On Saturday, April 25th, 2026, Greater Fort Erie Secondary School hosted its annual Fancon event, transforming the school into a vibrant convention space filled with artists, creators, authors, game developers, and local vendors. The carnival-style event attracted hundreds of students throughout the day and celebrated creativity, collaboration, and artistic passion.
One of the key organizers of the event, Christian Kentie, explained that Fancon was created to reconnect conventions with their original purpose: fostering creativity and community rather than prioritizing profit. Kentie described the event as being focused on bringing “passion to profession,” encouraging young artists and creators to explore careers in creative industries.
He emphasized the importance of maintaining an accessible and welcoming atmosphere, noting that the convention’s free admission removes financial barriers for students interested in art, media, and entertainment. Kentie also highlighted the value of the event’s film, television, and art stations, which provided students with practical resources and insight into creative career pathways that are often difficult for beginners to enter.
Among the featured vendors was The Frugal Dutchman, a local shop specializing in comics, trading cards, miniatures, antiques, and other pop culture collectibles. The vendor described the store as “a geek’s dream,” offering both mainstream and niche forms of entertainment for collectors and hobbyists alike.
The employee explained that this was not her first time participating in Fancon and that she always enjoys interacting with students and showcasing the store’s most unique products. She noted that one of her favourite aspects of the job is organizing and displaying rare and exciting items for visitors to discover, particularly for those who are passionate about both classic and emerging forms of media culture.
Another major attraction at Fancon was the opportunity for students to speak directly with independent video game developers. Several developers shared insight into the challenges and rewards of creating original games.
One developer discussed a two-player science fiction game built around asymmetric gameplay mechanics. She described the development process as stressful due to tight deadlines, but explained that seeing her artwork integrated into the final product made the experience rewarding.
A second developer presented a fast-paced action game in which players defend against waves of automatons using industrial machinery such as hydraulic presses and factory tools. He explained that game development required managing a demanding workload, but he enjoyed watching the project gradually come together as each component was completed and integrated into the final game.
The final developer showcased a narrative horror game set in a mysterious 1950s diner filled with supernatural creatures and hidden secrets. He explained that one of the greatest challenges in large-scale game development is communication and coordination among team members. Despite these difficulties, he described collaboration and teamwork as the most rewarding part of the creative process.
Overall, GFESS Fancon provided students with a unique opportunity to engage with professionals in creative industries while exploring art, gaming, storytelling, and pop culture. The event not only entertained attendees but also inspired many students to consider future opportunities in creative fields.
By Nicholas Darukhanawalla and Connor Clark