SQUATCHCON 2023 PANELS & WORKSHOPS

Join us at Squatchcon 2023 for inspiring conversations about working in the arts or as a professional artist, developing a relationship with Sasquatch, writing and publishing your work, the business of comics and anime, and the rewards and challenges of cosplay.

Our 2023 panel series is proudly hosted by Red Lion Hotel and sponsored by Anime Kat, Fat Yeti Froyo, and Maitland Manor Bed & Breakfast. Seating is limited so arrive early for the conversations you don’t want to miss!

All workshops are held at our main convention site: Vern Burton Community Center in the meetup room space. Workshops are hands-on activities (vs Q&A panels) and have very limited capacity. The Teen Writing Workshop requires an RSVP.

Your Squatchcon pass grants you access to all panels and workshops.

PANEL SCHEDULE

ALL SQUATCHCON 2023 PANELS LISTED BELOW WILL TAKE PLACE AT RED LION HOTEL PORT ANGELES HARBOR

WORKING IN THE ARTS / AS A PROFESSIONAL ARTIST

Friday, March 31st
5:30 - 7:30PM

A conversation with local artists and arts industry leaders. Learn from their professional experiences, discover local opportunities and resources, and ask your own questions

This panel is made possible with support from Maitland Manor Bed & Breakfast

LEARN MORE.

BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP WITH SASQUATCH

Saturday, April 1st
9:00 - 10:30AM

Ancient benevolent Beings known widely as Sasquatch are patiently waiting for humans to connect with them on a higher level. In this presentation we will raise the bar on “Sasquatch research” and demonstrate a new way. Hosted by Judy Carroll, www.heartofthehoh.com

This panel is made possible with support from Fat Yeti Froyo

LEARN MORE

WRITING & PUBLISHING

Saturday, April 1st
1:00 - 2:30PM

Learn from editors and published writers about getting your ideas on to paper, and what happens next! Hosted with support of editors and writers from Untreed Reads.

LEARN MORE

WORKING IN COMICS & ANIME

Saturday, April 1st
11:00AM - 12:30PM

Talk comics from start to finish. Our comics panel includes comic book artists, comic and anime shop owners, and employees from both Dark Horse and Image Comics!

This panel is made possible with support from Anime Kat

LEARN MORE

COSTUME & COSPLAY

Saturday, April 1st
3:00 - 4:30PM

Want to learn more about creating your own unique cosplay looks? Talk technique, competition, character, and community service with our panel of cosplayers.

LEARN MORE

WORKSHOP SCHEDULE

ALL SQUATCHCON 2023 WORKSHOPS LISTED BELOW WILL TAKE PLACE AT VERN BURTON COMMUNITY CENTER.
All workshops take place in the meetup room space; space is limited!

WRITING SWORDS & SORCERY

Friday, March 31st
2:30 - 4:30PM

Learn techniques for describing real and magical weaponry with authors Michael and Linda Pearce. Limit to 25 attendees, recommended for ages 15+. No RSVPs for this event, please arrive early to secure your spot.

Michael “Tinker” and Linda Pearce are writers, artists, and experts in their respective technology fields, with a knack for telling adventurous stories based on hard science.

HARNESS YOUR CREATIVE MAGIC

Friday, March 31st
4:30 - 6:00PM

Discover skills to hone your creative magic. This workshop is open to creative people of any and all mediums and skill levels. Limit to 25 attendees, recommended for ages 7+. No RSVPs for this event, please arrive early to secure your spot.

Hosted by Naomi Alstrup and Shannon Cosgrove, Co-Founders of Nemesis Theater Productions and PA Panto.

COMIC BOOK MAKING WORKSHOP

Sunday, April 2nd
12:30 - 2:30PM

Learn to make your own original comic! Comic book artist Cammry Lapka will lead attendees in outlining their own short comic and answer questions about the comic making process.

Limit to 25 attendees, recommended for ages 10+. No RSVPs for this event, please arrive early to secure your spot.

WANT MORE?

Squatchcon 2023 will also feature an onsite game room, swaps, meetups, all ages cosplay contest, parties and special events!

TEEN WRITING GROUP

Sunday, April 2nd
10:00AM - 12:00PM

Teen writers are invited to discuss their work and ask questions about the publishing process. Co-hosted by Walt Boyes and Joy Ward, Acquisitions Editors of Untreed Reads.

