MARIPOSA — Looking for something fantastic to do with the family this weekend? Check out the Mariposa Anime-Comic Con on Sunday, Aug. 19. Billed as a kiddo-friendly event, there’s no charge for children 12 and under. The event takes place at the Mariposa County Fairgrounds from 11 a.m. to 4 p.m.
Best of all? At the heart of this con is family.
Print out this flier for $1 off your ticket at the door.
It all started about a year-and-a-half ago in Turlock, hometown to Tom “Ziggy” Star and his family, consisting of spouse, son, daughter and their significant others.
They decided to pool their resoures, creative and otherwise, and put together a comic and anime convention in Turlock.
It turned out well. So well, in fact, that when it came time to decide if they were one-and-done or perhaps going to continue the efforts — they decided, as a family, to keep it going. They said “let’s see how far we can take this,” and they’re currently on their 45th show.
Now, they’re bringing their successful Ohana (family) brand of comic con to Mariposa.
Advance tickets are $5 for ages 13 and up, or admission is $6 at the door. Print out the Punisher flyer (posted) for $1 off the door cost. That’s good only at the door, not for advance tix. Parking is free.
Those in attendance are encouraged to dress to impress — the Cosplay (aka costume) Contest starts promptly at 2:30 p.m. and guests are asked to sign up on site with Featured Cosplayers at the Con. All ages are welcome in the costume contest, as well as the event itself.
“We encourage families to come out and share the experience of pop culture,” says Ziggy, who was pleased to learn there were lots of awesome geeks and nerds and great people who love this kind of stuff in the foothills.
“Now that I’m a grandpa, sharing culture, those times are special moments with my family — whether it’s Disney, or Gilligan’s Island, or our love of Marvel. Pop culture has changed and evolved.”
Ziggy says he noticed that Mariposa is a very friendly town, and people were very open to the fliers and posters they spread around the area. Everyone was gracious, he notes, and ready for something new. Emphasizing again that the event is great for kids and making memories — Ziggy explains that the vending and merchandise are cool but the best part is the cosplay and costume contest, where participants dress up as their favorite characters and act it all out on stage.
After a long, hot summer, this event at the fairgrounds sounds like a lot of fun. Ziggy agrees.
“It’s going to be the happiest place on the mountain that day.”
