BAKERSFIELD, CA - Imagination's ran wild Sunday at the 7th annual Bakersfield Comic-Con. More than 2,000 gamers, comic-book collectors, and Sci-Fi lovers gathered at the Marriot Hotel in Bakersfield. People came from all over the state to enjoy the festivities and meet people they admire.
Jimmy Hunt was one of the celebrities at the event. Hunt is best known for his role in the 1956 "Invaders From Mars". He lives in Bakersfield now and enjoyed his first Bakersfield Comic-Con experience.
"I have no idea who half of these people are but they are all dressed in these great outfits and this is a happening place. Most the people know more about the movies that I was in then I know and I was there," said Hunt.
Local cartoonist Erwin Ledford is another comic-con favorite. His popular cartoon "Little Erwin" is centered around growing up in Bakersfield. Ledford says he's thankful for the community support.
Ledford said,"It's just something about the small environment I think people stop and take in what I'm doing, and appreciate what I do."
He says he enjoys being able to mentor kids at Comic-Con.
"I feel like I can impart something really valuable to them. I love encouraging kids to focus on drawing and really work hard at what they do." said Ledford.
Steve Wyatt started the event seven years ago and says he is pleased with the turn out.
"We had 400 people at our first one and 2,500 at our last one. So we're hoping to break that, matter of fact it's grown so big we're moving it to the fair grounds next year because we need to grow," said Ledford.
Although the venue will be changing locations, coordinators say they will keep the $5 entrance fee.
Jimmy Hunt was one of the celebrities at the event. Hunt is best known for his role in the 1956 "Invaders From Mars". He lives in Bakersfield now and enjoyed his first Bakersfield Comic-Con experience.
"I have no idea who half of these people are but they are all dressed in these great outfits and this is a happening place. Most the people know more about the movies that I was in then I know and I was there," said Hunt.
Local cartoonist Erwin Ledford is another comic-con favorite. His popular cartoon "Little Erwin" is centered around growing up in Bakersfield. Ledford says he's thankful for the community support.
Ledford said,"It's just something about the small environment I think people stop and take in what I'm doing, and appreciate what I do."
He says he enjoys being able to mentor kids at Comic-Con.
"I feel like I can impart something really valuable to them. I love encouraging kids to focus on drawing and really work hard at what they do." said Ledford.
Steve Wyatt started the event seven years ago and says he is pleased with the turn out.
"We had 400 people at our first one and 2,500 at our last one. So we're hoping to break that, matter of fact it's grown so big we're moving it to the fair grounds next year because we need to grow," said Ledford.
Although the venue will be changing locations, coordinators say they will keep the $5 entrance fee.