A scene from the 2024 ValleyCon at the Valley Park Conference Center.
ValleyCon, a pop culture convention fundraiser for Zoology Zone Science Center, will be returning for a second year. The inaugural event, which was the first of its kind to be held in Putnam County, was attended by close to 1,200 people.
The 2025 ValleyCon will be held from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m. on Saturday, November 15, at the Valley Park Convention Center in Hurricane. The convention will feature a Magic the Gathering tournament (modern format) starting at 10:30 a.m. and a Pokémon tournament (standard format) starting at 11 a.m. Both events are presented by the Board Room of Hurricane. Fifty percent of proceeds go to support the animals of Zoology Zone, and the rest goes to players’ prizes. Visitors will also get a chance to learn how to play the popular miniature wargame Warhammer 40,000.
Kyber Kai Academy, a local martial arts group which specializes in LED sabre fighting, will be showing off their skills throughout the day. Joey Stepp, comedian and magician, will also be entertaining crowds with jokes and magic tricks.
Ian Bode, a self-taught artist from Charleston, will be the judge of ValleyCon’s art contest, which has been promoted on social media throughout the month of October. Entries will be on display at the convention.
Visitors will also get a chance to meet the reptiles and amphibians of Zoology Zone, which are the reason why the convention exists in the first place.
“ValleyCon is an annual, community driven event, that is donating its proceeds to the Zoology Zone in Hurricane,” says Sara Mick, CEO of ValleyCon and Zoology Zone. “This is the second year ValleyCon has been involved in the growth and sustainability of the zoo, supporting 100+ rescued and surrendered reptiles and amphibians. Not only that, this event is also directly backing several educational programs, activities, and classes offered throughout the Zoology Zone’s organization. ValleyCon is providing the best of both worlds… a chance to get out and enjoy a family friendly con experience, while supporting one of the most unique facilities located right here in the heart of Hurricane! Visitors can expect 60+ vendors, a great selection of food trucks, art contests, gaming tournaments, cosplay competitions, and entertainment for all ages!”
For more information about ValleyCon, check out their Facebook page at https://www.facebook.com/ValleyConWV, or their official website at https://valleycon-hurricanewv.godaddysites.com
Located across from the ValleyPark Convention Center, Zoology Zone serves as both an animal rescue and an educational destination. Visitors to the center can interact with a variety of different reptiles and amphibians, as well as enjoy planned events which focus upon education. The center is open from 3 to 6 p.m. on Fridays; 10 a.m. to 1 p.m. on Saturdays; and 1 to 6 p.m. on Sundays. The center is closed on Mondays through Thursdays for homeschool classes, field trips, and special events.
Zoology Zone is currently holding a Light Their Way fundraiser to help build a winter supply of heat and UVB bulbs for the animals at the center. Those interested in helping out can either make donations or shop from Zoology Zone’s Amazon wishlist. For more information, go to https://zoologyzone.org
From now until November 16, Zoology Zone will be holding a non-perishable food drive to support the Christian Community Cupboard. Donations can be dropped off at a box inside the science center.
ValleyCon has big plans for the coming year. A vendor festival celebrating local crafters and creative entrepreneurs is planned for March 14, 2026, and a sports, cards, and comics show is planned for August 1.
