This weekend is the first-ever Raptor Con. If you’ve never been to one of these events, they’d call you a ‘noob’ and welcome you with open arms. In more general terms, its a Pop Culture and Comic Convention. The event will be this Saturday and Sunday, August 20-21 at the Vanderburgh County 4H Center.
Fans of A Christmas Story, WWE, and Pirates of the Caribbean; it’s time to get excited!
We had the opportunity to talk with Organizer, Matt Grisham, and there’s a lot in store.
If you’ve never been to a ‘Con’ expect to see lots of cosplayers (expert costumes of favorite characters), appearances by celebrities, artist panels, and more. Raptor Con is no different. Expect to see over 80 vendors on site on both Saturday and Sunday. Of course, the celebrities will be a large draw. Event pass holders will have the opportunity to meet and greet with Martin Klebba from The Pirates of the Caribbean, Project X, Jurassic World, Scrubs, Star Wars Last Jedi; Eric Butterbean Esch, also known as Butterbean, who is a retired professional boxer, kickboxer mixed martial artist and professional wrestler; Al Snow, a professional actor, wrestler, and trainer; Scott Schwartz from the ever-popular A Christmas Story; Rob Mello from the movie Happy Death Day; and many more. There are even chances to buy autographs and photos on the schedule. Bring cash!
Other Celebrity Guest Appearances by…
ADVERTISEMENT
- Megan Chelf Fisher from Thor, The Walking Dead, and The Originals
- Jonni Shandor from The Embalmers, Parallels, and He Knows
After your daze wears off from the celebrities, participate in a panel with experts, artists, and historians from movies, TV, and comic books. You’ll even see 14News’ very own Ted Haycraft talking about Jack Kirky. Along with Haycraft, you’ll hear from the horror film director and actress Rebecca Rinehart as well as Senior Effects Artist, Kent Estep, who worked on How To Train Your Dragon: The Hidden World and more.
There is also an outdoor movie screening of the 1993 Jurassic Park on Saturday night as well as Grisham himself hosting an After Hours Comedy Hypnosis Show on Sunday Night.
If you plan to come in full cosplay, go big. There will be a Cosplay Contest with award categories including Overall Best in Show, People’s Choice, Best Mash-Up, Best Couple/Pair, Best Kid Cosplay (12 and under), and a special Category for Suicide Squad Cosplay.
Oh, and while you’re there, be on the lookout for this fella on the Evansville Raptor Con Scavenger Hunt.
Tickets for the event are sold online and at the door.
ADVERTISEMENT
Click here to see the online event schedule. For more info on Raptor Con check out their website or go to their Facebook page.