If you’re a Trekkie, or a Star Wars die hard, or you’re into superheroes, or you’re a Lego builder, then there’s only one appropriate reaction to what’s coming to St. Albert this weekend …
“EEK!” as in Eek Fest!, the city’s annual pop culture festival and fair that brings one and all to Servus Place to celebrate celebrities, movies, comics and whatever else tickles your fancy.
“It’s the third year for Eek Fest! and we’re glad to see pop culture fans keep responding to our mix of family-focused activities and local artists, performers and vendors,” said Rob LeLacheur, the general manager of the event. “We’re proud that we continue to feature St. Albert and Edmonton-based performers and organizations and that Eek Fest is becoming something people look forward to each year.”
Every year, people gather in droves to dress up in their favourite cosplay, participate in many activities, and otherwise soak in all of the fantastic fantasy-based fun. This weekend’s event promises lots of Lego (a hockey rink full of Lego exhibits and activities), a Star Wars costume performance group that performs choreographed light sabre fights, Zombie Sock Monkeys (courtesy of the Socking Dead), anime, movie collectibles, and much more.
Rapid Fire Theatre will also do a live performance and local art phenomenon Lewis Lavoie will do a live pop culture painting. The Edmonton Drone Racing League will also introduce a new drone zone to the show for kids of all ages to try flying their own drone through an obstacle course.
Chris Moet is another pop culture artist who will be on the scene. This is his first year to the fest but he’s been to similar events and loves them for the chance he gets to connect with fans of his work.
“Conventions are great because it's an opportunity to meet the people who've followed me on Instagram, Tumblr and all the other social media sites I've gathered an audience on,” he began, noting that it also helps him build his fan base and drum up some new business. “Plus I get to meet some tremendously talented artists and cosplayers while I'm there.”
His pop culture-inspired paintings, drawings, and sculptures feature dinosaurs, sloths, robots, space aliens, and monsters, among other creatures.
“Most of what I enjoy doing art wise and not happens to fall into geek territory. Like a lot of people who go to Eek! I am a huge fan of movies, animation, video games, and comics.”
There’s also the Odd-Lot Puppetry Co. to amuse and entertain the masses. Brendan James Boyd, creative director and founder of the Edmonton-based troupe, said that Odd-Lot has been growing a lot lately and offering a show to the festival is a way of paying homage to where things all started for them.
“We are very excited to be at Eek this weekend. St. Albert was our home for many years so it will be exciting to be back to share what we've been up to,” he exclaimed, adding that the puppets themselves are very excited to explore the fest too.
“We're going to let them roam around and try out all the fun activities. Who knows what shenanigans they might get up too! You won't want to miss it.”
The company will also offer a free all-ages puppet building activity.
Eek! will also see such returning favourites as the life-sized ‘flying birds’ air cannon game, an 85-inch inflatable zip line, the Spiderman bouncy house, costume contests and live stage performances. New expanded features include break out stage shows and a video game zone with more than 15 large-screen gaming set-ups.
For more information, visit www.theeek.com.
