LexingCon will be held virtually
Cosplayers in attendance at LexingCon 2017.
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As has been the case with most conventions and festivals during the pandemic, this year’s gathering of comic enthusiasts known as LexingCon will be a virtual event. It will be broadcasted live on the group’s Facebook page on Saturday, April 10 from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m.
Founded in 2014 by a collection of friends, LexingCon began with a two-fold purpose: to help raise money for Pastor’s Pantry and to utilize comics to encourage youth to read. Marcia Myers, a founding member, knew who to ask to assist the group with making their dreams a reality. She contacted her uncle, Marcus Hamilton, who is the daily panel artist for Dennis the Menace, and his friend, Shelton Drum, who oversees the largest comic convention in the Southeast, HeroesCon, for guidance.
With the success of their first LexingCon evident, it’s now an annual extravaganza. Holding true to their motto “Celebrating the art of comics with a heart for giving back,” the 2021 event will raise funds for St. Furever Freedom Animal Rescue (STFFAR) and Vinny Alexander, a young boy battling cancer.
In the past, Alexander and his family have partnered with the LexingCon crew to rescue animals.
Vinny is all smiles with his family.
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“Vinny has amazed us all at LexingCon with his indomitable spirit and fierce attitude in this fight,” said Myers. “We simply want to help make life a bit easier, financially, for his family as they work full time, maintain a loving home for pets of all kinds [including Charlie the pig] and battle this disease.”
Throughout the virtual event, there will be special appearances from artists, vendors, STFFAR staff and the Alexander family. A LexingCon favorite, Ronald Rossman, will be appearing as Batman to read “Spring Stinks” by Ryan T. Higgins.
The popular costume contest was revamped to align with the online format. Prizes will be awarded in three categories: children 12 and under, 13 and up and groups. At 10 a.m., there will be three separate posts on the LexingCon Facebook page. Participants must upload a picture in their costume/cosplay to the appropriate post by 4 p.m. Winners will be announced at 4:30 p.m. during the event. Each will be required to message LexingCon via Facebook to arrange prize pick up (while maintaining safety precautions) or provide mailing instructions.
This year, there is a new component: an online auction that is currently accepting bids. All funds raised through the auction will be donated to the two causes LexingCon is supporting. Items available for bid include original, hand drawn, colored artwork from Marcus Hamilton, Ron Ferdinand (Sunday artist for Dennis the Menace), John Rose (Snuffy Smith artist), David Sorenson, Teresa Davidson and Heidi Amash along with art prints, gifts and collectibles from all genres of the comic world.
According to their website, STFFAR rescues animals who have fallen victim to the habitual “throw-away” society.”
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While the decision to activate virtually in 2021 was disappointing, LexingCon has discovered many silver linings. They donated the money given by their sponsor to their two beneficiaries. Door prizes, participant goody bags and safety supplies were donated to the American Children’s Home, Genesis House, the Davidson County Animal Shelter and Allen Jay Elementary School.
Despite the necessary changes, Myers is looking forward to Saturday.
“Although everyone will miss being able to see each other in person, our society has adapted in the last 14 months,” she assured. “Our hope is to offer a con-like atmosphere they will enjoy, with artists, vendors and attendees able to see, share and interact with each other during the show, virtually. We hope all will feel the fellowship of being together for a day, supporting two great causes.”
Current LexingCon members are Myers, Jennifer Alderman, Dan Alderman, Meredith Danielle Schmunck, Tina Mills and Christina Mills[MDM4] .
Join LexingCon virtually at this link: https://www.facebook.com/LexingCon
To view items in the online auction, visit this link:https://www.facebook.com/groups/709608069726677