This exciting opportunity is limited to only 20 young writers 13-17. UPDATE; No prep or RSVP required, writers will be given exercises to do in session.

PANEL: WORKING AS A PROFESSIONAL ARTIST

FRIDAY, MARCH 31ST | 5:30PM - 7:00PM | RED LION HOTEL

Talk with local artists and arts industry leaders about their professional experiences and the opportunities available to emerging artists and arts administrators in the Pacific Northwest. Special thanks to sponsors Maitland Manor Bed & Breakfast

  • Jaiden Dokken (they/them) is a stamp-carver, ceramicist, writer, reader, cidermaker, and highly persistent penpal. They are an Editor and Reader for Perennial Press, and have published work in Fiction International, Algorithm, Muses & Vices, SpeakEasy, Superfroot Magazine, and Pile Press. All of Jaiden’s art is handmade in Sequim with an immense amount of delight.

    Instagram: @jaidendokkenart

  • David Herbelin is Executive Director of Olympic Theatre Arts in Sequim, WA. Prior to this David performed and directed shows at Disney resorts, Walt Disney Imagineering, the San Diego Zoological Society, as well as Cedar Faire. Trained at UCI school of Drama and a Second City Alumni, David was an acting coach for famous comedians and taught Improv for Second City in Los Angeles.

  • Kyle LeMaire is a director, actor, and teaching artist currently serving as the Executive Director of the Juan de Fuca Foundation for the Arts.

    Past experience: Associate Artistic Director/Education Director for Open Arts Alliance, Associate Artistic Director/Business Manager for The Victory Dance Project. Associate Artistic Director for The Other Realm Theatre, and Education Director for The Acting Space in NYC.

    Directing/Acting Credits: The Signature Theatre (NYC), The Cherry Lane (NYC), The Mint (NYC), Musical Theatre Factory (NYC), Soundbite Theatre Festival (NYC), Don't Tell Mammas (NYC), The Duplex (NYC), Virginia Rep (NYC), and TheatreWorks/USA (NYC).

    Television: HBO's Girls and CBS's Bull.

    Teaching Artist: Broadway Triple Threat (NYC), Center for the Performing Arts (New Jersey), Theatre Baton Rouge, and Virginia Rep. Musical Theatre at The New School for Drama, as well as the public school system.

    He is a proud member of Actors Equity Association and SAG/AFTRA.

  • Born in North Carolina to a military family, Daniel was fortunate to grow up in various US states as well as Germany and Japan. This exposure to multiple cultures instilled a broad and versatile aesthetic as well as a love of art from an early age.

    After graduating high school he began his professional career as a silversmith, then goldsmith, painter and sculptor, visual designer and art director.

    After a move to Austin Texas for the express goal of finding his way into the film industry, he created notable sculptural elements for many major films, soon moving on to Los Angeles.

    His film credits include “Texas Chainsaw Massacre II”; “Honey I shrunk the Kids”; “007 License to Kill”, “Stargate”; “Coneheads”; and “Chronicles of Riddick” to name a few.

    Other large scale sculpture installments were completed for themed environments around the globe. Some notable examples are “The Lost City” in South Africa, “Venus Fort” in Tokyo, and “Fountains of the Gods” at Caesars Palace in Las Vegas. Casinos in other states as well as Las Vegas display his work, such as the Luxor, Mandalay Bay and the Winstar (Oklahoma).

    With the advent of the digital revolution, Daniel taught himself computer 2D and 3D skills, including animation. These tools led to contributions as a concept artist and matte painter for film and the video game industry.

    Today Daniel lives in Port Angeles, Washington State where he devotes his creative energies to his passion for painting and sculpting fantasy figures from wood.

  • Kayla Oakes joins the Field Arts & Events Hall team as Director of Education & Artistic Engagement following her tenure as Executive Director of Juan de Fuca Foundation for the Arts. Holding a BFA in Dance from the University of California at Santa Barbara, Kayla maintains a unique artistic lens that compliments over 10 years of administrative leadership experience in the performing arts industry. Kayla has taught ballet, modern and creative movement for many schools including Boise State University, Ballet Idaho Academy, Balance Dance Company, and Eagle Performing Arts Center. She has performed for both Santa Barbara Dance Theatre and Idaho Dance Theatre and was a founding member of Drop Dance Collective. In addition to her artistic roles as a dance educator, choreographer, and performer, Kayla has established a strong background in program development, event planning, communications, grant writing, and education outreach. Making her home in Port Angeles with her husband and two children since 2005, Kayla continues to teach modern technique for The Ballet Workshop school.

