GREAT TIMES AT THE SPRINGFIELD MIDWEST TOY & COMICFEST – By Allie Ladage
Allie went to the Springfield Midwest Toy & ComicFest and covered this cool comic convention for Traveling Adventures of a Farm Girl. Allie, also known as Midwestie Bestie offers insight into this fun adventure.
Midwest Comic Convention
April 18th-19th was a fun filled adventure packed into one building. People from all around came dressed best in their favorite costumes, explore exhibits showing off comics, mystery prize boxes, figurines, memorabilia, and to meet famous celebrities. The event happened at the Orr building located at the Illinois State Fairgrounds in Northern Springfield.
Celebrity Power
Among the famous celebrities were N’Sync singer, dancer, and actor Joey Fatone. He made an intriguing appearance with a long line of fans waiting to meet him! Austin St. John, who portrayed the role of the OG red ranger Jason Lee Scott in Mighty Morphin Power Rangers created a great line of fans to get a photo and autograph with him. Even saying his famous line “It’s morphin time!” and posing with his morpher! Other famous celebrities that participated in the event were Tara Reid, Rob Paulsen, and many more!
Tim Jacobus and R. L. Stine
One of my favorite interactions was meeting the illustrator of the Goosebumps book covers, Tim Jacobus!
“The Springfield Midwest Comic Convention was a great surprise!” says Jacobus. “It exceeded all of my expectations. Mickey Tate, the promoter of the Comic Con, has a great team running things and all the amazing people who showed up were wonderful. Everything worked out so well and I’m looking forward to seeing everyone again at Planet Earth!”
Jacobus has worked with Goosebumps’ author R.L. Stine for the past couple of decades. When I had the opportunity to ask him how his experience working with him has impacted him, he had these wonderful words to say.
“Working with R.L. Stine has been a real dream. The only nightmares are in the books! He and I were paired up 30 plus years ago. At that time, there wasn’t high expectations for the Goosebumps series. Looks like everyone was wrong! It’s been a huge success. I’m so proud to proud to be associated with Bob and the series. You can’t get much luckier than me!”
This was one of my most awarding experiences at a comic con; getting to meet the illustrator who creates the fantastic artwork for my all-time favorite author! One day I hope to meet him!
Tips
If you are looking for something fun to do for travel and experience, I HIGHLY recommend a comic convention. You can meet all sorts of famous people. I have had my fair share of meeting celebrities I never dreamt that would happen! I can say the experience is well worth it!
Note: Pictures and story by Allie Ladage
