On April 26th and 27th 2014 Northern Ontario Expo will be holding its fourth annual sci-fi and pop culture convention. This fan expo style event is held in conjunction with the Schumacher Lion’s Club Sportsman Show at the McIntyre Arena in Schumacher, Ontario. Northern Ontario Expo invites vendors, artists, and celebrity guests who are not always accessible to Northern Ontario fans, to this event. The Northern Ontario Expo also includes the opportunity to meet great local artists and a chance to participate in an exciting costume contest!
This year, the Expo will be host to the second annual costume contest, a retro game booth, Magic the Gathering tournament, extraordinary artists, silent auctions and the first time ever in Timmins, opportunity to meet and greet Meghan Agosta: 3 time gold winning Canadian Women’s Ice Hockey Olympian. A true Canadian hero, Agosta also created the Meghan Agosta Foundation which provides the opportunity for children who are interested in playing hockey, but are unable to play due to financial reasons. Agosta will be available for autographs during the Expo and Sportsman Show. And the 501st Garrison, a Star Wars costume enthusiast group, will be making their triumphant return to the Expo.
Saturday and Sunday will be filled with great activities for the whole family to enjoy. On Saturday, a new top secret set will also be revealed - built and donated by O’Gorman High School and Timmins Building Supplies. The second annual Costume/Cosplay Contest will begin at 1:00 p.m., displaying the talent of local craftsmen and cosplayers. This year, the organizers have divided the contest into two categories; youth (16 and under) and adult (over 16 years), which also means two first place prizes! Future Shop has graciously donated an iPad Mini for the adult Best In Show prize and a Nintendo DS for the youth. Other prizes include 3 Laser Tag Games from Neo Laser Tag, gift certificates from the Book Bin Entertainment Exchange, and more being announced. The Book Bin will also be keeping attendees busy throughout the weekend with some Retro Gaming, Magic the Gathering tournament and the opportunity to score some great comics and merchandise. During Saturday and Sunday, make sure to stop by and support the Artist Alley booths, and meet talented local and non-local artists as they will have art on display and for sale. In addition, the silent auction will be on once more, which gives attendees the perfect opportunity to get some autographed pictures from their favorite celebrities.
The 2014 Northern Ontario Expo is gearing up to be an exciting weekend. Mixed with the Schumacher Lion’s Club annual Sportsman Show, there is great fun for geeks of all different kinds. The entry fee is 5$ and free for any child under the age of six. The event opens at 10 am on Saturday morning. Come on out in your best costumes and enjoy some geek culture.