PANEL: BUILDING A RELATIONSHIP WITH SASQUATCH

SATURDAY, APRIL 1ST | 9AM - 10:30AM | RED LION HOTEL

Discover a heart intention for the purpose of developing a relationship with ascended Sasquatch teachers. Experience fascinating audio files of click language, drumming, and other vocalizations. Special thanks to sponsors Fat Yeti Froyo.

Ancient benevolent Beings known widely as Sasquatch are patiently waiting for humans to connect with them on a higher level. In this presentation we will raise the bar on “Sasquatch research” and demonstrate a new way. Learn that there are two kinds of Sasquatch - what you put out with your intention is what you attract – your intention either comes from your heart or your head (ego). Attendees will learn heart intention for the purpose of developing a deep connection and relationship with ascended Sasquatch Teachers. You will learn definitive communication methods, including symbolic language techniques and exercises to help you match your energy to these ancient Teachers. Simple meditation skills will also be introduced. Experience fascinating audio files of click language, ancient language, drumming, and other vocalizations. Learn what the Sasquatch Elders are here to teach, as well as how to overcome your own fears for an actual face to face encounter.

Judy Carroll is a passionate clinical pioneer in periodontal medicine, with over 32 years of experience treating and connecting with her patients. Her ground-breaking work in non-invasive endoscopic bone regeneration would become sought out by thousands of patients from all over the world spanning two decades. Judy openly shares her discoveries and research with her colleagues through post graduate courses and mentoring.

On July 31st, 2016, Judy’s life path would change in a significant way when an 8-foot Elder Sasquatch Teacher walked up to her after months of patiently guiding her through her fears during solo outings in the wilderness. He would spend years teaching her the truth about herself, the Sabe/Sasquatch People, and the Trees using a universal symbolic language technique and meditation. Hundreds of trips alone in the wilderness with the Trees and her elder Sasquatch Teacher (Khombe) enabled Judy to gain an education in the “old ways”. She is now ready to bring this knowledge to individuals ready to learn.

Judy became a part of the Squatchcon Planning Committee in late 2022 and is working with event organizers to expand heart-based programming focused on the ancient beings commonly known as Sasquatch. With her support and Khombe's guidance, Squatchcon plans to veer away from the evidencing and tracking-driven world of Sasquatch conventions with a compassionate, more communication-based approach.

To connect with Judy, visit www.heartofthehoh.com

PANEL: WORKING IN COMICS & ANIME

SATURDAY, APRIL 1ST | 11AM - 12:30PM | RED LION HOTEL

Discuss the process of creating, publishing, and selling comic books with the people who are getting it done. Special thanks to panel sponsors Anime Kat.

  • Jenny Blenk (she/they) was born and raised in Sequim, WA. After earning her MA and Certificate in Comics Studies at Portland State University, she worked as a freelance editor before being hired at Dark Horse Comics. She's currently an Associate Editor as well as the internship coordinator, and works on titles like Critical Role, Avatar: The Last Airbender, The Legend of Korra, and Ghostbusters as well as with independent creators like Mike Mignola, Sam Beck, Sara Soler, and many others. Her favorite comics genres are horror, sci-fi/fantasy, and LGBT+. She lives with her spouse, two rabbits, a dog, and too many houseplants, and her favorite food is coffee.

  • Gareth Gaudin is a cartoonist from Victoria, British Columbia who has owned a vintage comic shop for 30 years, written, drawn, and published 286 issues of his comic book series Magic Teeth, and teaches comics and graphic novels at Camosun College.

    His books include The Perogy Cat and The Monster Sisters.

  • Cammry Lapka is a local comic book artist and graphic designer. She's been published across the US with titles like "Black Market Heroine" with Wannabe Press from Los Angeles, "Cat Trails" with Burnt-out Creative in Texas, "Death Nell" with Bad Bug Media in West Virginia and an extensive list of anthologies from multiple publishers and states.

