Gathering of the Geeks

Peter Parker, “photographer” of the elusive Spiderman, was my alias Saturday as I made my way around the second Geek Gathering in Sheffield. The two-day event was hosted at the Sheffield Recreation Center by co-owners John and Cori Alsbrooks. “Geeks” from all over the South showed off their costumes and sold their wares to other convention-goers.

Many UNA students and alumni took part in the event as vendors and cosplayers. Former student Christina Clark drew much attention dressed as Michonne from “The Walking Dead.” Clark was even able to take a photograph with one of Michonne’s pet “walkers” from the show and given autographs with other characters from the show.

Other costumes included Kingpin, Harley Quinn, several Maleficents and many, many others. Monica Haddock, who dressed as one of the Maleficents, won the female costume contest hosted by podcaster Chip Valentine and ChipatNite.com. A fully mobile Dalek from the “Doctor Who” series won the male costume contest.

Other entertainment included Clara Belle and the Creeps, decked out in zombie makeup, and Doctor Osborn, a balloon artist who uses his mad scientist persona to entertain convention-goers. Before the end of the day, he had me wearing a viking helmet complete with braids — all made out of balloons, of course.

Held on the top floor of the recreation center were panels with the special guests of the convention, as well as gaming tournaments provided by For The Win game store of Florence.