Pop Culture Comes Alive for a Spectacular Weekend

Story and photos by Britany Adorno-Alicea

Saturday’s Pop-Con featured a cosplay contest.

The University of Alaska Fairbank’s Wood Center had a busy weekend, overrun by friends and families attending all the fun events at Pop-Con. Pop-Con is a celebration of all things pop culture hosted here at UAF and features a wide variety of vendors, tournaments, workshops, and more.

Vendors came to sell goods such as apparel, trinkets such as dice and cards, original artwork, and more. Food was provided by Oishi Kitchen, who served authentic Japanese ramen both days of the event.

Pop-Con began at 12 p.m. on Friday, hosting a variety of different workshops and events, such as a discussion about artificial intelligence in gaming hosted by owner of Epic Saga, Roger Peters. There was also a fighting game tournament hosted by the Esports staff, and a workshop hosted by Joel Stone to teach people how to paint their own miniatures for use in tabletop games.

Tabletop games were a common sight at this years Pop-Con held in the UAF Wood Center.

Day one of Pop-Con ended with an “after dark dance,” inviting people to get down dressed up as their favorite pop culture character.

Day two of Pop-Con was as lively as the previous day. Starting at 11 a.m. attendees had the opportunity to join in playing an array of board games.

For those looking to show off their style a cosplay contest was held, showcasing a variety of different costumes and cosplays bursting with creativity.

Some of the contest judges included UAF students Delaney Wright, Anthony Waller and William Weinberger. The contest was determined by a first and second place winner and one people’s choice winner.

The “make your own matcha” workshop was hosted by Delaney Wright and professor Chisanto Murakami.

Those looking to round out the night with a hand made drink could attend the “make your own matcha” workshop, hosted by Delaney Wright and Japanese professor Chisato Murakami. The workshop was popular, with a packed room full of people looking to try their hand at making a fun drink and getting to experience something new.

Day two of Pop-Con ended with a karaoke night, with an optional choice to wear your own cosplay. Attendees over 21, ended their Pop-Con by watching Genwunner: Live At The Pub, featuring DJ Gravy, DJ Salamanda, and Tony Taylor, for a fun end to an exciting weekend.