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RodCon marks 10 years at the University of Northern Iowa
Rod Library on Saturday hosts celebration of sci-fi and superheroes
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CEDAR FALLS — The University of Northern Iowa’s Rod Library will celebrate a decade of sci-fi, superheroes, cosplay and comics this week.
The 10th annual RodCon will be Saturday.
“Over the last decade, I have seen RodCon evolve from a concept conceived by a student employee into an event that families and community members eagerly anticipate each year, “ said Melinda Beland, marketing and public relations specialist at the Rod Library. “The joy I see on the faces of attendees is truly out of this world.”
The free and open to the public pop-culture extravaganza kicks off at 9:30 a.m. with outdoor music from two UNI outfits. Bateria de Samba’s drums will be on the west side near the Campanile. The campus Pep Band will be at the east side near the student union. The doors open at 10 a.m. and the convention runs until 4 p.m.
Other attractions include costume contests, a demonstration by the American Chemical Society, vendors and other storytelling and gaming throughout the day.
UNI’s Guild of Carillonneurs also will perform outside at noon on the Campanile.
RodCon started in 2014 with 24 vendors and an estimated 1,450 attendees. The event has grown annually.
The convention won the Association of College and Research Libraries Innovation in College Librarianship award in 2015.
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