The Central Rappahannock Regional Library (CRRL) is gearing up to host its much-anticipated annual event, the 10th Annual CRRL-Con, at the Howell Branch Library in Stafford County. Scheduled for Saturday, May 18, from noon to 4 p.m., this event promises a jam-packed day of entertainment for comic enthusiasts of all ages.
Library spokesman Sean Bonney shared, “CRRL-Con has become a staple event in our community, bringing together fans of pop art, comics, anime, manga, and cosplay. It’s a celebration of creativity and storytelling.”
Attendees can expect an array of activities, including cosplay, vendors, face painting, crafts, free comic book giveaways, games, and a selfie station with props. Live demonstrations will feature Katanatalk with Scott Takahashi from RVA Katana, Japanese kimono tying with Yoshiko Nakamura, LARPing (live-action role-playing) with Muninn Myst, and Crocheting Your Way to Cosplay with Kai Pooler-Drummond.
One of the highlights of CRRL-Con is the cosplay contest, which will take place from noon to 2:30 p.m., followed by a parade and awards ceremony at 3:30 p.m. Registration for the contest is open online or onsite, and prizes will be awarded across various age categories, as well as for group entries and special awards such as crowd favorite and most in-character.
Judges for the cosplay contest are Collette Riddle and Molly Lucas, both costume makers for local theater companies.
In addition to the cosplay contest, CRRL-Con will feature authors such as Mackenzie Friel, an indie sci-fi fantasy author, and William LJ Galaini, known for his works spanning sci-fi, horror, historical, and satire genres.
CRRL-Con is not just about fun and games; it also serves as a platform to promote literacy and storytelling. “Offering a variety of events like CRRL-Con broadens the library’s appeal and makes it a welcoming, inclusive space for everyone in our community,” said Bonney. “It’s an opportunity for attendees to explore the creative worlds found in books, graphic novels, manga, and other forms of media.”
Since its inception in 2014, CRRL-Con has grown in popularity, attracting several hundred attendees each year. Although the event was canceled in 2020 due to the COVID-19 pandemic, successful virtual editions were held in 2021 and 2022. The return to in-person programming in 2023 saw a turnout of 525 attendees, highlighting the enduring appeal of CRRL-Con within the community.
In conjunction with CRRL-Con, related events such as Comic Art Day and the Comic Art Show at the Salem Church Branch in Spotsylvania County, as well as the CRRL-Con Comedy Show at Howell Branch, will further enhance the celebration of comic culture in Stafford County.
This article was written with AI. If you’re not getting our FREE email newsletter, you are missing out. Subscribe Now!
Recent Stories
The Haymarket Town Council revisited the proposed Islamic Center at 14600 Washington Street during a work session on March 31, continuing its review of a special use permit (SUP) application submitted by Mohammed Kasim Gul.
I live by email, and, like you, I pay close attention to what lands in my inbox. I especially enjoy the messages that begin with, âHey, Uriah,â â because I never know where theyâre going next.
As Fredericksburg city officials weigh budget cuts, tax increases, and federal funding uncertainties, one possible source of future financial relief came up during a joint City Council and School Board budget work session: a data center under development in Celebrate Virginia South.
A shakeup is underway in Stafford County politics. Longtime Falmouth District Supervisor Meg Bohmke announced she will not seek reelection, while School Board Member Maya Guy declared her candidacy for the Aquia District seat on the Board of Supervisors.
The New Dominion Choraliers
Have a Show-Stopping Concert in Store!
Join us on Saturday, May 3 or Sunday, May 4 as the New Dominion Choraliers put on a concert with fun and fabulous songs straight from your favorite Broadway shows and Big Screen musicals. Selections from Pixar, Disney, and Rodgers and Hammerstein offer familiar tunes across the generations, as well as selections from Wicked, Les Miserables, The Greatest Showman, and more!
Properly using a car seat can reduce the risk of injury or death in a car crash by a significant amount, with studies showing reductions of 71% for infants and 54% for toddlers.
Check your child safety seat with the Montgomery County Safe Kids Coalition on Thursday March 20, 2025 from 10am-12:30pm. No appointment necessary.
Fitzgerald GMC Rockville
Your Weight Matters National Convention
Hosted by the Obesity Action Coalition (OAC) since 2012, this highly-anticipated gathering is the nation’s leading gathering focused on empowering individuals with science-based education, support and practical tools for managing weight and improving health.
This unique Convention truly has something
Cascade Landing Community Grand Opening
You’re invited to celebrate the Official Grand Opening of our newest community Cascade Landing in Dumfries, VA. Join us April 12th from 11 AM – 6 PM and fall for your new townhome!
Enjoy our grand opening celebration, complete with
