SAN ANTONIO \u2013 LEGO builders of all ages got the chance to build, shop, and connect with professional builders as the Brick Convention makes its first stop in the Alamo City.<\/p>\n
The two-day event at Freeman Expo Hall features large-scale LEGO displays, new and retired sets for sale, and hands-on activities where kids can test their building skills.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt doesn\u2019t matter if you\u2019re 1 or 99,\u201d said Jeremy Douma, show manager for Brick Convention. \u201cAnyone can get into it.\u201d<\/p>\n
Jonathan Bocaneegra said his family had never attended a Brick Convention before and wanted to see what it was all about.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s good,\u201d Bocaneegra said. \u201cA lot of great builds here, a lot of things for sale, so a lot of things for everyone.\u201d<\/p>\n
The convention includes collections and builds inspired by popular franchises such as Marvel and Star Wars, along with activities for younger builders.<\/p>\n
\u201cI\u2019m trying to make a LEGO city,\u201d said Zofia Bocaneegra, a young builder attending the event.<\/p>\n
For some families, building with LEGO bricks has become a shared hobby. Aida Roberts and her son, Curtis, have been attending LEGO conventions since 2014. After recently moving to the San Antonio area, Roberts said she was impressed with the local event.<\/p>\n
\u201cIt\u2019s a little smaller, but it\u2019s nice because it\u2019s all organized here,\u201d Roberts said.<\/p>\n
Roberts said she and her son are currently working on a lighthouse build together.<\/p>\n
Tickets are about $18 online<\/a> and $20 at the door<\/a>. Douma said a portion of the proceeds will benefit the Build Smiles Foundation, a nonprofit that brings joy and entertainment to children with cancer and other life-threatening illnesses.<\/p>\n \u201cNot everyone has access to LEGO, and it\u2019s a great learning tool,\u201d Douma said. \u201cIt\u2019s a fun way to relax and kind of escape from the real world, so we want to make sure everyone has a chance.\u201d<\/p>\n Master builder Tim Hutchings said LEGO products continue to appeal to people because of their creative possibilities.<\/p>\n \u201cJust an amazing little creation,\u201d Hutchings said. \u201cIt just unlocks everything, storytelling, and it\u2019s just amazing what you could do with that little piece of plastic.\u201d<\/p>\n The Brick Convention continues Sunday at the Freeman Expo Hall from 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. and again from 2 p.m. to 5 p.m. The convention is also scheduled to make its final stop of the year in Austin<\/a> during the first week of December.<\/p>\n