    Currently she is working on some of her own books and plans to have previews available at Squatchcon.

    For more information, visit: www.cammrylapkaart.com

  • Jon Schlaffman is the Specialty Sales Coordinator at Image Comics, one of the largest comics publishers in the country. Jon grew up in Sequim and lived in Port Angeles for a couple of years while attending Peninsula College. After moving from PA to Portland Oregon in 2008, Jon eventually landed at Image in 2018. Along with his coworkers, Jon is a founding member of Comic Book Workers United, the world's first union for people working in the comics industry.

  • Drew Schwab founded and co-owns Anime Kat with his wife Robyn (right). Founded in 2010, Anime Kat is the largest and oldest anime and gaming store on the Olympic Peninsula.

    Drew has been interested in anime and manga since Cowboy Bebop came out in the 90’s (there is an original Faye Valentine animation cel at the store). He is a businessman first and second and spends almost all of Anime Kat’s open hours (and off-hours) at the store.

PANEL: WRITING & PUBLISHIING

SATURDAY, APRIL 1ST | 1PM - 2:30PM | RED LION HOTEL

Learn about the publishing process from working writers and editors. We’ll discuss everything from inspiration to final drafts and what comes next. This panel has been organized with support from Untreed Reads.

  • Walt Boyes is a journalist, analyst and authority on 21st Century manufacturing and automation. He is a Fellow of several scientific organizations both in the US and the UK, and is a member of the Association of Professional Futurists. At night, however, he transforms into the Bananaslug of Baen’s Bar and writes science fiction, fantasy, and alternate history. He was the editor of the Grantville Gazette and Co- Editor in Chief of Ring of Fire Press with Joy Ward, to whom Walt is lucky to be married. In 2022, Walt and Joy joined Untreed Reads Publishing as the acquisition editors of their new SFF/AltHist book imprint. To pay it forward, Walt has been a Director of The Heinlein Society for several years.

  • Shannon Cosgrove is co-owner and sole writer for PA Panto. She is a writer who’s lived on the ONP for 17 years. She has written and produced several successful plays for local audiences, and is currently setting her sights on fiction. She draws endless inspiration from the people around her, usually without them knowing it. When she’s not writing or reclining with her cats, she’s outside.

  • Bailey writes weird, emotive tales about animals, forests, the feminine, the sublime, and, the strangest of all creatures, mankind. Her work has previously been recognized in Ron Howard's Project Imaginat10n and most recently featured in Daily Science Fiction. She currently writes and performs Gabriela & The Inn Between, a scripted fiction podcast set at a vaguely magical, PNW bed and breakfast. When she’s not writing, you can find her sipping down iced coffee, searching for the perfect pinecone, walking barefoot on the beach, and singing folk songs to the seals that pop up to say hello.

    Podcast: https://gabrielaandtheinnbetween.com

    IG: @bailey.loveless

    Podcast IG: @theinnbetweenpodcast

https://michaeltinkerpearce.com
  • Linda Pearce is the Co-author (with her husband Michael Tinker Pearce) of 2 Novellas set in the Foreworld Saga, 'The Shield Maiden,' and 'Tyr's Hammer.' She has also written or co-written several other short stories and the novel - 'Diaries of a Dwarven Rifleman.' The couple published their second novel, "Rage of Angels," a military/Hard science SF story. They have released the full-length sequel to 'Diaries of a Dwarven Rifleman" titled 'Lord of the North' and are currently working on the third book of the series ‘Called to Court.’ She is also writing her own novel, an urban fantasy called ‘City of Gray.’

    Born in New York, raised in San Jose, CA, Linda currently resides with her husband and Co-author Michael Tinker Pearce (a renowned Sword Maker and Medieval European Martial artist) in Seattle, WA.

  • Michael 'Tinker' Pearce lives in Seattle with his wife and co-author Linda. He got the nickname 'Tinker' in the 1980's when he was at various times a soldier, college student, a bodyguard, a private investigator, a meat-carver at a restaurant, a police officer, an illustrator, heavy equipment operator, competition shooter, cover-copy writer, outlaw road-racer, Drill Instructor Candidate, receptionist, executive assistant to the heads of corporate banking at Citycorps, Tobacconist, courier for a currency exchange etc.

