FAN★FEST Returns in April at the Bay St. Louis Community Hall
Hancock County Library System has been preparing for another FAN-FEST event. A patron favorite, FAN-FEST brings together the community to celebrate comics, gaming, cosplay, and pop culture fandoms of every stripe. While this all-day mini-con happens Saturday, April 26, artists and comic lovers can get a sneak peak.
Steven Harper, creator of TikiFez Comics, to instruct participants of all abilities at the Saturday Create Your Own Comics workshop.
This year we are featuring a Saturday workshop with FAN-FEST regular and comic creator Steven Harper. Whether you are an avid illustrator or a curious creator, you can register for this workshop and try your hand at creating your own comic. From brainstorming your hero’s journey, coloring the final touches, instructor Steven Harper will guide you through creating a comic page. We will have an exciting variety of art supplies on hand on Saturday, April 25 from 10:00 AM to 12:30 PM. We encourage all ages from 14 and up, but welcome kids under 14 with an adult. Register on our web calendar today.
Check our website for details and times for all the programs and activities ready for this year’s FAN-FEST.
Sunday morning the doors open to the public at 10:00 AM. Check out our schedule of programs and activities on our website at hcls.info/fan-fest so you don’t miss a thing. Here’s a quick run-down of our panel sessions and demos:
10:30 AM – Author Walter James presents and reads from his books, including his most recent I Hate Mosquitos.
11:30 AM – Experience a live podcast recording with the host of Grotesque Tea, Sunset Slaughter, as she presents Cryptids of the Coast.
1:00 PM – You’re in for a treat as the creators of Mississippi Macabre #2, published by Jackson Comics, share inside information on this local comic series about Mississippi’s legends and lore—Haints & Hidden Beasts.
All day – Stop by the pavilion to see some live action role-playing with our esteemed adventurers of Cerroneth, LARPERs from South Mississippi.
All day – Visit our table gaming area for a game play demo of The Red Dragon Inn with Brandon and Mitch
10:00 AM – 3:00 PM – Brie of Coastal Creations will be painting faces, all ages welcome!
All day – try your hand at our library of video games in the game room, or visit Expo Hall for a special Virtual Reality headset experience.
We are pleased to present our fantastic exhibitors. Visit our website to see the current cast of returning and brand-new guests. You will find a mix of cosplayers and costuming fan groups, creators of unique art, comics, books, and media, and crafts that highlight both skill and fan appreciation. Don’t forget to rest for a snack from one of our food vendors while you relax with a coloring sheet or enjoy the weather outside. Attendees will have the chance to win our door prize raffles all day—get tickets from attending programs or trying out activities.
Cosplayers and costumers, it’s your time to shine! Our annual cosplay contest is open to all ages. Sign up online to reserve your spot or sign in at the door before 2:00 PM to participate in one of the four categories: 1) child, 2) teen, 3) adult, or 4) group. Judging will be in the panel room beginning at 2:30 PM, then all participants will get a chance to walk the stage and show off their character and costume. We will announce winners during the promenade of each contest group and take photos beginning at 4:00 PM.