In Thunder Bay, there’s a weekend every fall when Jedi walk alongside Klingons, superheroes share space with anime icons, and whole families arrive in carefully crafted costumes. It’s ThunderCon — and in 2025, the fan-driven convention is celebrating a decade of bringing pop culture and community together.

“Our 10th anniversary, for all of our team, means a sense of pride in what we have created and a testament to the hard work our volunteers have put in,” says Krista Young, former chair and current secretary of the ThunderCon board. “The fact that we’re here ten years later illustrates how much this community wants a safe space to celebrate their fandoms, make new friends, and just have fun.”

ThunderCon quickly outgrew its first venue. After its debut in 2015, the event expanded to two days, and by 2019 it was clear the Valhalla Inn could no longer hold the growing crowds. The convention moved to the CLE grounds, where it continues to thrive. Along the way, its identity has been shaped by celebrity guests and committed fans who evolved into volunteers. “Some of the guests who originally came as attendees have now become valuable members of our operations team,” Young explains.

Staying true to its roots has always been essential. “Keeping the Con fan-driven and grassroots is what it’s all about,” says Young. “We’re all fans ourselves. We partner with local groups like TBaytel, Autism Northwest, and St. John Ambulance. That local involvement is at the core of who we are.”

That community spirit extends to the way ThunderCon treats its celebrity guests. “We’ve been told time and again that our convention is one of a kind,” Young says. “We treat them like family, showing them the sights, letting them get to know our people and our city. And they’ve remarked on the percentage of cosplay they see here — whole families, even grandparents — more than at any other Con.”

This year’s theme is “Wibbly Wobbly Timey Wimey,” a playful nod to Doctor Who. The guest lineup stretches from Hollywood creature-actor Doug Jones to Canadian indie game developer Rosemarie Sarno (Outlast), alongside comic artists, podcasters, costume designers, and Indigenous creators. Planning that roster is no small task. “We start thinking about next year’s guests before this year’s is even over,” Young says. “We balance different genres and age groups so there’s something for everyone.”

Cosplay and creativity are part of the DNA of the event. “Cosplay lets people be themselves by being someone else,” Young explains. “It gives shy attendees confidence, brings smiles, and sparks conversations between strangers who might never otherwise interact.”

There are also new surprises this year, including a hot sauce challenge, the fan-favourite Doctor Dash, and an entire building dedicated to gaming demos. “We want both first-timers and longtime fans to find something exciting,” says Young.

Ask the organizers about their favourite memories, and the stories tumble out: children gasping when they spot their favourite character; Robert Picardo breaking into Klingon opera; a chance airport pickup that led to surprising fans with a Degrassi Q&A; entire families arriving in coordinated cosplay; the roar of the crowd when ThunderCon returned after the pandemic. For Young, one story is especially personal: “I actually met my husband at ThunderCon.”

What many fans may not realize is that ThunderCon has no paid staff, no office, and no warehouse. Props and gear live in board members’ attics and garages, or in corners donated by community partners. The entire convention is mounted by volunteers juggling full-time jobs. “It’s a 12-month commitment, and it’s not always easy,” Young says. “But the high of convention weekend — seeing faces light up, watching people connect — that’s what reminds us why we do it. Every year, it motivates us to start again.”

The ripple effects are felt beyond the CLE grounds. ThunderCon draws visitors from Winnipeg, Southern Ontario, and even across the U.S. border. It gives local youth volunteer hours, leadership opportunities, and references for their resumes. Most importantly, it fosters belonging. “We know without a doubt the convention has helped people express themselves in new ways,” Young says. “Through art, through cosplay, through new friendships.”

Looking ahead, the board keeps its vision simple. “All we hope is that we can continue to provide a fun, engaging, safe space to get your geek on,” says Young.

Ten years in, ThunderCon has become more than a convention. It’s a community — one built by fans, for fans, and sustained by the magic that happens when people gather to share the things they love. That magic will return this fall at ThunderCon 2025, taking place at the Canadian Lakehead Exhibition (CLE) on Saturday, September 20 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm and Sunday, September 21 from 10:00 am to 5:00 pm. Tickets and full event details are available at thundercon.ca

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