City News Library Con 2023 All-ages event celebrates cosplay.

Photos courtesy of the city of Peoria

LIBRARY CON RETURNS TO THE PEORIA MAIN LIBRARY ON SAT., APRIL 22 AT 10 A.M. WITH TABLETOP GAMING, CRAFTS, AND A COSPLAY CONTEST WITH AWESOME PRIZES. Cosplay, the practice of dressing up as a character from a movie, book, or video game, adds a fun element to the event.

The cosplay contest has three categories: kids (through 11), teens (12 to 17), and adults (18+). All contestants must fill out a contest entry form prior to the competition. Each contestant may enter only one costume that must be primarily handmade by the contestant - no professionally commissioned or rented costumes are eligible. Professional costumers, or those who run a business of commission-based cosplay, are encouraged to show off their costumes at Library Comic Con but should not enter the competition.

Winners through third place for each category will be determined by a panel of staff members and professionals present. Contestants will be judged according to their costume’s resemblance to the character it is based on, representation of their costume, craftsmanship skills, and creativity.

To download the cosplay contest entry form, which must be returned by April 19 to ensure your spot, and for more information, visit peoria.polarislibrary.com/polaris/custom/ library_announcements.aspx.

Rock-n-Ribs Festival Offers Mouthwatering Fun

ROCK-N-RIBS FESTIVALS ARE ALL ABOUT TASTY FOOD, FUN, AND MUSIC. Enjoy a day of mouthwatering barbeque from Grill King BBQ and Star BBQ on April 15 from 12 p.m. to 7 p.m. at Pioneer Community Park, 8755 N. 83rd Ave. in Peoria.

Have a taste for something other than barbeque? There are a variety of other foods including Rock N’ Rolled ice cream, homemade lemonade, roasted corn, and much more. Bring your blanket or lawn chair. After you have had your fill of food, kick back and enjoy the rockin’ sounds of some of the best bands in the Valley. There will also be family-friendly comedy between music sets.

Free onsite entertainment includes the bands Tripwire, performing rock from the 70s through 90s and Hair Daze, performing tributes to rock legends Poison, Joan Jett, Scorpions, Van Halen, Ozzy Osbourne, Pat Benatar, and more! Live comedy is sponsored by Stir Crazy Comedy Club at Westgate.