Geek Fest to offer everything geek-related under one roof

By Delon Shurtz - Lethbridge Herald on May 3, 2024.

LETHBRIDGE HERALDdshurtz@lethbridgeherald.com

Geek: A person who is knowledgeable about, and obsessively interested in, a particular subject, especially one that is technical or of special niche interest, as in a “computer geek.”

There was a time when the term geek had a negative connotation, but not so much anymore. What was considered geeky, is now embraced by a growing segment of the population, and more and more people are interested in everything geek from pop culture, anime and sci-fi, to comics, superheroes and tabletop gaming.

Lethbridge’s Courtney Samuels doesn’t consider herself a geek, but a geek in training, and she and her staff with Domesticated Divas have organized a Geek Fest, which will be held on Saturday from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre at Exhibition Park.

“I love immersing myself in people’s talent,” Samuels says. “It doesn’t matter what talent that is, and I just love learning about everybody and how unique everybody is in their own way.”

Domesticated Divas, of which Samuels is the owner, designs, produces and promotes markets and fundraisers. Because some of her assistants are into geeky activities, and some of her vendors are interested in certain niche markets, she thought it would be fun to promote those niches, much like she does with more mainstream markets for Mothers Day, Christmas, Valentines Day and Easter.

More than 40 booths will be set up for vendors to display and sell their geeky wares, ranging from 3D printed images and crocheted plushies to items associated with superheroes and whatever local artists and artisans have created

And while it’s called a Geek Fest, it’s not just going to be a room full of geeks, but of people and vendors with an interest in less mainstream products focusing on a niche that leans toward geeky, like sci-fi and pop culture.

“It’s just a welcoming, interactive environment that you can pick up unique items from local artisans,” Samuels says. “I think it will be fun, I’m looking forward to it.”

And attendees certainly don’t need to be geeks, or even have an interest in the all things geeky to enjoy the market.

“It’s just a unique experience to be a part of.”

That unique experience may include cosplay, which Samuels encourages from both vendors and visitors.

“We have actually encouraged everybody. If they’re comfortable dressing up and that’s their thing, then we encourage it.”

The market is free, but Samuels says donations are gratefully accepted. Samuels points out Domesticated Divas donate back to the community and has raised about $88,000, with a goal to reach $100,000 this year.

Samuels points out Geek Fest runs in conjunction with the Alberta E-Sports Championship and High Level Innovation Conference, which also runs this weekend in an adjoining hall at the Agri-food Hub and Trade Centre.

The conference will explore the latest trends and advancements in the fields of technology, tourism, and gaming, and the E-Sports Championship will feature five games and competitive high school players and teams.

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