    He finally settled down to become a knife and sword maker, specializing in the blades of medieval Europe and the Viking Era. He is the author of 'The Medieval Sword in the Modern World,' and the designer of the CAS Iberia Tinker line of medieval swords and trainers. He is a trained theatrical fighter and choreographer, and a student of Historic European Martial Arts. He co-authored the Foreworld novella 'The Shield Maiden' with his wife Linda in 2012 and the couple released their first novel 'Diaries of a Dwarven Rifleman' in early 2013. They released a sequel novella, 'Diaries of a Dwarven Rifleman: Rear Guard' in September 2013. Their second Foreworld Novella 'Tyr's Hammer' was published in October 2013.

    The couple has released another novel, 'Rage of Angels,' a hard-science military science-fiction story based on the events in 'The Killing Machine' and 'What Happens in Dubai' in 2014. They released 'Lord of the North,' the novel-length sequel to 'Diaries of a Dwarven Rifleman' and are now currently working on ‘Called to Court,' the third novel in the series.

    Michael still makes knives and swords and writes the blog Tinker Talks Guns and has a You Tube channel of the same name.

  • Joy Ward is currently an Acquisitions Editor with Untreed Reads. She focuses on science fiction and fantasy. Joy is also a published author with books released through several publishers, including Baen Books and ArcManor. Her short stories has appeared in numerous anthologies, including her own Dogs and Dragons as well as three anthologies with best selling author Eric Flint. She was the Interview Columnist for mike Reznick’s Galaxy Edge Magazine. Those interviews were combined into Conversations from the Edge.

    Joy has been a journalist and nonfiction editor in both the US and Europe. With over 100 articles in print she has covered politics, technology, social issues and numerous other topics. Add to this mix that Joy spent over two decades as a consumer psychology researcher and consultant and she has covered a lot of ground.

    Joy lives in Port Angeles for her massively talented husband, Walt Boyes, and their three dogs.

PANEL: COSTUME & COSPLAY

SATURDAY, APRIL 1ST | 3PM - 4:30PM | RED LION HOTEL

Back by popular demand! Our most popular panel discussion covers everything costume and cosplay: from researching (or creating) your character to painstakingly planning each detail of your costume. Talk with experienced cosplayers and skilled costume designers and get tips to improve.

  • Christina Gutierrez-Cozine has been involved with theater her entire life and so when she started cosplaying about 8 years ago it seemed completely natural to her. While in theater she was responsible for props, hair, makeup, costumes, and set construction.

    Cosplaying an OC starts by creating a character and a back story, then becoming them. It's art and a form of self-expression. Christina has quite a few different cosplays that she done over the years. From OCs to characters including to Melisandra from Game of Thrones, Dark Phoenix from Uncanny X-Men, and her most well-known cosplay: Tauriel from The Hobbit films.

    Christina’s OC is a Victorian styled plague doctor named her Emmanuella. Emmanuella is a girl's name of Hebrew origin meaning “God is with us.” Though it has come to have almost solely religious connotations, Emanuel was actually originally formed as a secular version of Menahem, meaning “comforter”

    Photo: CMC Photography

  • Walter Lutsch has been wearing the cape and cowl of The Dark Guardian for over 15 years. From visits to local children's hospitals to parades to news segments and of course conventions throughout the Pacific Northwest; his Batsuit has been through pretty much everything. He sends personalized postcards from Batman to kids (or kids at heart) in need and is just a Batsignal away for a good cause. When not wearing the mantle of the Bat, Walter works in higher education, enjoys acting, playing strategy board games, and hiking.

    Photo credit: Geekslair Photography

  • Blake McCabe Paradisco Starr is a master Designer and Creator of Drag costumes, Gowns, Coats, Capes, Cosplay costumes and dancewear. Blake is a drag artist in many realms of drag art. Blake does everything from Marilyn Monroe to the Goblin King. Blake is a conceptual drag performer and detailed Designer and stylist.

    Blake can be found sipping hot tea and sewing when he is not performing all over the pacific Northwest and parts of Oregon. With a passion for bringing queer performance back to his hometown of Port Angeles WA as well as hosting Outrages Family Values and helping to raise money for charities across the PNW. Blake served his community as Prince to Reign 47 of The Imperial Sovereign Court of Seattle and creator of Gay Day at Wild Waves, The PA drag show and Port Angeles Pride Celebration.

