SAFFORD — Arizona Fan Fest is bringing pop culture to Safford.
Arizona Fan Fest features the finest comic creators and self-publishers, collectible retailers, and master crafters of everything from jewelry and clothing to unique and wild items for home and work. Special guest is cosplayer extraordinaire, AZ Power Girl Cara Nicole.
Arizona Fan Fest will take place Friday, April 14, from 4-10 p.m., and Saturday, April 15, from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m., at the Graham County Fairgrounds in Safford, inside the Ag Building. Graham County Fairgrounds features plenty of free parking and admission to the event is just $5 per person per day, under 5 is free.
The two-day event will feature gaming tournaments; demonstrations of medieval music, falconry and battle tactics by the Society for Creative Anachronism; cosplay and costuming tutorials; and tips on how to get started in film from Carpe and Zen Productions.
The highlight will be the Costume Contests — for children, teens, adults and groups — where everyone has the chance to become their favorite character. Added this year is the Premiere category for cosplay master crafters. The winner of the Premiere Cosplay Contest will go home with $1,000, while second place will receive $500, and $250 for third.
The Arizona Fan Fest After Party will take place from 7-10 p.m. and features a full comedy show hosted by Kid Ever, with Mary Taylor, Roy Lee, Raven Gregory and headlined by Adam Bathe. Following the comedy show, everyone is encouraged to take part in Cosplay Karaoke — in costume or not. Admission to the After Party is $5, or free with paid admission to Arizona Fan Fest.
Sponsors include The Safford Pepsi Bottling Co., Budweiser and III Counties Distributing, Valley Telecom Group, Primavera Online School, Best Western Plus Safford, Graham County Chamber of Commerce, and Graham County; with support from the Southern Arizona Sports, Tourism and Film Authority.
Media partners are the Double R Communications of radio stations — Kat Kountry 94.5 FM, Sunny 102.3 FM, and KATO AM 1230 — and GilaValleyCentral.net.
