Sandemonium Event

08-12-2015

Sandpoint Library hosts Sandemonium
Comic-Con style event arrives August 29

SANDPOINT, ID--Charge up your power armor, calibrate your blaster and make sure Sting is loose in its sheath, because North Idaho movie, gaming, comics and anime fans have a new destination to celebrate their passions.

A new event developed through the East Bonner County Library District, Sandemonium is a showcase of local enthusiasm and talent. Sandemonium is scheduled for Aug. 29, with events taking place from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.  at East Bonner County Library District's Sandpoint branch.

A single-day event is the style of San Diego Comic-Con, the event features cosplay contests, video game tournaments, pen-and-paper role-playing, art galleries, vendor booths, workshops, panel discussions and much more. Marcy Timblin, communications and program development director for East Bonner Library District, says its the first event of its kind in Sandpoint.

No matter whether you camp out to see the latest Marvel Cinematic Universe film or simply enjoy the world of pop culture, Sandemonium has you covered. Attendees are encouraged to suit up as their favorite comic superhero, anime, video game or movie character, with prizes ready for the best in both store-bought and homemade costumes. They should also ready their creativity for a celebration of fandom communities, including their artwork, fiction and music.

A mix of entertainment and educational content means that attendees are sure to have a good time while perhaps learning a thing or two in the process. The event also coincides with the library's summer reading program, which will hopefully keep a few kids hitting the books as they prepare to head back to school.

The event was developed by a team of community members, including Timblin, young adult services librarian Morgan Gariepy, Panida Theater executive director Patricia Walker White, local theater and event maestro Andrew Sorg, Sandpoint Reader editor Cameron Rasmusson and fandom community coordinator Sarah Alli Brotherton Guthrie. A dedicated team of community volunteers stepped forward during the planning process to develop panels, work shops and special events or simply to show their support.

 There aren't many outlets in town for people who really love gaming, TV shows, movies, comics and all the rest,  said Rasmusson.  We're hoping this gives locals a chance to get together with like-minded people of all ages and enjoy their shared interests.

If Sandemonium catches on with the community, planners hope to develop and expand the micro-con as an annual event. In the meantime, however, they're focused on making the first-ever Sandemonium a memorable day for kids, parents and adults alike.

CONTACT: Marcy Timblin, Communications & Program Development
                208.627.5790
                [email protected]

                Cameron Rasmusson, Sandpoint Reader Editor
                406.293.1985
                [email protected]