SMYRNA — A wave of excitement filled the Smyrna Community Center as families from across the county gathered for the city’s third annual Kid-Con, an event that combines the magic of literature with the thrill of pop culture. The free event, hosted by the Smyrna Public Library, brought in hundreds of parents and children eager to meet beloved characters, take part in creative activities, and explore the world of storytelling in an interactive way.
A Celebration of Stories and Imagination
Kid-Con is designed to spark a love for reading among young children while also appealing to fans of pop culture. Smyrna Youth Services Librarian Rebecca Power emphasized the event’s focus on books, storytelling, and community engagement.
“It’s an event for the community that focuses on literature,” Power said. “Visitors are coming and engaging with storybooks that maybe they remember when they were little or are very popular now, and it’s just a fun family event.”
The event primarily targets children under five, but older kids and families are also encouraged to join in on the fun. With a mix of classic and modern characters present, there was something for everyone to enjoy.
From Magic Wands to Super Mario: Hands-On Activities for All
Throughout the community center’s main gymnasium, activity stations buzzed with excitement. Kids could be seen decorating handmade flags, creating fairy doors, and even crafting their own magic wands.
- A color-by-numbers station featuring Super Mario characters kept little hands busy.
- Arts and crafts tables allowed children to design keepsakes inspired by their favorite books.
- Families explored different themed zones based on classic children’s literature and modern favorites.
One of the highlights of the day was the interactive story corner, where librarians read aloud from popular books, bringing stories to life in an engaging way.
Dressing the Part: The Kid-Con Costume Contest
Costumes were a huge part of the celebration, with children and parents dressing up as their favorite characters from books, movies, and TV shows. The Kid-Con costume contest gave attendees a chance to showcase their creative outfits while competing for individual and family prizes.
Smyrna resident Violet Rickerson, 9, fully embraced the theme by dressing as Hermione Granger from the beloved “Harry Potter” series. Her enthusiasm for both books and Kid-Con was evident. “I love the books so much! I’ve read them all, and this is my favorite costume ever,” she said excitedly.
Meanwhile, three-year-old Mableton resident Isaiah Miller took a different approach, dressing as Daniel Tiger from the popular animated children’s series. Standing beside a life-sized Ash from “Pokémon,” he grinned for photos, soaking in the fun atmosphere.
Growing Stronger Each Year
Kid-Con first launched in 2019, but like many events, it was put on hold in 2020 and 2021 due to the pandemic. It made a comeback in the fall of 2023 and was shifted to spring this year to attract a larger crowd. The move appears to have worked, as attendance numbers exceeded previous years, reflecting the community’s enthusiasm for the event.
With a focus on literature, hands-on activities, and a strong sense of community, Kid-Con continues to cement itself as a staple event for Smyrna families. Whether it’s a three-year-old meeting a beloved TV character, a nine-year-old dressing up as her literary hero, or parents reliving childhood memories through their children, the event is proving that stories—both on the page and on the screen—bring people together.
