Sandemonium back for its second year

If you think the sequel is never as good as the original, think again, because Sandemonium is back and better than ever.

A convention for fans of sci-fi, fantasy, anime, comics, gaming, role-playing and every other nerdy interest under the sun, Sandemonium 2016 promises to be a can’t-miss event for the Inland Northwest’s fan community. The fun takes place in Sandpoint today from 10 a.m.-5 p.m. at Forrest M. Bird Charter High School, 614 S Madison Ave. Tickets are $2 each, and kids under 5 attend for free.

A single-day event in the style of San Diego Comic-Con, Sandemonium features cosplay contests, video game tournaments, pen-and-paper role-playing, art galleries, vendor booths, workshops, panel discussions and much more. Following up on the 2015 debut that surpassed all attendance expectations, Sandemonium 2016 takes everything that made the first year work and turns it up to 11.

“We were thrilled with last year’s successful convention, which we think proved that Sandpoint has some pretty amazing geek cred,” said Cameron Rasmusson, a member of the Sandemonium steering committee. “Our hope is that this year will establish Sandemonium as an annual staple.”

Close to 500 people turned out throughout the day last year, and event planners hope to see even more attend in 2016. That’s why the convention has moved from its location at the Sandpoint branch of the East Bonner County Library District to the charter high school. The change of scenery provides more space for vendors, better facilities for panels and plenty of room for high-profile events like the cosplay contest.

If you’re a cosplayer, Sandemonium has you covered. Attendees are encouraged to suit up as their favorite comic, anime, video game or movie character, with prizes ready for the best costumes. Cosplayers of all ages should have their best costumes handy if they want to participate in the cosplay contest, which will begin at 3 p.m.

Sandemonium 2016 is packed with events to engage people of all ages and interests. This year’s panel line-up includes everything from cosplay and art workshop to presentations on publishing and fiction writing to discussions of the latest pop culture crazes. Dozens of vendors signed up to attend as well, so make sure your pocketbooks are handy.

Gamers seeking to prove their digital mettle will have their chance with open gaming throughout the day. The star of the show will be Nintendo’s hit fighting game, “Super Smash Bros,” with tournaments scheduled for two-player-per-team games at 11 a.m., single players at 1 p.m. and casual players at 2:30 p.m.

Planners are excited to welcome Pants Pending Studios to Sandemonium 2016. A media group of geek-friendly podcasts, the team will perform improv shows, record a live podcast throughout the day and host panels on the art of podcast recording.

Local business Another World has teamed up with Sandemonium to offer tabletop and role-playing gaming throughout the day. The Another World location, 417 Church St., will also be the meeting area for a “Pokemon Go” town crawl at 7 p.m. Friday, Aug. 26, the night before the convention.

Information: www.sandemonium7b.com or facebook.com/sdptsandemonium