ESCANABA, Mich. (WZMQ) – On Saturday, April 20, Bay College’s pop culture event “BAY-CON” returns to Escanaba.
“Return of the BAY-CON” will feature more than 135 vendor tables of toys, video games, art, vinyl records, comics, and plenty of other treasures. Event organizers say for many, “BAY-CON” is like stepping into a time machine.
“You see people coming through and they find that toy or that album that they had when they were a kid,” said Dave Laur, Bay College’s Executive Director of Student Life & Campus Security and Title IX Coordinator. For just a moment, they’re six years old again, and you just see the joy in their eyes. Or you’ll see folks getting to share that with their kids. It’s just a really cool experience to come on out and just see the things that maybe you forgot existed and relive that nostalgia, even for a moment.”
Guests can also participate in trivia, a zombie lab, Camp Half-Blood, and a cosplay contest. The contest is open to all ages, and there will be a separate category for groups. Cosplayer and Jedi Knight Council member Laura Palmgren says all are welcome, whether they have experience or are first-timers.
“Cosplay is for anyone, honestly, that wants to take that moment to jump into their favorite character or their own original character, like myself,” said Palmgren, dressed in her Sailor Jupiter/Mandalorian mashup cosplay. “It’s just a way to bring smiles to people’s faces, so just bring your best! We’re excited to see everyone.”
Three celebrity guest voice actors are also scheduled to appear at the event—Vanessa Marshall, Rachael MacFarlane, and Anna Graves. They will be signing autographs from 10:30 a.m. to 5:00 p.m. They will each speak during panels in the Besse Theater in the afternoon.
“This year is just bigger and better,” Laur said. “This hits on all of Bay College’s mission. Student success—our students help plan it and run it. Community success—this is for all of you. Culture of success—just another in a long line of successful programs here at the college.”
“Return of the BAY-CON” is free to attend, but a $5 donation is suggested to support student clubs, Norse athletics, and future “BAY-CON” events.
“Return of the BAY-CON” runs from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. Cosplay registration closes at 2:30 p.m., and the competition will begin at 4:00 p.m.
Click here for the full schedule of activities, event map, and a list of vendors.
