Sara and Greg Mick – and Britney, a 14-foot Burmese python – are excited about the upcoming ValleyCon pop culture convention and welcome the public to visit the Zoology Zone Science Center.

An exciting new event is coming to Teays Valley – ValleyCon, Hurricane’s very first comic and pop culture convention! A fundraiser for the Zoology Zone Science Center, the convention will be held on Saturday, November 16, from 10 a.m. to 8 p.m. at the Valley Park Convention Center.

West Virginia has a large fanbase of people who are interested in pop culture, comics, anime, gaming, cosplay, and other fannish pursuits. While Kanawha and Cabell Counties have their share of conventions, including the Huntington Comic Con, CharCon Gaming Convention, and the Tsubasacon Anime Convention, ValleyCon will be the first event of its type held in Putnam County.
ValleyCon will feature video game tournaments hosted by Game Grove, the popular gaming store located in Putnam Village Shopping Center. Video games include Mario Cart, Smash Bros, Street Fighter, and EA Sports College Football 25. Those interested in joining the video game tournament should contact Game Grove at (304) 207-0809. Blue Falcon Gaming and Rt. 60 Man Gaming will be hosting tabletop games. There will also be a virtual marksman range.

Some of ValleyCon’s other main events include a cosplay contest, and Imperial Legion Star Wars lightsaber battles and training. There will be panels and workshops, an artist alley, local book authors, and children’s activities. The convention will also feature 40 vendors geared towards comics, collectibles, sports cards, crafts, and video games, as well as multiple food trucks. There will also be activities held at the Zoology Zone Science Center.

“This is an opportunity for foodies, nerds, and reptile enthusiasts,” said Greg Mick, one of the convention volunteers. “There is something for all ages.”

ValleyCon’s main sponsors are Game Grove of Putnam Village and Element 304, a Teays Valley based company which specializes in 3D printed miniatures. Game Grove and Element 304 have been instrumental in organizing the convention and supporting the Zoology Zone Science Center.

Tickets for the convention are $5 at the door, with everyone under the age of 18 having free admission. For more information about ValleyCon, go to https://zoologyzone.org/information or https://www.facebook.com/ValleyConWV

Proceeds from ValleyCon will go towards the Zoology Zone Science Center, which is located across the green from Valley Park Convention Center. Monies raised will help create new exhibits, reptile and amphibian habitats, and expansion projects.

The Zoology Zone is West Virginia’s only dedicated reptile and amphibian rescue, and currently cares for over 80 animals. Many of the reptiles and amphibians are rescues from the tristate area. Reptiles and amphibians are not protected under the same laws as other animals, and need a safe haven. Some owners surrender their animals when they realize that they can no longer provide for them, and occasionally animals escape from their enclosures and find themselves far from home. Unfortunately, many reptiles and amphibians are rescued from animal cruelty situations, or are abandoned by their owners.

Some of the animals which come to the center can be adopted out, while others become permanent ambassadors of the zoo. The Zoology Zone has many success stories of rehomed animals. They try to turn bad situations around and give these creatures happy endings.

The Zoology Zone offers several education programs, such as classes for home school students, family friendly workshops, art classes, and sensory friendly activities.

“It is important to us that we are all inclusive,” says Sara Mick, Zoology Zone Director of Operations.

The center also participates in field trips – sometimes ambassador animals are brought to local schools, and sometimes student groups come to the center to meet the animals. Many members of the community benefit from the programs offered by Zoology Zone Science Center.

For more information about Zoology Zone, go to https://zoologyzone.org