What many don ’ t know is that some of these events are produced by nonprofits benefitting community charities such as food banks , libraries , and children ’ s hospitals . For instance , the Spokane Renaissance Faire does a yearly food drive and donates a portion of their proceeds to the local food bank . My family cosplays as different “ Star Wars ” characters , while volunteering with the 501st Legion at the Emerald City Comic Con , to help raise funds for the Seattle Children ’ s Hospital . Attending and supporting your local Ren Faires and comic cons could benefit your community in ways you may not have considered . Attend , and have an even better experience knowing you are doing your part to help your community .
Finally , I mentioned at the beginning of this article that these two worlds overlap more than you might expect . Here is an example . I have seen a young wizard from the world of “ Harry Potter ,” Klingons from the “ Star Trek ” universe , and Disney princesses show up at Ren Faires . While at comic cons I have seen superheroes cosplayed in Renaissance-style clothing ,
2022 NORTHWEST COMIC CONS
BRITISH COLUMBIA
Kelowna Fan Experience
Capital City Comic Con
IDAHO
Neo Anime Oasis
Lake City Comicon
Coeur d ’ Alene , Idaho Oct . 8 , 2022
www . lakecitycon . com historical characters , groups entertaining patrons with period dance and sword fighting demos , and faeries , elves , and mythical creatures can be spotted at both events . Your imagination can lead you anywhere , and hopefully it will lead you to attend a Ren Faire or comic con this year . Maybe you ’ ll even volunteer at one . Who knows where the experience can lead , or what kind of adventure you may embark on ? When I first attended a Ren Faire I had no idea I ’ d become so involved . All I had to do was say “ yes ” 20 years ago and the adventure began !
MONTANA
MisCon
68 ART CHOWDER MAGAZINE