Cradle-Con Celebrates Diversity & Raises Funds for Women In STEM

Cradle-Con is Long Island's newest, progressive, comic, collectible, and pop culture convention, built for fans, by fans. On June 23rd - June 24th, The Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center is hosting its own comic convention, to address the changing needs and wants of an evolving fandom making it accessible for all and delivering an intimate, genuine fan experience like no other. In addition, the event is raising much needed funds to support the museum's Women in STEM (Science, Technology, Engineering, and Math) Education Programs.

Videos:
About Cradle Con - My First Comic Book - Five Fun Cosplay Tips

Cradle-Con is a new opportunity for readers to meet and greet their favorite comic book creators, for collectors on the hunt for those elusive rare books and toys, and for cosplayers to show off some of their best work. This is a spectacular new experience for fans of all ages to gather, socialize, and be passionate about what they love. "It's an innovative community and family-friendly event in response to the fans' evolving needs and our changing climate. The guest artists, vendors, and panelists have all been carefully curated to deliver an exceptional fan experience that showcases local talent, recognizes the diversity of a changing fan base, and is all about nostalgia and having fun among a community of clever, creative, and collaborative members. Its built entirely around what the fans want." Seamus Keane, Director of Special Events, Cradle-Con, Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center.
Highlights include:

• Live Podcast with Rick & Morty Co-Creator, Dan Harmon
• Comic Artists: Billy Tucci (Shi, Heroes for Hire), Mark Russell (Flintstones), Jennifer Hernandez (Sonic the Hedgehog), Edgardo Miranda-Rodriguez (Ricanstruction), Rich Drezen (Luckyzilla), & up and coming local artists Jay Stuart & Tom Velez
• Pop Culture Actors & Voice Actors: Michael Bell (X-Men, GI Joe, Call of Duty, Star Wars), Larry Kenney (Lion-O on the Thundercats), Michael Copon (Power Rangers, One Tree Hill)
• Jedi Training and visits from 501st Legion Star Wars Cosplayers
• Cosplay Costume Contests for Adults, Teens, & Kids (Prizes include Apple MacBook Pro and iPad
• Fortnight Gaming Event with Microsoft
• Retro Arcade Game Lounge featuring Space Invaders, Ms. Pac Man, Star Wars, and more

And...

• Curated by fans with input by fans
• Free Parking· All proceeds support Women in STEM Education Programs
• Awe-inspiring space serves as ideal backdrop for cosplayers to take photos
• Well organized-event; manageable floor layout
• Family-friendly - something for everyone
• Supporting local artists in the community

Cradle-Con is the Cradle of Aviation's own non-profit comic, collectible, and pop culture convention. The Cradle of Aviation Museum and Education Center is home to over 75 planes and spacecraft representing over 100 years of aviation history and Long Island's only Giant Screen Dome Theater. The museum is located on Museum Row, Charles Lindbergh Blvd., in East Garden City. For more information call (516) 572-4111 or visit www.cradlecon.com or www.cradleofaviaton.org