Feb. 23, 2022

Pensacon 2022: A Celebration of Pop Culture and Dreams Come True

Pensacon 2022: A Celebration of Pop Culture and Dreams Come True

Pensacon is a convention that brings together fans of comic books, movies, television, and more to celebrate their love of pop culture. Held annually in Pensacola, Florida, the event features a variety of activities, including celebrity guest appearances, panel discussions, workshops, and much more. This year, Pensacon 2022 was held from February 18th – February 20th and was a fantastic celebration of all things pop culture.

This year the FANtastic People Podcast team, Regan Bell and Christian Jones, ran into previous podcast guests Miguel Aldahondo, Christina Aldahondo, Lauren Strickland, Steve Wise, and Derek Diamond at Pensacon 2022. It was a reunion filled with laughter and reminiscing about previous episodes and the love of pop culture that brought them all together.

In addition to meeting up with previous podcast guests and generally enjoying the con Regan had the opportunity to meet one of his childhood idols, Nick Carter of the Backstreet Boys. They had a heartwarming conversation about being a guy and growing up as a fan of the Backstreet Boys, and Nick acknowledged the fact that young fans, including boys, were often bullied for their love of the group. Regan was inspired by the Backstreet Boys at the age of 6 in a way that influenced his life, education, and career for decades.

 

In addition to meeting Nick Carter, Regan also got dug out an original Power Rangers poster that he had stashed away in his mom’s garage, which he was able to get signed by three of the original Mighty Morphin Power Rangers: Kimberly Hart (Pink), played by Amy Jo Johnson, Billy Cranston (Blue), played by David Yost, and Adam Park (Black), played by Johnny Young Bosch. This was a dream come true for Regan and a moment he will never forget.

Speaking of the Power Rangers, Cosplay and costuming were a huge part of Pensacon, with fans of all ages and skill levels coming dressed as their favorite characters from comic books, movies, and television. The cosplay contest was a highlight of the event, with fans competing for prizes in categories such as Best in Show, Most Creative, and Best Group.

 

Pensacon 2022 was not just confined to the convention center. In fact, local restaurants and bars also got in on the fun by decorating with different themes to add to the overall atmosphere of the event and provide fans with a unique and immersive experience. Specifically, The Fish House was decorated in a Harry Potter theme and its sister restaurant, The Atlas, was decorated in a Star Trek Theme.

In between Panels, Cosplay Contests, and eating & drinking around town, attendees kept their feet busy walking the vendor floor which was packed with vendors selling everything from comic books and graphic novels to movie and television merchandise. Fans were able to browse through rows of stalls and find that perfect item to add to their collection.

 

Pensacon 2022 was a fantastic celebration of all things pop culture. From the celebrity guest appearances and panel discussions to the cosplay and costuming, there was something for every fan. The vendor hall was packed with vendors selling everything from comic books to movie merchandise, and local restaurants and bars added to the overall atmosphere of the event. Fans left the convention feeling inspired and grateful for the unforgettable experience, and are already looking forward to Pensacon 2023.