CORNWALL, Ontario – Cornwall Area Pop Event, known to thousands as CAPE, will be returning to the Benson Centre in Cornwall on April 22 and April 23, 2022. The last event was held in the spring of 2019, with the 2020 and 2021 events cancelled because of pandemic restrictions.
Organized by Randy and Carol Sauve, CAPE began in 2015 with a very successful one-day show at the Benson Centre in Cornwall. Randy explained the event was so successful, the decision was made to extend CAPE to a two-day event the following year. He continued attendance has always been good, noting it reached just under six thousand people one year.
Both Randy and Carol anticipate a well attended CAPE 2022, with Carol commenting people are looking forward to something fun to do after the pandemic precautions since 2020. When asked about pandemic protocols, Randy mentioned they will be following EOHU, Cornwall and Benson Centre protocols in place at the time of the event.
Both Carol and Randy explained how the “show has been in production since the show in 2019” as when a show finishes, planning for the event in the following year begins. “A lot of the aspects of the show” are still in the planning stages explained Randy, but things are starting to fall into place. He continued the event will feature vendors, celebrity guests which include Amanda Bearse, Scott Patterson, Yanic Truesdale and others.
Randy explained cosplay is an important part of the CAPE experience. Cosplay participants will dress in costumes, representing their favourite movie, television series or comic book characters. He continued in many cases the costumes are made by themselves, with accessories such as shields or antennas also self-created. The couple both spoke about the reactions of people, young and old, who see their favourite character during the event and commented how they may hold a costume competition this year.
This year an after party is planned for Saturday evening at the Best Western in Cornwall. Carol explained the 80’s themed event will feature a band, a light lunch and prizes, with tickets available to purchase. Another of the fun features of CAPE is a series of trading cards which the couple have developed. These cards can be picked up free of charge at several locations in Cornwall. More information can be obtained at Fantasy Realm, the comic book store owned by Randy or on the CAPE website at cornwallpopevent.com.
Some of the challenges the couple have faced in organizing the event over the years include aspects of the show such as coordinating travel and accommodation for the special guests, contacting vendors, the pandemic and last minutes details. She and Randy both commented on the amazing volunteers who assist them in ensuring the event runs smoothly.
With the loosening of COVID-19 health regulations, Randy and Carol are busy consolidating plans for the event. More information and ticket information is available at Fantasy Realm on the CAPE Facebook page or on the website at cornwallpopevent.com.
