OMAHA/COUNCIL BLUFFS — Fans of comics, TV shows, and wrestling were able to enjoy a weekend of fun in Council Bluffs as the O-Con Expo was back in action.

The weekend gave an opportunity for fans of pop culture to dress-up, known as cosplaying, ask questions at panels, and enjoy connecting with people with similar interests.

Heather Blazicevich, operations manager of O-Con, said the event gives people a chance to be themselves and indulge in their interests.

“It’s just a chance to express themselves, to show off their creative skills, and have a good time and meet other like-minded people that may like the same media as themselves,” Blazicevich said.

According to Blazicevich, the event is a family event and has attractions for all ages including a cosplay contest, PWP Wrestling, and a model building contest.

Rob Carmichael, an event goer, dressed up as a Ghostbuster and, while he enjoys science fiction, he enjoys seeing the joy on children’s faces when they see a cosplayer from media they enjoy.

“I really like seeing the kids' faces where they see somebody from a movie they’ve seen or a TV show they’ve seen, someone that’s dressed up like that,” Carmichael said. “They really like seeing that and thinking it’s the real person.”

The Mid-America Center held the event from Friday until Sunday afternoon and Blazicevich was excited to see the event back after a hiatus.

“We were off for the 2021 and 2022 so we are now back,” Blazicevich said. “We’re hoping to do this again next year.”