Inaugural ‘Camas Comic Con’ coming to town

The Downtown Camas Association (DCA) is launching a new First Friday theme this month, with the arrival of the first-ever Camas Comic Con.

The comic-themed First Friday festivities will kick off at 5 p.m. Friday, Aug. 4, throughout downtown Camas and will, according to the organizers, “celebrate pop culture fandom – including comics, sci-fi, cosplay, anime, Disney and everything in between — for an evening of photo ops, cosplay, special guests, games, art, crafts, interactive activities and more.”

“The excitement for the first Camas Comic Con themed First Friday is palpable in downtown Camas,” said DCA Event and Project Manager Leah Nichelson. “Every First Friday invites people to dress up, but we can’t wait to see creativity come alive with people cosplaying as superheroes, Disney, Star Wars, Star Trek, anime and other possibly unexpected pop culture characters. Merchants will offer later shopping hours, and event-goers can enjoy special one night only outdoor dining at certain downtown restaurants, all while celebrating the fandoms that bring them joy.”

The free event will have something for all ages. Activities include:

• A check-in booth at Journey Church (304 N.E. Fourth Ave.) to pick up a Camas Comic Con passport and activity list, with the first 500 people to check in receiving a free “Jonna and the Unpossible Monsters” comic book donated by Portland comic publisher Oni Press;

• A Comic Con bingo game in which spotting various characters can help players win prizes;

• Costume contests judged by “secret costume judges wandering throughout downtown,” with prizes for those who, according to the DCA, “go above and beyond with their Comic Con cosplay attire;”

• Slime-making with The PDX Ghostbusters, sponsored by 4Ever Growing Kids Children’s Consignment Boutique, from 5 to 8 p.m. outside 4Ever Growing Kids (440 N.E. Fourth Ave.);

• Speed Pin Trading, sponsored by the DCA, from 5 to 7 p.m. inside the lobby of Fuel Medical (314 N.E. Birch St.);

• Lightsaber lessons and a comic book activity by Torchsong Entertainment;

• A Kawaii Doodle Challenge where participants can learn to draw a Kawaii-style doodle and get a free chibi-style Joe Papermaker sticker, designed by local artist and recent Washougal High School graduate Stella Van Horn;

• Selfie stations throughout downtown featuring Marvel, pop art, Disney and other themes;

• A chance to check out the Camas Public Library’s new “Book Bike;”

• Photo opportunities throughout downtown with the 501st Star Wars Legion of Oregon

• A free children’s activity with Girl Scout Troop #47503 from 5 to 8 p.m. at LiveWell Camas (417 N.E. Birch St.);

• Art show receptions at: Attic Gallery (421 N.E. Cedar St.), Camas Gallery (408 N.E. Fourth Ave.), Pike Art Gallery (302 N.E. Sixth Ave.) and the Second Story Gallery (inside the Camas library, 625 N.E. Fourth Ave.); and

• Shopping and dining specials throughout downtown Camas

For more information, visit downtowncamas.com/event/camas-comic-con or facebook.com/cama sfirstfriday.