Back in 2002, our family was passing through Indianapolis on what we assumed would be a quiet Sunday morning. We were wrong, so wrong, and so confused — and so amused. Instead of quiet, empty downtown streets, the city was teeming with authentic-looking Imperial Stormtroopers, the white-armored soldiers of the "Star Wars" films. We stopped to take a picture and learned it was a fan convention.

An event on Saturday may cause similar sightings in Valparaiso as Action Con — a convention of comic books, cosplay, toys, celebrities, art and collectibles — makes its debut at the Porter County Expo Center. Add stage presentations, free admission for children through age 10 and trick-or-treating for costumed children to the fact that many adults attend in costume and you've got a unique Halloween event.

"There are events like this all over the world all year but there were none in this area," said Juli Trapp, event organizer and owner of Monroe's Collectibles and Clothing in LaPorte. "This is our first, but we'd like to have one locally regularly. There are a lot of people of all ages in this area who are into cosplay and collectibles."

Cosplay, or costume play, involves dressing up and playing the role of a specific fictional character. The phenomena is popular around the world. The costumes can be impressive.

The Northern Darkness Garrison, northern Indiana's 501st Legion of Star Wars enthusiasts, and the Northwest Indiana Ghostbusters are two of the local cosplay groups who will be featured at Action Con and available at their information booth and throughout the event for photos. Both groups use their special powers — that is their passion for cosplay and their great costumes — at community and charity events throughout the year.

Another cosplayer, Carl Proctor, will do an Indiana Jones-style whip demonstration at 12:30 p.m. just before the cosplay contest.

"The contest is open to all ages and anyone in costume who wants to walk across the stage," Trapp said. "A lot of people and kids will be dressed up for Halloween and there will be a lot of people who do this all year for cosplay."

Registration for the contest is free but must be completed before 1 p.m.

Other stage presentations include Fire Pro Wrestling featuring heavyweight champion Mike Horning at 11:30 a.m. and 2 p.m. Michael Powers will perform a magic show starting at 3:15 p.m. Trapp said these family friendly shows are included with Action Con admission.

Action Con will also include booths of collectibles for sale, food booths, a photographer, an animal rescue group, and comic, film and horror art with opportunities to meet the artists, or even become their canvas.

Tom Sullivan will be one of the featured artists with a booth at Action Con. Sullivan created special effects for the classic cult horror film "The Evil Dead" and stop-motion effects seen in "Evil Dead 2." Sullivan will have movie props, art and photos on display, reproductions and art for sale, and will sign his art and talk with visitors. Frank Rigg is a comic fan and talented local artists who will also have his art on display.

Face Art FX by Rachel is the work of a talented 16-year-old face and body painter, as her Facebook site attests. Attendees can wear her face art home for $20, or for $10 for ages 11 and younger. Lines are anticipated for this first-come-first-served opportunity.

The Force of Will state championship will also be taking place at Action Con. Force of Will is a collectible playing card game with a following around the world. Trapp said that over 200 players of all ages are expected, and cash and game-related prizes will be awarded. The entry fee is $25 plus event admission. Registration begins at 10 a.m., with play beginning at noon.

"If you haven't been to an event like this before, come early and expect to spend the day — there will be lots to see and do. Come in costume and bring your camera. The people in costumes are usually very happy to pose for pictures," Trapp said.

Children in costume will be invited to trick or treat near closing time of the event.

Trapp said the event will also be a unique opportunity to do some shopping.

"Collectibles are big — and there's really no age range. Star Wars (collectibles) have always been hot, but now with the excitement about the new movie coming out there will be new stuff," she said. "But people always want the old stuff."

Action Con runs from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday at the Porter County Expo Center, 215 Division Road in Valparaiso, at the fairgrounds. Admission is $10, with free admission for children 10 and younger accompanied by an adult. Early bird admission is available for $15 from 8:30 to 10 a.m.

For more details and links to exhibitor information: www.actionconvention.com or the event Facebook page.

Joan Dittmann is a freelance columnist for the Post-Tribune.

j4dittmann@yahoo.com