Kyber Kai Academy performed several demonstrations of LED saber fighting throughout the day at ValleyCon. Based out of Shaolin Do Martial Arts of Nitro, Kyber Kai practices a fusion between traditional martial arts and LED saber fighting styles. The organization has been active for 6 years, and is currently taking students 18 years and older for both their combat and choreography teams.

Hurricane’s very first comic convention was held this past Saturday, November 16, at Valley Park Convention Center. The event, which was a fundraiser for the Zoology Zone Science Center, featured a plethora of games, vendors, and activities geared towards fans of comics, cryptids, superheroes, science fiction, fantasy, and other interests which fall under the umbrella of geek culture. The convention was a smash success, drawing a total of 1,190 people.

ValleyCon featured video game tournaments hosted by Game Grove, a game store located in Putnam Village Shopping Center, as well as various table top games and a virtual shooting range. “I am so happy to see that the esports did as well as it did,” said Ramsey Harki of Game Grove, an event sponsor as well as organizer. “A lot of people were involved in the tournaments – even people who do not normally play in tournaments. The Mario Cart Youth – kids from 5 to 12 – were adorable.”

The convention also featured trivia and cosplay contests; discussion panels; and LED saber fighting demonstrations by Kyber Kai and Imperial Legion. Henlo Press, a local publishing house, was one of the vendors at the convention; Stephen Bias, a Henlo representative, led a discussion panel on writing.

“It brought us the utmost joy and heartfelt excitement to see the community gather at the first annual ValleyCon in support of the Zoology Zone Science Center,” stated Sarah Mick, one of the event organizers. “I want them to know that they are the reason our facility exists! We are humbled and grateful for their kindness, generosity, and presence. Every person that walked through those doors was paying an important role in providing the best care for our animals and endless possibilities in programming and teaching opportunities. Thanks to funding from several organizations and local sponsors, we will now be able to complete permanent enclosures for two of our biggest residents! It’s a blessing to be able to serve our community through education, conservation, science, and art! We hope to continue this journey with exponential growth and new adventures! Stay with is… We have BIG THINGS coming soon! Bring on ValleyCon 2025!”

The other organizers and sponsors of ValleyCon marveled at the success of their first event. A birds of prey exhibit hosted by Three Rivers Avian Center had nearly 500 visitors alone. Those involved in planning the convention’s activities and exhibits tried to ensure that there was something for everyone to enjoy, from sci-fi and fantasy geeks to reptile aficionados, to food truck fans. With almost 1,200 people in attendance, the convention was indeed a popular one.

“By noon there were 600 people. The food trucks sold out of food by 1 p.m. and had to restock. It blew our expectations out of the water,” said Chris Francis of Element 304, another event sponsor and organizer. “I think this was an absolutely massive success. It exceeded our expectations The thing I loved the most was how many people said that they were happy to have something like this in the valley. Keep an eye out for 2025, because we hope to bring more events to this area.”

“We are so impressed by the local community for how well we did packing this place with convention goers,” said Ramsey Harki. “Just under 1,200 attendees is insane for a first convention. We are so happy everyone came out to show their support. I cannot wait to do it next year, but better. What we heard the most today – we need something like this in this area – something nerdy to go to and have fun with the family.”

Proceeds from ValleyCon went to the Zoology Zone Science Center, West Virginia’s only dedicated reptile and amphibian rescue. Because of the convention’s success, the Zoology Zone will be able to create new exhibits, build more reptile and amphibian habitats, and expand into a new wing of the building.