News Photo by Temi Fadayomi
A Yoda figure sits on Friday on a vendor booth set up for Thunder Con at Art in the Loft.
ALPENA –ThunderCon is making a return to Alpena this weekend, filling Art in the Loft with fans of pop culture, comics, and fantasy.
Running today and Sunday at Art in the Loft, 109 N. 2nd Ave., Suite 300, Alpena, the event features a diverse range of activities, attractions, and special guests.
According to event co-founder Michael Jasmin, he and fellow co-founder Steve Zucs first started the event in 2011 as a way to create a space for those in Alpena and Northeast Michigan interested in pop culture.
“The first official event was held in the mall, and it has grown significantly over the years,” Jasmin said. “There wasn’t any outlet for people interested in pop culture around here. The event provides a space for fans to connect and enjoy various activities.”
According to Zucs, the event has grown significantly over the years, with this year’s event having 16 vendors and others present.
“We started with just one vendor, and now we have 22 different entities involved,” Zucs said. “Noise and Toys, Bob’s Bullpen, and Collective Effort are all going to be involved with this.”
Additionally, Jasmin said, this year’s event will showcase an impressive lineup, including costume contests, vendor booths, and unique displays. Local cosplayer BeBe Alkaid (Brooke Stenz), known for her award-winning costumes, and Traverse City Cherryland Ghostbusters, a group of individuals who do photo ops dressed as the Ghostbusters, will be present at the event and will raise money for the Huron Humane Society.
The event will also feature Emmy award-winning makeup artist Daniel Phillips, who, according to Zucs, will perform a demonstration in which he will use his makeup skills to transform someone into a monster.
“He’ll take somebody and he’ll transfer him from a human being into a monster or, you know, some sort of a fantasy character,” Zucs said. “So that’s fun to watch.”
“We have the Laser Smart Academy, where kids can have a magical experience and take home lightsabers,” Jasmin said. “We also have Droid Races, where we give away a robot to the winner.”
Zucs emphasized the importance of keeping ThunderCon free to the public, with only vendors paying for their space.
“We strive to provide an outlet for families to enjoy pop culture together,” Zucs said.
Temi Fadayomi can be reached at 989-358-5693 or tfadayomi@thealpenanews.com.