    Look for Blake on Face book as Blake McCabe and on Instagram @blakemccabe

  • Richard Stephens has been actively working in fandom for over 30 years and has a deep passion for costuming and cosplay Richard is the wardrobe chair of Port Angeles Community Players and designs costumes for PACP, Olympic Theatre Arts, Peninsula College and elsewhere as well as teaches on topics related to costuming and fashion anthropology.

    "I love sharing practical pointers for young costumers, equipping them with tools that will help them succeed."

    In recent years Richard has branched out to use his costume practice for political protest and activism.

    "The Arts have always been about representation, empathy and advocacy for radical change - Costuming is no less a part of the Visual Arts and we all have a responsibility to use our talents and resources to help other people.”

  • Tia Stephens has been working on costumes since she was old enough to hold a hot glue gun. She loves creating cosplays of her favorite well-known characters or her own original characters. When not working on her latest cosplay, she is playing D&D, gardening, or working on her burlesque act.

  • Kevin "Baelin" Ward has been a member of the Mando Mercs for nearly 14 years. He has held several leadership roles within the club and is currently serving as an ICC Minister. A role that has him representing our members on the club's command council.

    The Mando Costume Club is an international Star Wars costuming organization dedicated to celebrating Mandalorians through the creation, display, and wearing of quality character costumes The Club promotes interest in Star Wars and facilitates the use of their costumes for Star Wars-related events as well as contributing to the local community through costumed charity and volunteer work. Gurreck Clan is the Washington State chapter of the Mando Mercs, and has members all over the state.


YOUTH ICEBALL TOURNAMENT
Apr
10

YOUTH ICEBALL TOURNAMENT

Squatchcon Port Angeles and the Arcade at the Port Angeles Wharf bring you this Youth Iceball Tournament! Show off your iceball skills and compete to win the grand prize! Kids ages 7-14 are invited to compete with parental permission. Registration required.

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SUNDAY POP-UP MARKET
Apr
10

SUNDAY POP-UP MARKET

Squatchcon Pop-up Market! Shop local Olympic Peninsula artists, artisans, makers, collectors and other vendors at the Squatchcon pop-up market. Sunday, April 10, 11AM - 3PM

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COSPLAY COSTUME PARTY & WINNER’S ANNOUNCEMENT
Apr
9

COSPLAY COSTUME PARTY & WINNER’S ANNOUNCEMENT

Squatchcon Port Angeles, in partnership with Anime Kat, JFFA, PA Panto, Port Angeles Fine Arts Center, Strait Up Magazine, Studio Bob, and the Port Angeles Wharf bring you a Cosplay Contest! Compete to win Best Overall Cosplay, Best Handmade Cosplay, and Best Cosplay 12 and Under

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ICEBALL TOURNAMENT
Apr
9

ICEBALL TOURNAMENT

Squatchcon Port Angeles and the Arcade at the Port Angeles Wharf bring you an Iceball Tournament! Show off your iceball skills and compete to win the grand prize!

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PANEL: Costume & Cosplay
Apr
9

PANEL: Costume & Cosplay

Squatchcon Port Angeles presents the “Costume and Cosplay” panel, featuring special guests Donna Barr, Nemesis Theater Productions, PA Panto, Mandalorian Mercs, and Richard Stephens.

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AIR HOCKEY TOURNAMENT
Apr
9

AIR HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

Show off your MarioKart skills and compete for the grand prize as part of the Port Angeles Squatchcon MarioKart Tournament, located at the Arcade at the Port Angeles Wharf

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PANEL: So You Want to Own an Anime Store?
Apr
9

PANEL: So You Want to Own an Anime Store?

Squatchcon Port Angeles and Anime Kat present “So You Wanna Own an Anime Store”. Featuring Drew Schwab, owner of Anime Kat, the oldest anime and gaming store on the Olympic Peninsula. Drew will share his industry knowledge and upstart advice!

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YOUTH AIR HOCKEY TOURNAMENT
Apr
9

YOUTH AIR HOCKEY TOURNAMENT

Squatchcon Port Angeles presents a Youth MarioKart Tournament for gamers aged 7-14! Show off your skills at the Arcade at the Port Angeles Wharf and compete for our grand prize. Registration required, free to play.

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