FanCon returns for its biggest year yet with more than 900 attendees

The Arlington Heights Memorial Library celebrated its biggest FanCon yet as more than 900 residents of all ages stopped by the library's third annual comic book and pop culture convention on Saturday, June 14.

The convention gave fans an opportunity to see and dress up as their favorite characters from Marvel, Star Wars, Pokémon, Harry Potter and more.

"It's fun seeing a bunch of people into the same thing as you," said 12-year-old Colin Ryan, who was one of the runner-ups in the Super Smash Bros. tournament hosted by the cosplay group, The Age of the Geeks.

The tournament was one of more than 20 activities convention-goers could take part in throughout the day.

Best-selling author and illustrator Jeffrey Brown, who is known for his Jedi Academy series as well as the Darth Vader and Son series, was one of the biggest highlights of the convention as he met fans while hosting an artist talk, two book signings and a drawing workshop.

Other popular activities included Etch A Sketch workshops with artist Princess Etch, lightsaber training sessions for young Jedi, fandom-related arts and crafts in the Hub and Artists' Alley, which gave library customers a chance to meet 12 featured artists and exhibitors in the library's Hendrickson Room.

"This is awesome, it's great for families," said Lisa Cuffe, who came to FanCon with her family of four. When the family found out that FanCon was taking place at the library, they rushed home to dress up in costume before returning to take part in the festivities. "You usually can't bring kids to these kind of events, so we're going to do this every year if we can."

For more information about upcoming events at the library, visit www.ahml.info.