By Ed Sum
(The Vintage Tempest)
Two more fandom events in Victoria and Vancouver, BC have confirmed they won’t be taking place in 2021. They made the announcement this week, and the list may continue to grow. Potential fatalities on this list include Sidney, BC’s Van Isle Comic Con and Westshore’s Phenomacon; little activity exists on their social media channels.
Capital City Comic Con decided February of this year–a weird call only a month away from their traditional date–and the sister event, Victoria BC’s Ultimate Hobby & Toy Fair, is not happening for the spring season. If restrictions lift for Autumn, this event may take place. But that depends on how many people are vaccinated as the pandemic is well into its second year. The good news is that the dates for 2022 have been booked. To keep up with the situation, please visit their Facebook page.
Over the strait, Fan Expo Vancouver announced they will continue in Feb 19-21, 2022 and hopefully no other events will take place at the same time at the convention centre. The 2000 edition had a minor building overflow problem with another gathering taking place in the space above. The main floor is terrific for panels and the like, and with its bigger rooms, social distancing can be maintained as not all restrictions are likely to lift.
Vancouver’s Retro Gaming Expo made the tough decision back in November 2020 to not continue for 2021. This city’s Anime Revolution and Evolution have gone quiet, and it’s safe to assume they won’t be taking place this year either. SHUX is tentative on their date, but no formal announcement has been made if it will occur.
The countdown is on! Cosplayers have more time to fine tune and make their wear as best as they can be, and the silver lining is that with patience, these mass gatherings can resume without restriction. Until everyone are card carrying members of the vaccination club, events in British Columbia aren’t likely to resume in normal capacity, during pre-pandemic times.
