Put on your best cosplay outfit and dust off the old comic books for a meet-up in Albany this weekend.
Albany Collections is a two-day Comic-Con style event at Heritage Mall on Saturday, August 31 and Sunday, September 1 for fans of comics, trading cards, cosplay, toys, role-playing, gaming and more. Admission is free.
Eric Gergen of Gergen Hobbies hosts a comic book convention style event at the Albany Heritage Mall.
Cody Mann
Organized and hosted by Eric Gergen, owner of Gergen Hobbies in the mall, the event is an opportunity for collectors of all kinds to meet and share their enthusiasm with buyers and sellers. Gergen hosts smaller trading card events every few months, but this is the big show.
“I bring the world of sports cards, the world of Pokémon Magic, Funko, toys, crafts, art prints, anime – all in one,” Gergen said. “Whatever you collect, we have something for you.”
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If you’re new to collecting or want to get started, this event is an opportunity to gain experience about your hobby and invest in its future, Gergen said, adding that there will also be attractions for mid- and high-end enthusiasts looking for their “holy grail” collectible.
Gergen has booked local, regional and even Midwestern and East Coast vendors for Albany Collections. He also expects comic book artists, trading card grading service EGS Grading, Creature Teachers, “Star Wars” cosplayers, Portland’s “Ghostbusters” cosplay group and themed interactive cars for kids and adults.
Cosplay and video game tournament trophies for the Albany Collections event.
Cody Mann
“There will be a lot more than announced,” said Gergen. “Many companies are giving away gifts, there will be free gifts.”
Last year, Gergen hosted a similar show, billed as Hub City Comic Con. He said the one-day event drew around 10,000 people, and with more on offer this year, it was necessary to split the event into two days.
“It will literally take up the entire mall,” Gergen said.
If you’re competitive, you can participate in video games and a cosplay contest. Sign up at Gergen Hobbies in Heritage Mall.
For players, Saturday will be a winner-takes-all game of Mario Kart, played on a 100-inch screen. Participation in the tournament costs $10.
A Super Smash Bros. tournament on Sunday was canceled.
There will also be two cosplay competitions: on Saturday for participants aged 16 and over and on Sunday for participants under 15. Participation in both competitions is free.
A list of vendors and attractions featured in the Albany Collections.
Cody Mann
Gergen said that in a city like Albany, where entertainment may not be easy to find, Albany Collections is a great reason to get out of the house, explore something new and support local businesses.
The Albany Collections will take place on Saturday, August 31st from 10am to 6pm and Sunday, September 1st from 11am to 5pm.
Cody Mann covers public safety and justice in Linn and Benton counties. Reach him at 541-812-6113 or [email protected]. Follow him on Twitter at @News_Mann_.
