'Find that sense of belonging': 100K turn out for Calgary Comics and Entertainment Expo
Calgary's Comics and Entertainment Expo saw more than 100,000 science fiction, supervillains, superheroes and comic book enthusiasts blast the doors off the BMO Centre for the 16th annual event.
Hundreds of vendors crammed inside the exhibition hall, selling merchandise and memorabilia, along with some celebrities taking pictures and signing autographs for the supportive fans.
“I just love seeing everyone's creativity and seeing the effort and their costume ship,” said expo fan Avalin Hamilton.
“It's really cool.”
Hamilton was dressed as Juliet Starling from Chainsaw Lollipop.
She along with her friends Matteo Fontana and Ivy Edwards say the event is their favourite in the city.
Cosplayers at the Calgary Comics and Entertainment Expo.
“I love seeing everybody here,” said Fontana.
“The environment is so grand you see these amazing cosplays and you get to meet your favorite voice actors. So I personally love it here.”
Organizers say 16,000 fans attended the parade down Stephen Avenue on Thursday.
The event competes with some of the biggest in the world.
“It’s based on passion,” said vice president of Fan Expo HQ, Andrew Moyes.
“You can't get this sort of energy and excitement through a digital medium. People want to see each other they want to celebrate the characters together and find that connection and find that sense of belonging too.”
Moyes adds that a successfully event keeps some businesses afloat.
“There are hundreds of retailers here, hundreds of artists to, that are bringing one of a kind, unique pieces that you can only get here at the expo and it’s a huge impact for those vendors,” said Moyes.
“A lot of local vendors. This is where they make their year”
For staff at Comic Traders, their booth is more around fan interaction, focusing much of their sales online.
After attending Megacon in Orlando, FL, the event in Calgary is even more special.
“This is important weekend for us because it's in our hometown,” said Steven Ferguson.
“We do comic cons all over the world, but doing the one in our hometown is a lot of fun.”
Fan Expo HQ says plans are underway for 2024 with tickets already on sale.
CTVNews.ca Top Stories
Threat of U.S. government shutdown ends as Congress passes a temporary funding plan and sends it to Biden
The threat of a U.S. federal government shutdown ended late Saturday, hours before a midnight deadline, as Congress approved a temporary funding bill to keep agencies open and sent the measure to President Joe Biden to sign.
Blue Jays secure playoff berth
The Toronto Blue Jays are returning to the post-season. Toronto secured an American League playoff spot when the visiting Texas Rangers beat the Seattle Mariners 6-1 tonight.
Pierre Poilievre called out for Truth and Reconciliation Day photos with Inuk elder
Conservative Leader Pierre Poilievre found himself the subject of online criticism after posting photos with an Inuk elder alongside a caption about meeting with Algonquin elders on the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Canada marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with events across country
Seas of orange flooded events across the country on Saturday as Canadians gathered to acknowledge systemic oppression of Indigenous people and observe the third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
Jury acquits delivery driver of main charge in shooting of YouTube prankster
A jury on Thursday found a delivery driver not guilty in the shooting of a YouTube prankster who followed him around a mall food court earlier this year.
W5
W5 Ferraris worth nearly $1M seized from Edmonton men linked to Pivot Airlines drug-smuggling scandal
Two Edmonton men at the centre of an international cocaine-trafficking scandal that led to the detainment of a Canadian airline crew in the Dominican Republic last year are back in the spotlight. They're facing numerous charges after police seized a pair of stolen Ferraris worth roughly $1 million.
Can you watch 'Toy Story Funday Football' in Canada?
The NFL is airing a special animated broadcast featuring 'Toy Story' characters when the Atlanta Falcons play the Jacksonville Jaguars on Sunday.
Scientist rediscover bat that hasn't been seen in 100 years
After first being captured over a century ago, scientists have re-discovered a species of bat that hasn't been seen since 1916.
'Reconciliation is a lifelong experience': Gov. Gen. Mary Simon reflects on Truth and Reconciliation
On the third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Gov. Gen. Mary Simon says that while she acknowledges the time it takes to fulfill calls to action, she also understands the frustrations that progress is too slow, and she feels 'we should speed things up.'
Edmonton
-
Here's how Edmontonians marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
From a new garden on the Alberta Legislature Grounds, to cultural performances and history lessons – people in the Edmonton area marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with different events over the weekend.
-
Head of Canadian Ukrainian group defends man who fought for unit created by Nazis
The president of the Ukrainian National Federation of Canada is defending a Second World War veteran of a Nazi unit who was recently lauded as a hero in Canada's Parliament.
-
Two killed in bear attack at Banff National Park, grizzly euthanized: Parks Canada
Parks Canada says a bear attack in Alberta's Banff National Park has left two people dead.
Vancouver
-
Optimism, gratitude, and painful memories at B.C. events on Orange Shirt Day
Thousands of British Columbians donned orange shirts and listened attentively at events marking the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, with many Indigenous leaders expressing appreciation and optimism that the country is at a turning point.
-
'A hole in the hearts of so many': Langley football club dedicates game to slain officer
The Langley Rams football club started its game Saturday with an acknowledgement of National Day of Truth and Reconciliation and a tribute to Const. Rick O’Brien.
-
North Vancouver sisters are among the country's top pickleball players
Angie and Alex Walker were both drafted in the inaugural Canadian National Pickleball League — Angie was the top pick and Alex was picked eighth.
Atlantic
-
'Introduction to some of the harder conversations': UPEI marks a week of Truth and Reconciliation
The University of Prince Edward Island marked the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with a ceremony Friday, which is part of a week of events leading up to Truth and Reconciliation Day and Treaty Day, organized through the university’s Mawi’omi Centre.
