Culpeper Con

News & Press Release

Culpeper County Library hosts Third Annual “CulpeperCon” March 21-22

(CULPEPER) – Join Captains Culpeper as they are transported to a world of adventure, mystique, and fun at the Third Annual “CulpeperCon 3rd Edition: Through the Pages, A Gathering of Legends” at Culpeper County Library (271 Southgate Shopping Center). 

Based on the Japanese genre Isekai meaning ‘other world’, this year’s CulpeperCon theme will transport visitors to a world where we promote literacy, inclusiveness, and community. Hosted by the Friends of the Culpeper Library [FOL], CulpeperCon is a FREE event held on Friday, March 21 from 5 to 9 p.m. and Saturday, March 22 from 9 a.m. – 5 p.m.

“Culpeper County Library is constantly striving to bring novel ways to interact with one another - this includes businesses and the public users,” said Culpeper County Library Adult Services Librarian & Outreach Coordinator, Andrew DeNicola. “CulpeperCon is an extension of that by going ‘through the pages’ and beyond books by forging a ‘gathering of legends’ in the amazing relationships between us all.”

The keynote speaker on Saturday, March 22, will be Carolyn Belefski. Belefski is a versatile artist, illustrator, and comic creator. She has constructed many published works, exploring themes from slice-of-life humor to introspective narratives. Carolyn writes and draws the comic strip, Curls. She collaborates with Joe Carabeo on the comic books Black Magic Tales, French Fry Club, and The Legettes. Her style is distinctive and characterized by engaging storytelling. Carolyn serves as Washington, DC chapter chair of the National Cartoonists Society and is a former national board member. Her projects range from illustrations for Clorox to commissioned comics for the Obama administration White House. Learn more online at www.CarolynBelefski.com and on the socials @CarolynBelefski.

Featured events include the popular Cosplay contest on Friday, March 21, Youth STEM/STEAM activities, comic book discussions, tabletop games, demonstrations, and more beginning Saturday, March 22! 

Returning this year is an opportunity for local superheroes, businesses, and non-profits to be involved by being sponsors for CulpeperCon in suggested levels of Uncanny ($500), Astonishing ($250), and Amazing ($100). Businesses may also help support the FOL by hosting week-long “Extraordinary Superhuman Activities” at their own places of business, to be included on an Activity and Back-of-Card Promo card. All versions of involvement must be secured by Feb. 14, 2025, at 5 p.m. to be considered on printed materials. To learn more about these unique opportunities, visit www.culpepercon.org.

"CulpeperCon is a vibrant community event that helps spirit and foster a deep love of literature,” said Nicolle Wootten, Vice President of the FOL. “The two-day event brings us together for community driven fun and connection. The Friends of the Library are proud to support this event, which helps cultivate creativity, a shared passion for embracing ‘nerdom’, and celebrating what makes people ‘who they are.’”

To learn more about CulpeperCon or the Library, visit www.cclva.org or visit www.culpepercon.org.