Oscoda is about to host the region’s first-ever Comic Con
Oscoda’s first-ever Comic Con has technically been marketed as “mini,” but there’s not much about J&D Events’ plans for Saturday, July 19, that counts as miniature, particularly the expected attendance of 3,000 to 4,000 people.
Jessica and Darryl Vollmers have been pleasantly shocked by the level of interest in Comic Con, running 10 a.m.-6 p.m. at From Huron Out, 5606 F41, where ownership has agreed to devote the entire building and parking lot to the festivities.
“My husband is a nerd,” Jessica said of deciding to host Comic Con. “This area has never had a Comic Con. We like to bring events that are really big in other bay areas to our town and make them big.”
The event is also affordable, with an entry fee of $5 for ages 13 and older. All others enter free, though children must be accompanied by an adult.
“What we’ve done with the itinerary is divided things up,” Jessica said in anticipation of large crowds. “In the morning, we’re focused on the kiddos with a costume content, then teens. We have little meet-ups specifically geared toward kids, because not everyone is going to want to do the exact same thing. Throughout the day, people can go and come back for other things.”
The event will be followed by a Nerd Nightclub, the couple said, beginning at 7 p.m.
“There’s going to be music, dancing and drinks,” Darryl said. “There’s a lot of people who are going to come into town and stay the night, and they can come in costume, because that’s what Comic Con is all about. It’s something fun and relaxing for everybody to do once Comic Con is over.”
The event will see about 40 vendors, including artists, authors and those with wares to sell. Everything is themed around Comic Con. There’ll be four different costume contests: adults, children, teens and pets. Plans also include two different workshops.
Children can enjoy fun activities from 12-4 p.m. like bounce houses, mask-making, wand-making and face-painting.
“Those are from local businesses who are donating their time,” Darryl said. “We also have limited-edition Oscoda Comic Con brass coins for the first 100 people.”
Special character guests will include Belle, Spider-Man, Gwen Stacy and others. The couple is working on an autograph book for attendees to collect signatures from the stars.
Well-known groups focused on Ghostbusters and Harry Potter are also expected to attend.
“We went to the Midland Mall Comic Con and they already knew about ours and planned on being there, without us ever talking to them,” Jessica said.
The event will include a gaming room, where enthusiasts can settle down to play D&D, Magic: The Gathering and other favorites for hours.
Find the latest updates at facebook.com/jdvollmersevents.