-
Nearly half of Canadians have no plans to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
A new survey found that 48 per cent of Canadians say they won’t be taking any specific action to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
-
P.E.I. lowers flags, gives experiential history lesson on Truth and Reconciliation Day
Truth and Reconciliation Day started in Charlottetown with a flag lowering ceremony, before going to UPEI to do a meaningful exercise.
Vancouver Island
-
International student drowns while swimming in Thetis Lake
A swimmer drowned in Thetis Lake Friday afternoon, according to West Shore RCMP.
-
'Reconciliation is a lifelong experience': Gov. Gen. Mary Simon reflects on Truth and Reconciliation
On the third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, Gov. Gen. Mary Simon says that while she acknowledges the time it takes to fulfill calls to action, she also understands the frustrations that progress is too slow, and she feels 'we should speed things up.'
-
B.C. tech holding company Tiny buys majority stake in film review platform Letterboxd
Tech holding company Tiny Ltd. says it's buying a majority stake in movie review platform Letterboxd. Victoria, B.C.-based Tiny has not shared what it will pay for the 60 per cent stake it will take in the film diary and rating website.
Toronto
-
Blue Jays secure playoff berth
The Toronto Blue Jays are returning to the post-season. Toronto secured an American League playoff spot when the visiting Texas Rangers beat the Seattle Mariners 6-1 tonight.
-
Nearly half of Canadians have no plans to mark National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
A new survey found that 48 per cent of Canadians say they won’t be taking any specific action to recognize National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
-
Man stabbed during carjacking in North York: police
One person has been injured after being stabbed during a carjacking in North York.
Montreal
-
Hundreds march in Montreal on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
An orange tide flowed through the streets of Montreal on Saturday afternoon as part of a march to mark the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation. Hundreds of people gathered at the foot of Mount Royal in the early afternoon before marching to Place du Canada in downtown Montreal.
-
CHUM brings back mask mandate as COVID-19 cases rise
Amid a rise in COVID-19 cases, the University of Montreal Hospital (CHUM) is bringing back its mask mandate starting Monday. The rule applies to anyone entering a patient’s room or care area—including visitors, staff and physicians, a CHUM spokesperson confirmed in a statement to CTV News on Saturday.
-
STM special constables to carry gel form of pepper spray to deal with violence in metro
The Societe de transport de Montreal (STM) is equipping special metro constables with a gel form of pepper spray to deal with violence. The irritant would be used "as a last resort in cases where safety is at stake," said an STM spokesperson in a statement Friday.
Ottawa
-
NEW THIS MORNINGNEW THIS MORNING University of Ottawa 'PandaFest' hopes to keep partiers from spilling onto streets
The annual Panda Game between the University of Ottawa Gee-Gees and the Carleton Ravens football teams takes place today and both universities are hoping to keep the parties surrounding it civil.
-
Here's how much longer this summerlike weather in Ottawa is expected to last
The calendar says it's the last day of September, but the weather forecast feels much more like summer.
-
Local groups in Ottawa mark 3rd National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Orange t-shirts were a common sight in Ottawa on Saturday as thousands commemorated the third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation in Canada.
Kitchener
-
'The hard work is yet to come': Waterloo Region marks third national day for Truth and Reconciliation
A sea of orange filled the streets of Kitchener Saturday morning as the sound of drummers and singers emanated throughout the city’s downtown core.
-
'Education is the first step': True North Reconciliation Walk comes to Waterloo
The True North Reconciliation Walk gave locals a chance to reflect and remember in a tranquil environment.
-
New mural at Laurier University showcasing Indigenous culture
A community collaboration at Wilfrid Laurier University is shining a brighter light on Indigenous culture.
Saskatoon
-
Saskatoon hosts 'Rock Your Roots' Walk for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
In Saskatoon, this important day began with a remarkable display of unity as thousands of individuals came together for the "Rock Your Roots Walk."
-
BC Lions extend Riders losing streak to four
The Saskatchewan Roughriders continued their losing slide against the BC Lions falling 33-26 Friday night, marking their fourth consecutive loss of the year.
-
Prince Albert police officer faces assault charges
A Prince Albert Police Service (PAPS) officer is facing charges in connection with two separate incidents.
Northern Ontario
-
Circle gathering on National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
Young and old gathered in a circle around a sacred fire on Saturday in Espanola in support of reconciliation.
-
Canada marks National Day for Truth and Reconciliation with events across country
Seas of orange flooded events across the country on Saturday as Canadians gathered to acknowledge systemic oppression of Indigenous people and observe the third annual National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
-
Worker who died at Cote Gold Mine in Gogama was found unconscious
A worker who was found unconscious Friday at the Cote Gold Mine site in Gogama has died, officials said Friday.
Winnipeg
-
'Wear your shirt throughout the year': Winnipeg marks third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation
A sea of orange flowed through downtown Winnipeg Saturday for the National Day for Truth and Reconciliation.
-
'A mixed-emotion day': Day of Reflection honours Sixties Scoop victims
As Manitobans marked the third National Day for Truth and Reconciliation, an event in Winnipeg's North End remembered Residential School victims and those affected by the Sixties Scoop.
-
A look back through some of Manitoba’s past election history
CTV News Winnipeg was delving through the rabbit hole of past elections, finding facts that Manitobans may have not known.
Regina
-
'Take away a greater understanding': Events held in Regina for National Day of Truth and Reconciliation
The colour orange was a common colour donned on Saturday, as hundreds braved the rainy conditions to take part in the third National Truth and Reconciliation Day.
-
Regina's German community celebrates Oktoberfest
On Saturday, Regina’s German community celebrated Oktoberfest, an event held at the German Club.
-
BC Lions extend Riders losing streak to four
The Saskatchewan Roughriders continued their losing slide against the BC Lions falling 33-26 Friday night, marking their fourth consecutive loss of the year.
