Free Comic and Toy Show Coming to Crossroads Center in St. Cloud This Weekend

(KNSI) – Pokémon cards, comic books and action figures will fill Crossroads Center this weekend when a free traveling carnival of pop culture makes its latest stop in St. Cloud.

Submitted by John Wells

The St. Cloud Comic and Toy Show, presented by QuadCon, runs Saturday and Sunday, October 3rd and 4th, during regular mall hours. Event coordinator John Wells told KNSI News there’s no admission charge, and the show is meant to feel like the smaller collector shows he grew up with.

“There’s all those huge mega shows with all the celebrities and giveaways and panel discussions, but we’re not that. We’re just a show that brings out these pop culture vendors, and that’s what we do.”

About 64 vendor spots will be spread around the entire mall, with dealers from six states selling comics, trading cards, posters, action figures, statues, anime and manga. Wells says a few comic book and Pokémon dealers only set up at QuadCon shows. Buyers will also be on site for anyone looking to sell old vinyl records, comics, magazines, video games or DVDs.

Wells explained that what collectors are chasing has changed over the years. “Right now, with the 30th anniversary of Pokémon happening, it is mainstream. Everybody seems to be really into the Pokémon stuff, and it is a generational thing.”

He says Pokémon collectors range from kids as young as four to adults in their 50s, and this year’s show will have vendors selling Pokémon plush, video games and cards. Star Wars, Star Trek and Marvel fans will find plenty as well.

On Saturday, anyone in costume can enter a free costume parade for a chance to win $50 or $100 gift cards to spend with vendors at the show. Signups start around 1:30 p.m. in the courtyard near Target. Wells says the last St. Cloud contest drew about 25 entries.

Parking and admission are both free.

This will be the show’s fifth stop at the mall in about four years, and it moves around throughout the year.

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