styled after New York Comic-Con, Long Island’s Pop Con is making its debut on Saturday, May 30, at Patchogue-Medford Library with a variety of activities from a cosplay contest to live music.
The first-time program is geared toward adults and runs from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the main library, 54-60 E. Main St. The rain date is Saturday, June 6.
“I think the community will really love it,” said library assistant and Pop Con Co-Chair Amber Mercado. “We do a lot of days focused on kids and families so it’s interesting to have a day more adult focused and see who shows up and how everyone responds.”
Based on feedback, Mercado anticipates a successful turnout and says, “We want to do it again if it goes well.”
One highlight is Artist’s Alley, consisting of over 20 vendors in the alley, where it should draw street traffic, she said.
Special guests will include voice actors Bill Lobley and Dick Terhune as well as cosplay professionals Rizuki and Tafkar Design.
Attendees can engage in cosplay of their own for a shot at a $100 gift card and certificates to the library’s Makerspace, an affordable option for creating costumes.
Other features are a trading card wall, character creation room, stamp rally with Pokémon-style scavenger hunt and raffle basket prizes, as well as photo ops with the Long Island TARDIS (especially for Dr. Who fans). Also look for a Super Smash Bros. and Lego speed building challenges, the latter with I Lug NY. Seeking a fresh game experience? Special guest Everett Pinneo will offer pointers.
Additionally, a free concert by Video Game Music Jams LI starts 2 p.m. with video-game soundtrack tunes in the courtyard. Food trucks will serve ice cream, empanadas and more, while Kitchen Partner offers themed drinks.
For details see the library’s website.