Yet another eventful weekend in the Central Valley with Producer Reese (me). This past Sunday I was able to attend Stockton's 11th annual "StocktonCon." Very similar to the world famous "ComicCon," StocktonCon is a pop-culture convention which features a large variety of vendors, celebrity meet and greets, and other forms of random entertainment. The event takes place at the Stockton Arena, located close to the waterfront/downtown area, and runs for two days.
For those who have never attended a pop-culture convention like this one, let me paint a basic picture of StocktonCon. Attendees will usually start showing up an hour before the doors open and form a long line around the venue. And yes, most people who come to conventions like these will be dressed up as their favorite comic book character, anime character, movie character, video game character, wrestler, etc. (you get the idea). Upon entry, you'll find that 80 percent of the space is filled with tables. At these tables, vendors will be selling everything from comic books, action figures, and video games, to posters, clothing, and even weapons. There is no shortage of cool items for sale, and all budgets are welcomed. This is the type of place where you'll find used comic books for less than $1 each, sitting right next to an unopened Hot Wheels car with a price tag of $250.
At tables that don't have any physical items for sale, you would most likely find a D-List celebrity that is trying to sell their autograph, along with a picture of/with them. The first time I went to StocktonCon, I got the chance to meet Efren Ramirez, most famous for playing Pedro in Napoleon Dynamite. However, moments after chatting with him for a minute or two, his manager started quoting me prices for a photo and signature. At the time, I was a bit surprised and a little disappointed, until I realized this is how most D-List celebrities make their living. I didn't spend $60, so that's why I don't have a cool photo to show here (sorry).
On the other hand, you can get plenty of free photos with other attendees who are dressed as your favorite characters. Here's a picture of me below with some Star Wars cosplayers. The amount of effort that some people put into their costumes truly impresses me.
All in all, if you find yourself in the Central Valley around mid-summer, this is definitely a sight to see. This event has a low-cost entry (I think I paid $15 for my ticket) and depending on how much of a nerd you are, you could spend the whole day there (doors are open 11AM to 5PM). God bless, hope to see you here next year.
-Producer Reese
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