Outline:
HASTINGS, Neb. (KSNB) – The Hastings Parks and Recreation department organized its second annual Pop Culture Showcase at the Hastings Auditorium on Saturday, uniting enthusiasts and artists to celebrate their love for pop culture.
The gathering included vendors offering and exchanging Pokémon cards, Funko Pops, and various other collectibles. Local stores, collectors, writers, and artists took part in the exhibition.
Gabriel Perez, one of the founders of Tri-City Con, showcased digital artwork during the convention.
“Digital art is something I can carry with me easily and it’s much more convenient. I can simply take my iPad, go into a store, and I don’t need to bring all my materials along. I do like it. I enjoy traditional art just a bit more,” Perez mentioned.
Collectors trade rare cards
Pokémon card enthusiasts were ready to exchange their collectibles. Jacob Doyen, a resident of Hastings, mentioned that he searches for particular kinds of cards.
“I enjoy searching for the shiny ones, like the EXs or GXs. They can be… and I store them in a specific binder so they remain separate from my other cards,” Doyen said.
Renowned writer revisits origins in Nebraska
Miranda Lyn, a globally renowned author who was raised in Grand Island, attended her initial local event. Lyn has developed three distinct worlds encompassing 10 books and recently signed copies in London and Ireland.
“I’m just a girl from Nebraska. Right? It’s kind of amazing to have moments where we get to travel around the world… We just checked in from London and Ireland… In June. And when you go there, people know you, and it’s just… It really blows your mind,” Lyn said.
Lyn mentioned that she has not engaged in local marketing previously, opting instead for broader, national and global promotional efforts.
“I believe it’s fantastic. I haven’t engaged in any local marketing efforts. All my marketing is done online, and it reaches a nationwide and international audience. So participating in something more localized offers a wider range of vendors. It’s actually quite intriguing to observe and see what others are doing because I’ve never been to a Comic Con before,” Lyn said.
Lyn has completed her 11th book and intends to publish it in April.
Event sees significant growth
Steve Farrens, the head of Hastings Parks and Recreation, mentioned that the event has expanded greatly since its initial year.
“I’m aiming to introduce my own perspective on some of the programming, and much of it happens within this building. So you do it once, then look for ways to enhance it and watch it develop. This is a great example. It’s the second year we’ve held the Pop Culture Showcase, and we’ve noticed growth. We now have more vendors and more visitors,” Farrens said.
The number of vendors at the event increased from six last year to 12 this year. Organizers aim to expand the event into a more significant exhibition in the coming years.
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