Join The Fun At BakkenCon: Williston, ND’s First Comic Con Extravaganza

Don't miss out on Williston's inaugural Comic Con, organized by local tattoo artist Casey Baker! BakkenCon is happening from September 6-8th at the Raymond Family Community Center, and it's the place to be for all things comic books, cards, and collectibles.

What Is a Comic Con?

A Comic Con (short for comic convention) is a celebration of pop culture, where fans of comic books, movies, TV shows, games, and more come together. These events typically feature special guests like actors, artists, and writers, as well as activities such as cosplay contests, panels, and gaming events. Whether you're a casual fan or a die-hard enthusiast, Comic Cons offer something for everyone, making them a fun and exciting experience for all ages.

The Inspiration Behind BakkenCon

Last September, while attending Rose City Comic Con in Portland, Casey had a random thought: "Why not bring something like this to Williston?" After working different comic and pop culture conventions for the past 10 years, Baker made many connections with vendors, artists, promoters, and talent managers. When he reached out to a few with his ideas, they were excited to help out however they could. As soon as he got back to town, he started the process of making BakkenCon a reality.

Community Support and Sponsorship

Of course, BakkenCon wouldn’t have gotten off the ground without the help of local sponsors. Full Circle Strength System, Storbakken and Sons, Noble Inc., DKs Lounge, Safe Dig Services, Choice Recovery Counseling, Williston CVB, and Unreal RC all stepped up to support the event. Community is a big part of comic cons, and BakkenCon is Casey’s way of giving back to the Williston community that’s supported him.

Event Schedule:

• Friday, Sept 6th: 4 pm - 10 pm
• Saturday, Sept 7th: 11 am - 10 pm
• Sunday, Sept 8th: Noon - 6 pm

Passes are available at the door, with prices starting as low as $20. Kids ages 9 and under get in free! With cosplay contests, gaming events, and a chance to meet your favorite comic book artists, writers, and celebrity guests, there’s something for everyone at BakkenCon.

Celebrity Guests:

• Ted DiBiase Sr.: WWE Hall of Famer and retired professional wrestler.
• Ming Chen: Known for his work with Kevin Smith’s production company and as the technical expert for The Stash.
• Carla Perez: Famous for playing Rita Repulsa in "Mighty Morphin Power Rangers."
• Michael Sorich: Voice actor for various characters in the Power Rangers franchise and related series.
• Clinton T. Hobart: Fine artist and licensed Disney Fine Artist, featured on major networks like NBC and FOX.
• Perry Saturn: Former professional wrestler with multiple championships across ECW, WCW, WWF/WWE, and TNA.

Comic Artists:

• Victor Dandridge: Writer, publisher, and creator of the U Cre-8 Comics line, making waves in self-publishing.
• Dave Wheeler (aka Dave Wonder): A versatile comic artist and toy designer, co-founder of Mind Wave Comics.
• Will Torres: Creator of "Mr. Venture" and "The Legend of the Vejigante."(CANCELLED)
• Michael Kingston: Writer of "Headlocked," "Tales from the Road," and "Friday Night Bigfoot."

After-Con Events:

• Friday: Trivia at Rivers Edge hosted by celebrity guest Ming Chen and a DJ at DKs for the official after-party.
• Saturday: DJ at DKs for the official after-party and bowling at Strike Zone for those under 21. Show your BakkenCon pass and get a free game of bowling.
• Sunday: Karaoke with Ming Chen at Slater’s after the convention ends.

Get our free mobile app

Top Costume Ideas for BakkenCon:

1. Triceratops Hero: Show off your love for dinosaurs with a comic book twist—an armored Triceratops with superpowers.
2. Williston Warrior: A local superhero protecting the Bakken region with oil-powered gadgets.
3. Classic Comic Icons: Batman, Spider-Man, or Wonder Woman, with a North Dakota winter-ready look.
4. Sci-Fi North Dakota Style: A Jedi from Hoth or a Starfleet officer braving the cold of the final frontier.
5. Fantasy Legends: Characters from "Game of Thrones" or "Lord of the Rings," with a rugged, North Dakota edge.

💥Cosplay Contest💥

• Saturday, Sept 7th
• Sign up for the contest on Friday or Saturday at the convention. Rowan Rose will have a sign-up sheet at her booth. Registration will be available until 2 pm on Saturday.
• Pre-Judging begins at 3 pm on Saturday. If you are not at pre-judging, you will not be able to compete in the contest. The contest starts at 6 pm.
• Rowan will provide all the necessary information when you sign up at the convention. If you've already registered, please stop by her booth to verify you're on the list.

Grab your pass at the door, plan your costume, and get ready to make history at Williston's first-ever BakkenCon!