By Nick Gonnella
NKyTribune Reporter
Artists and vendors alike converged on the Northern Kentucky Convention Center this weekend, where A & G Con 8 combined the worlds of animation and gaming for three days of fun and entertainment.
The fan-driven convention enabled attendees to share their passion for their favorite games and hobbies for three days.
Attendees enjoyed animation, ranging from Japanese anime to American cartoons such as Batman and Superman, and gaming, which included computer, video, tabletop, arcade and other game forms.
Participants were also invited to contribute by bringing arcade games and running a panel or workshop.
“Our whole focus is specializing in things you’re not going to see everywhere,” said convention treasurer Jennifer Taylor. According to Taylor, awareness of the convention spread through word of mouth, flyers, social media, and spreading the word at comic conventions and other events such as Oktoberfest.
Among events that A & G Con featured were a Cosplay musical themed to “Batman – The Dark Knight,” Cosplay wrestling, Nerf Warz, Multiverse Rumble, Jokers Funhouse, Hollywood Squares and a concert featuring the Harp Twins. Camille and Kennerly Kitt, the world’s only identical twin professional harpists, were trained classically but play rock and metal using only their two harps. They played in a main event concert, and were guests at Sunday afternoon’s closing ceremony.
Some workshops included How to Build a YouTube Channel, Ask Airship Isabella, How to Eat a Potato, Character Building 101, and Airship Isabella’s DIY Leathershop.
Also offered was a gaming room with Gamecube/Wii, Playstation 3 and Xbox.
First-time staffer Cassie Sears is a veteran A & G Con attendee.
“It’s been the best thing I’ve done,” said Sears, who staffed registration along with main and live events.
“The weekend’s been great. These conventions are just amazing.”
Jordyn Randall, who staffed the Green Room and helped cater to vendors, said the convention has grown each year. She noted bigger square footage and more room to accommodate vendors than previous years.
“The con would not be possible without the attendees,” said Randall.
Convention chairman Jason Taylor, the creative mastermind of A & G Con, received praise from Dennis Daniel for the weekend’s success. Daniel, a photographer and aspiring radio personality who has been involved with A & G Con since 2011, talked about the passion that artists and vendors brought.
“The guests here care about you. They’re interested in learning about you,” he said. “A & G brings genuine people who love their fans, and love doing what they do.”
Daniel credited that to Jason Taylor, and then summed up the Taylors’ contributions simply.
“A lot of that is owed to the magnificent con chair, who will put his blood, sweat and tears into his dreamchild – which is this wonderful convention,” added Daniel. “Without them – the patriarch and matriarch of A & G – there is no A & G. They are the driving force behind this, their dream, and they’re making it a reality.”
Sam Barnhardt, who worked security staffing during the weekend, recalled the chance to reflect on the imaginative world the convention provided.
“It’s been a fantastic time,” said Barnhardt. “I’ve honestly had more fun here than at other conventions, by far. It’s a great thing to get into. Kids absolutely love it. I’ve seen families here. There’s something for everyone of all ages.”
Jason Taylor estimated 2,000 attendees this year.
“We’ll just have to see what the outcome of this year was and determine where it will be next year,” said Daniel. “This offers a lot of fun for anyone of any age, and I recommend going the next chance you get.”
For more information see www.cartooncon.org
Seated at center are the Harp Twins, Camille and Kennerly Kitt, the world’s only identical twin professional harpists.