ALLENTOWN, Pa. – From comic books to pop culture, a popular Lehigh Valley event is drawing in thousands and gearing up for a big weekend.
Celebrating its 25th year, 69 News Reporter Sydney Kay was in Allentown with a preview of the Lehigh Valley Comic Convention.
The convention will take place this Saturday from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. and Sunday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Allentown Fairgrounds on 302 N. 17th Street.
More than 60 feature guests will be at the convention, including Bob Almond, an award-winning inker for comic books such as Black Panther and Guardians of the Galaxy. Darren Auck, an artist, writer, and director for Marvel, DC, and Nickelodeon, will also make an appearance.
The convention will feature “tons of comic books,” a gaming tournament, and a cosplay contest, the event website says.
Karen Rello, with the Lehigh Valley Comic Convention, said the convention covers 59,000 square feet, and more than 500 tables will be set up.
“It’s going to be awesome,” she said.
Rello said organizers have been planning the 25th anniversary event for years.
What’s her favorite part of the convention? Watching all the people come in and be amazed at what they see, as well as finding the comic book issue they’ve been looking for, or the toy they’ve been looking for forever.
Ty Johnson, owner of Beached Comics in Allentown at 1326 Chew Street, told 69 News Reporter Sydney Kay his shop brings in action figures and toys to the convention. He said people come from out of state to check out all the fun.
Beached Comics is open from noon to 8 p.m. Tuesday through Saturday.
Pete Haasz, Assistant Manager at Encounter Comics and Games in Allentown, said his shop loves being a part of the community. He said the shop’s workers get to see people at the convention they only see once a year.
Cloud City Games will also be on hand to offer comic books for sale.