Story and photos provided by Stillwater Public Library

The Stillwater Public Library’s new favorite event is back for the second year. LexiCon, a mini-convention celebrating comics, sci-fi and fantasy books, graphic novels, movie and TV fandoms, anime and gaming, will be held at the library on Saturday, Aug. 27, from 10 a.m.-6 p.m. The event is free.

“LexiCon is modeled off bigger events like the Tulsa Comic Con and Oklahoma City Izumicon which attract thousands of visitors,” said Paula Long, librarian and event coordinator. “We wanted to bring the convention experience to people who couldn’t make it to one of those events.”

Last year, LexiCon had more than 400 attendees over the four hour event.

“Our first mini-con was a tremendous success and we had resounding agreement from the community that we should offer the event again,” said Long. “To accommodate all of the attendees, we have doubled the length of the event from 4 to 8 hours. We’ve also partnered with the Multi Arts Center, so many of the activities will be held there.”

According to Long, the number of activities has significantly increased as well.

“Whether you want to visit for a just a few hours or stay all day, the schedule is packed with panels, workshops, photo ops, demos, and gaming,” said Long. “There are also activities geared to all age groups.”

One new activity open to multiple ages is the Fan Art Contest. Fans are encouraged to draw or paint their favorite character or scene from a comic book, graphic novel, sci-fi book, or show. Artwork must be turned in to the Stillwater Multi Arts Center between August 12-19. Prizes will be awarded in a variety of age groups.

In addition to the Fan Art Contest, Multi Arts will also be hosting a crafting area where kids of all ages can make a Harry Potter wand or sorting hat, write with Dwarfish runes, create a Pokeball, or design a superhero bracelet.

The Multi Arts Center will be bustling with artists willing to pass along tips and tricks. Attendees can participate in a character drawing workshop, learn to use a moldable plastic called InstaMorph, try drawing caricatures , and find out more about how cosplayers use EVA foam, craft foam, and Worbla to make costume pieces and props.

Not only will attendees learn more about costuming at the event, but they are also encouraged to show off the costumes they have.

“If you are attending LexiCon, go ahead and break out your costume before you come,” said Long. “Attendees dressed as their favorite character or in their favorite genre can join our cosplay contest individually or in groups.”

Costume winners will be crowned in separate categories with prizes for children, teens, and adults.

Attendees will earn chances to win other prizes for attending different classes and performing certain activities. Prizes include tickets to TulsaCon, Izumicon, Otaku Matsuri, Cosplay Prom, and the Fan Haven Marketplace. Additional prizes from the vendors will be given away throughout the event during panels and workshops.

For fans who want to be an even bigger part of the action, the library is looking for LexiCon volunteers.

“We would love to have community members help with LexiCon,” said Long. “We need craft assistants, room monitors, registration attendants, and set-up help. Anyone interested in assisting should contact us at the library.”

A volunteer form is available on the LexiCon website at http://library.stillwater.org/lexicon.php.

“We’ll have continuing news updates on the site,” said Long. “So we encourage attendees to check back often as we add new artists, vendors, and other exciting components to the event.”

Stillwater Public Library is located at 1107 S. Duck St. (the corner of Duck and 12th Ave.). Library hours are Monday-Thursday, 9 a.m. to 9 p.m.; Friday and Saturday, 9 a.m. to 6 p.m.; and Sunday 1 p.m. to 5 p.m.  

LexiCon Tentative Schedule

10:00 a.m.

Food Trucks, vendor market, and kids’ crafting open

10:30 a.m.

Medieval Weapons Demonstration with Society for Creative Anachronism

Table Top Gaming opens

Pokemon Go Get ‘Em All for kids

11:00 a.m.

Cosplay Costuming with panelists Honor Lychee and Kit Compton

Fallout 4: Using Mods

11:30 a.m.

Comic Character Creation with artist Dany Dotson

12:00 p.m.

Fabricating Props for Cosplay with JediOKC

12:30 p.m.

Fan Art Awards

1:00 p.m.

Costume Contest

2:30 p.m.

Live Action Role Play in Stillwater panel

3:00 p.m.

Indie Film: Acting and Directing panel by Red Dirt Film Festival

Insta Morph Workshop with Sandra Turney

4:00 p.m.

Walking Dead Panel: You Picked a Fine Time to Kill Me Lucille

EVA, Craft Foam, and Worbla costuming & Prop Demo

4:30 p.m.

Pokemon Go: Battle for the Library Gym