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What’s Hal-Con like, really?

20,000 guests. 206 vendors. 40 GB of photography. Three pyramid head cosplay. One pretty good veggie dog.

Welcome to Hal-Con 2024.

Hal-Con, Atlantic Canada’s premier sci-fi and gaming convention, wrapped up another successful run from Nov. 7 to 10. Having never been to a convention before, I attended the event looking to take in absolutely everything.

In between the live knight battles, packed Q-and-A panels and countless gaming rooms, an impressive array of vendors added to the excitement. These artisans, both professional and hobbyist, shared their overwhelming passion with those looking to buy their themed wares. Each was ecstatic to sell their works, chat with attendees and compliment cosplays. Of the more than 30 vendors I spoke with, not a single declined to express their love for the con.

Despite unique challenges faced by con vendors, including market oversaturation, inflated prices and fierce competition, the vendors consistently agreed: the fans always show up.

Stephanie Denault of The Silver Dragon, a fifth year Hal-Con jewelry vendor, smiled warmly as she recalled memories of her repeat fans. 

“I actually find that a lot of people are looking for me. They’ll say, ‘I hope you’re coming next year,’ and ‘I’m so glad you’re back.’ They’re always so happy to see me,” said Denault.

Over the course of two days, I spoke with over 30 vendors, countless cosplayers and a plethora of special guests. I ended each interview with the same question:

“In as few words as possible, how would you describe the core energy of Hal-Con?”

Here’s what the Hal-Con vendor community had to say:

Laylia Bennet, Little L’nu: “It’s chaotic, fun energy. Everybody is so pumped to be here. It’s also so busy, but everyone loves it enough that they just keep coming every year.”

Bennet of Little L’nu attends Hal-Con at the Halifax Convention Centre for the first time, selling beaded crafts. Image by Ferris Kerr.

Therese Patton, House of Patton: “Inclusive, fun, kind, gentle. It’s just an easy place to be.”

Chris Rodgers, C Rodgers Woodwork: “It’s a wonderful community that is just inviting and close. Everybody is welcome here, and it’s beautiful.”

Rodgers with some of his work. He creates each piece entirely by hand without traditional woodworking machinery. Image by Ferris Kerr.

Jennifer Carignan, Proto Monkey Creations: “It’s probably the most inclusive environment I’ve ever been in [in] my entire life. You come here and be yourself for the entire weekend. Where else can you say that happens in this world. It almost makes me tear up. It’s such a special thing.”

Carignan’s work. Her masks are hand-sewn and painted. They replicate mystical creatures, historical masks and custom characters. Image by Ferris Kerr.

Eddie Lam, Digital Drawings: “Passion. You get passion laser-focused on one weekend.”

Lam pointing at his best-selling work. He focuses on anime digital art and acrylic framed scenes. Image by Ferris Kerr.

Stephanie Denault, The Silver Dragon: “Excited. There’s not one word that can describe Hal-Con. Fun would be my second.”

Denault showcasing a custom pendant of a popular anime character. She specializes in sci-fi and anime pendants and earrings. Image by Ferris Kerr.
A vendor sitting at her table surrounded by her original pieces. Her work holds anime influences and a distinct colour pallet. Image by Ferris Kerr.

Clare Atleen, Crypticcrafts: “Energetic. Everybody is super nice, and the way it’s organized is great.”

Pam Boutilier, Zoopothecary: “Quirky and wonderful. I come here to relate to my weird kin.”

Boutilier at her booth. She creates illustrations of cryptids, hybrid monsters and punny animals. Image by Ferris Kerr.

Cosplayers, panel guests, sponsors and contest judges also acknowledged the inclusive, vibrant and passionate energy of the weekend.

Regan Cerato and Kelley Kullman, known as the cosplay duo Cowbutt Crunchies and part of the Hal-Con costume contest judging team, expressed excitement about connecting with those familiar with their work.

“Maybe four people at the con will know our cosplay, but it doesn’t matter, we’re going to hang out with those four people and geek out over how much we love that outfit,” said Kullman.

Hal-Con is, simply, a space to be. It’s a weekend in which any and all come together to appreciate sci-fi and video game culture. The halls of the Halifax Convention Centre fill with Minecraft swords, Star Trek shirts and a glow of community. All proud, all loud, all together.

These (self-proclaimed) nerds are the coolest people I’ve ever met.

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