Pop culture junkies gather as Fan Expo kicks off in Vancouver

A three-day showcase for all things pop culture kicked off at the Vancouver Convention Centre this weekend.

Andrew Moyes, vice-president of Fan Expo, says upwards of 25,000 people are expected to attend this year’s event.

“We’re seeing bigger and bigger names come in, Elijah Wood is coming this year, Adam Savage is going to be here, Danny Trejo as well, that’s just scratching the surface of the stardom that we’re bringing in here,” he said

Some of the celebrities this year include Elijah Wood, Adam Savage, Bruce Campbell, Danny Trejo, and Kathleen Herles — the voice of Dora the Explorer.

“This is my first time here in Vancouver and for a Fan Expo we’re excited to be in Vancouver,” Herles said.

“I love meeting all of the fans! it’s so much fun!” she said, slipping into her Dora voice. “I’m loving Vancouver but I have to still watch out for that sneaky fox, Swiper. He’s always trying to swipe my stuff. And if I see him I have to say, ‘Swiper — no swiping’ three times.”

Moyes says both their VIP and three-day passes sold out ahead of time.

“Fans recognise that there’s really no replacement for this in person celebration,” he said.

CityNews spoke to many cosplayers, including one fan dressed as a Robot from one of his favorite animes.

“Been (coming) here a few years, I’ve seen all different kinds of transitions,” he said. “It was really sad when COVID did happen a few years ago, but it’s good to see everybody gathered around and having a good time.”

The event includes fan meetups, celebrity Q&As, and hundreds of game, toy, and t-shirt retailers.

Fan Expo runs at the Vancouver Convention Centre from Feb. 17 to 19.