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\t\t\t\t\t<\/p>\nHundreds of science fiction and fantasy fans gathered in Winnipeg this weekend for Keycon 42, the city\u2019s annual fan-run convention celebrating cosplay, gaming, literature and fandom culture.<\/p>\n
The event featured vendors, authors, cosplay, lightsaber demonstrations and fan meetups, drawing attendees from across Manitoba and beyond.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt means so much, I love Keycon so much, it\u2019s my pride and joy. Even if im not too big a part of it,\u201d one attendee said at the convention.<\/p>\n
Organizers say the convention, now in its 42nd year, continues to provide a welcoming space for fans of all kinds to connect.<\/p>\n
\u201cIn the community for all types of nerds, there\u2019s so many microcommunities and little tiny pockets of nerds all over the con,\u201d said Zeenex Petrie, a furry attendee. \u201cIts nice to have such a big variety all come together and connect.\u201d<\/p>\n
For organizers, the convention represents months of volunteer work finally coming together.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust seeing when it finally all comes together, cause we spend the whole year organizing this and just to see everybody here having fun and I\u2019ve had people coming up to thank me which I didn\u2019t expect, so that was very touching,\u201d said Tea Wydsh, co-chair of Keycon 42.<\/p>\n
The convention is entirely not-for-profit and includes appearances from groups across the province, including River City Sabres, a Winnipeg organization that teaches lightsaber combat inspired by martial arts.<\/p>\n
River City Sabres has been operating for 14 years, offering fans a chance to combine fitness with fandom.<\/p>\n
\u201cJust seeing people who are not normally getting off the couch or getting excersice or getting any kind of marcial arts experience in their life,\u201d said Scott Isaac, co-founder of River City Sabres. \u201cAnd when they\u2019re starting to do this things and they\u2019re seeing how it changes how they move how their confidence levels everything, it\u2019s amazing.\u201d<\/p>\n
For some attendees, conventions like Keycon have become an important gathering place for communities that have lost dedicated events of their own.<\/p>\n
\u201cWe actually used to have a fury convention and they unfortunately shut down but because of that there\u2019s a lot of people and they don\u2019t know where to go and they don\u2019t know where to find eachother,\u201d said Petrie. \u201cSo cons like Keycon are really good for us to connect and find community.\u201d<\/p>\n
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\t\t\t\tFurries at Keycon 42 in Winnipeg on May 16, 2026. (CityNews) <\/p>\n
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