FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Contact: Shane Gerlach – director@siouxpercon.com
SiouxperCon Gives Away Free Books on Family Day
Sioux Falls, SD – Every child, 10 and under, will receive a free book, Sort of Super, by Eric Gapstur, on Dakota News Now Siouxper Family Fun Day at SiouxperCon from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. on Sunday, October 1, thanks to a grant from the South Dakota Humanities Council, an affiliate of the National Endowment for the Humanities. Over 1,000 copies of the book will be distributed to youth during the 8th annual comic and fandom event at the Sioux Falls Convention Center and Arena.
Gapstur will be available all day to sign books and interact with fans in the Bricks & Minifigs Kidzone, Shane Gerlach, SiouxperCon director, said. He will make a presentation at noon in Panel Room 1, as well. “We chose Eric’s book because it fits so well with SiouxperCon’s goal of promoting literacy, STEAM education, and valuable life skills in a safe, inclusive, and friendly environment,” he said. “Family Day on Sunday is the perfect way to showcase his work.”
Author and illustrator, Gapstur, does work for DC and Image Comics. Sort of Super is his debut middle-grade graphic novel, soon to be followed by Sort of Super: The Magma Cup.
Sort of Super is about eleven-year-old Wyatt who suddenly has superpowers, but is not very good at using his powers yet. “It’s filled with kind messages and of course great illustrations that will make every kid want to read more,” Gerlach said.
Dakota News Now Siouxper Family Fun Day focuses on programming for children, including meeting the cast of Mythbusters, Jr., LEGO competitions and challenges, video games, kids cosplay competition, family-friendly movies, and more.
SiouxperCon is a three-day extravaganza that celebrates pop culture, art, film, comic books, cosplay, anime, board games, video games, science fiction, and fantasy. Gerlach said, “No matter what forms of popular culture you enjoy, you’re sure to find something to remember for years to come.”
SiouxperCon is a 501(c)(3) non-profit organization that is run entirely by a volunteer staff and board. Local charities, including REACH Literacy, the JY6 Foundation and this year Make-A-Wish of South Dakota & Montana, receive profits from the convention, totaling over $25,000 in recent years. In 2022, some 7,000 people attended the event.
Featured guests this year include actors Sean Gunn from The Gilmore Girls and the Marvel Universe; Adrian Paul, Duncan McCloud from Highlander; the voice of Winnie the Pooh, Jim Cummings; the puppeteer for Yoda in “The Empire Strikes Back,” David Barclay, along with the Yoda Puppet for photo opportunities; and many more.
For more information on SiouxperCon visit https://siouxpercon.com.
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