Come Out To 'Cosplay' This Sunday At Toyz N' Cosplay Con

OAK LAWN, IL -- Show off your cosplay this Sunday, March 10, at the Toyz N Cosplay Con, featuring contests, toy vendors and loads of fun. The con will be held from 9 a.m. to 2 p.m. at the Oak Lawn Community Pavilion, 9401 S. Oak Park Ave., Oak Lawn. Children and adults are encouraged to come dressed as their favorite alter-ego, or just come out and peruse the toys from 30 to 50 years ago.

Over 80 tables of Funko Pops, action figures, Star Wars comics, Hot Wheels, Barbies, sports collectibles, movie figures, posters, gaming, artists, authors, WWF/WWE and more will be featured at this one-day-only family event. Special guest Philo Barnhart, creator of “The Little Mermaid,” will be signing autographs on Mermaid-related memorabilia in celebration of the film’s 30th anniversary.

Highlighting the con are cosplay contests for children at 12:30 p.m., followed by a contest for adults at 1 p.m. First, second and third place trophies will be awarded, along with prizes for best in show and best group. Registration is free.

Cosplay is the practice of dressing as a character, usually from pop culture, and bringing it to life. Sunday’s con is produced by Donna Grazys, of Oak Forest, who puts on three shows per year. Grazys spent 30 years as a toy vendor working the comic and toy show con circuit. She’s been known to dress as Poppy the Troll, the Joker's girlfriend Harley Quinn, or Ursula from “The Little Mermaid.”

“It’s a stress reliever,” Grazys said. “If you hate your job during the week, you can put on a costume of one of your idols, or incorporate it into your own character and bring it to life.”

This will be Toyz N' Cosplay’s first time at the Oak Lawn Pavilion. Grazys says the interest of cosplayers and vendors has been overwhelming.

“This will be our biggest show to date,” Grazys said.

Rick Goldschmidt, the official Rankin-Bass historian, Chimera Comics, and Suburban Party Characters in Crestwood, will also be on hand this Sunday. Admission to ToyzNCosplay Con is $5 for adults; and $3 for children 10 and under. Kids under 3 are free, as are military members and first responders (with ID). Keep up with ToyzNCosplay Con happenings on Facebook.