The Calgary Expo returns to Stampede Park this weekend for a four-day celebration of pop culture.
Among those heading to Calgary is nine-year-old Cochrane cosplayer Sam Johnson, who is bringing a fan-favourite horror character to life.
Johnson is hard at work on his suit based on the Yellow Rabbit from the video game/movie Five Nights at Freddy’s.
“I’m just refurbishing one that’s kind of broken down that I’m going to wear,” Johnson says.
The young creator has spent weeks perfecting the base and several days applying fabric to ensure the costume is ready for its debut.
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This marks Johnson’s second year attending the event, and he says the best part is connecting with the community.
“It’s really fun just to meet other people that love to do the same things I do.”Â
Johnson’s talent has already earned him a following on social media. “Our first one got more views than people in Cochrane, which I’m very proud of,” he says.
Another video featuring a character from the game Poppy Playtime reached over 700,000 views.
While he started out learning from YouTube tutorials with his mother, the young cosplayer now handles most of the construction himself.
“I now do it all by myself,” Johnson says, noting he has moved away from fragile cardboard to more durable foam.
“It’s sturdier, and it’s lighter on my body, which I could probably wear for the whole expo.”
The Calgary Expo is expected to draw thousands of fans to Stampede Park over the weekend.
Sam walking the red carpet as Freddy Fazbear at his first Calgary Expo in 2025.Â