YWCA ‘Mini-Co’ Not So Little Anymore

WHEELING - The sixth annual "Mini-Con" sponsored by the YWCA Wheeling is continuing to grow, and isn't so “mini” anymore, according to organizers.

Mini-Con, featuring comic books and other popular culture staples, takes place from noon to 5 p.m. on Saturday at the YWCA Wheeling, 1100 Chapline St., Wheeling.

"I have never been as excited as I am about this year," said Ron Scott, cultural diversity and community outreach director at YWCA Wheeling. "There's something special about it. We have such a packed lineup, and we have so many more vendors than we've had before.

"With the addition of the Wheeling Italian Festival, I feel we are legitimate enough now that we might be able to remove the 'mini' from 'mini-con.'"

This year's Mini-Con will feature more than 30 vendors from across the Ohio Valley, along with interactive activities, demonstrations, raffles, and a costume/cosplay contest open to all ages. Attendees can explore a wide range of fandom-related merchandise, engage with local creators, and participate in hands-on experiences throughout the day.

The SMART Center will be presenting "Superhero Science" beginning at 1 p.m., followed by "Who's Line Is It, Anime?" at 2 p.m. At 3 p.m., expert Jay Johnson will lead a discussion about "Conan, Robert E. Howard, and the history of Sword & Sorcery."

An Outer Rim Prixium Lightsaber School demonstration rounds out the day at 4 p.m., followed by a costume/cosplay contest.

Throughout the day there will be a Hot Seat "rolling" game show where participants can jump in and play anytime. Top scorers will participate in a round of Press Your Luck from 3-4 p.m. to compete for prizes.

"This year, unlike what you might experience at another Con with vendors, we've got something going on all the time," Scott said. "You can just hang out here and go see what's going on."

The event is free and open to the public.

"But we will take a donation, if you want to keep stuff like this happening," Scott said. "Drop a dollar or two in the bucket, and we'll keep doing it. But I don't want anyone to think that cost isn't a reason to come.

"Show up. We've got something for you. Even if anime, comic con or superheroes don't ring a bell, show up anyway and you'll find something that you dig."