PANAMA CITY — The world hushed last Saturday
evening. As I stood on the shore of St. Andrew Bay and the sun slipped behind
the Hathaway Bridge like a fluorescent tomato, the incessant rumble and
exclamations of the day began to fade.
Fish skipped on the rippled surface close by, and
children splashed ankle-deep. Adults sat on tailgates, speaking in hushed
voices, and a man in a lighted wetsuit floated on columns of water, “moon
walked” and flipped.
It was a long walk back to my car, still parked in
the Gulf Coast State College lot near the Student Union, where I had put it
early that morning to offload books and collectibles. I had spent the day at
Panama City Creative Con, which took over the Student Union and Amelia Center
Theatre for comic, costume, game, film, art and other shenanigans.
It was a blast that I didn’t want to see end. From
swing dancers on stage, cosplayers cramming corridors, artists working as you
watched, and children coloring masks — to vendors, authors, artists, costumers,
and vintage games and comics for sale.
Only the grinchiest of Grinches could look at the
smiles, the energy, hear the laughs — the obvious joy so many experienced at
being able to share creative pursuits that thrill them — and still be
unimpressed.
Attendance hit about 1,300 paid tickets, according
to organizer Jayson Kretzer, plus countless “visitors” and complimentary
guests. Jayson said he received “very positive” responses from post-con
surveys, as well as numerous emails, texts and messages from con-goers to thank
him and his volunteer team for putting the show together.
“People loved seeing (award-winning ‘Star Wars’ and
comic artist) Dave Dorman and (GCSC alumnus and movie actor) Michael Papajohn
there,” Jayson said. “The kids’ room was a huge success — especially the ‘make
your own costume’ part of it — and everything went off without a hitch.”
Jayson even had a few people pledge sponsorships for
next year’s event, which he hopes to expand to two full days.
“One of my favorite moments took place during the
Kids’ Costume Contest, where I saw multiple kids donning outfits they created
that day in our Kids’ Room,” Jayson said. “It really felt like we got it right
this time. We’ll keep improving of course, but we’re on a good track now.”
I can hardly wait. I even started thinking about a
cosplay for next time. Consider that fair warning.
Peace.
