RAPID CITY, S.D. — For those needing a refuge from the summer heat, Black Hills Con offered a vibrant world of anime, comics, and pop culture inside The Monument. The local convention provides a dedicated space for fans of all things geeky to gather, filling an important niche for those who can’t make the trek to larger events like Denver’s Nan Desu Kan.
The convention also serves as a significant platform for vendors and the local art scene. The vendor hall was bustling with creators and sellers, with a noticeable number of attendees and artists sporting blue hair and blue ties, but with no one hiding in the wi-fi.
“I’m a huge video game fan, so like today I’m dressed up as Anya from Mouthwashing,” said Claudia DeBlieck, an artist and vendor with Lil Bit Baddie, “I have a lot of video game themed stuff, so there’s definitely a little bit more of a broad sense in that too.”
Black Hills Con, which first launched in 2018 by founders Caroline and Chris Argiz, operates as a non-profit with a vision to bring together “geeks, nerds, and anyone else” in the Black Hills community.
Artist Alley booths were available to creators for $150, while larger 10-by-10-foot dealer tables cost $225. Black Hills con also touted an energetic game room hosted a Pokémon Showdown tournament where participants could battle for prizes, and other activities like karaoke and panels ran throughout the day.
The schedule featured panel discussions with voice actors Molly Searcy and Macy Anne Johnson, as well as Tom Ruegger, the acclaimed creator of hit animated shows like “Animaniacs” and “Tiny Toon Adventures.”
“I’ve been to South Dakota before and I love it and I was delighted to get the opportunity to return,” Ruegger said, “They invited me here and so it’s good to meet all the good people of Rapid City.”
Of course, it wouldn’t be a convention without cosplay. The convention encourages this expression but has clear policies: props that appear dangerous must be peace-bonded with a brightly colored zip-tie, and live steel or functioning firearms are prohibited.
“We have a couple of contests that people love to compete in,” said Sky Grenstiner, who was cosplaying Mikan Tsumiki from the hit game series Danganronpa, “We have the art contest behind me and then the cosplay just right over here, and that’s a big reason why people keep coming to the con.”
The energy at The Monument proves that Black Hills Con is a powerful force that brings people together. The event was scheduled to continue through Sunday from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m.
Per grew up in Sioux Falls and graduated from South Dakota Mines. He found his passion for weather reporting by the impact it has on the community, both in how people work and how it brings people together through severe weather preparation. He also has a passion for preventing health issues with Air Quality Index awareness. Per can be found enjoying outdoor activities in the Black Hills when the weather allows.
