Photo by John Michael Simpson.
The first Campicon, which combines comics and the outdoors, will take place this June.
A new event at Oak Mountain State Park is looking to bring together two worlds that, to some, would be an unlikely pair: comic enthusiasts and those who enjoy outdoor activities.
Campicon, which is scheduled for June 15-17, will be like many comic conventions — including games, cosplay and comic books — but instead of being in a convention center, everything will be outside.
“It’s an event geared toward bringing the outdoor community and then the comic book and gaming community together,” organizer Jacob Lindsey said.
Lindsey said the idea came to him when he and his wife were camping.
As someone who enjoys comic books and video games as well as being in the outdoors, Lindsey said he realized how much fun it could be to have the communities come together for a weekend of playing games, trading comics and other activities, but in an outdoor location where they could camp and enjoy nature.
He said that he knows there are likely many who know someone who is interested in comic books and video games, but that might not necessarily be “outdoorsy,” and he thought this would be a way to create new experiences.
Officials at OMSP, he said, also liked the idea.
“They were really excited about the idea to try to bring a different avenue of people to the parks,” he said.
The event will begin on Friday with those who want to camp for the weekend. Campers can set up and then come together for a campground party complete with free food, gaming, trading and movies.
On Saturday, Lindsey said, the main event will kick off at 8 a.m. and include panels, celebrity guests, cosplay, an archery tournament and more.
Lindsey said those interested shouldn’t be afraid of the heat, because the site will have cooling stations and emergency medical services, if needed.
The event will also have a controlled-climate tent where guests can trade comic books or just take a break from the heat.
Finally, on Sunday there will be a treasure hunt in the park with a grand prize of $2,000.
Campicon ticket holders will also have access to all of OMSP’s amenities.
“We’re kind of taking those two aspects and blending them together to have a good, family-oriented event,” he said.
For more information or to purchase tickets, visit campicon.com.
