CITRUS HEIGHTS, CA (MPG) - The Sunrise Mall will play host to a Comic Con event on June 24 and 25. Entitled ‘The Weekend Blender,’ the event is being organized by Diehardz and Son, a California-based event coordinator and collectibles shop owner.

The Weekend Blender, which was previously held in various locations in Northern California including Tracy, touts itself as “Not Your Typical Comic Con” and is making itself free to the community. This is a breath of fresh air to budget-conscious anime lovers, as other larger local events like Sacramento Comic Con usually cost upwards of $15.00 per person. For cosplaying families, some free admission can really make a difference and allow more financial freedom to spend on costuming and onsite vendors.

The Weekend Blender was founded in 2009 in Clovis, Calif., as a small vendor weekend for toy collectors, and began to evolve into a more Comic Con-inspired event around 2016. The latest incarnation at the Sunrise Mall will include interactive exhibits, vendors with various collectibles for sale, and a chance to meet some celebrities from the Comic Con world.

Special guest Nick Palma, who has worked as a stuntman in various films including Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles films, will be in attendance on June 25 to speak about his career and interact with fans. Other notable guests include Sindiroo Cosplays, Jon Rego, and Hay’s Hobbies. Several other notable cosplayers are also expected to be in attendance.

A cosplay contest has also been listed on the event’s Facebook page, signaling that everyone is welcome by using the hashtag #cospositive. By holding body-positive cosplay events, all shapes, sizes, and ages feel comfortable in participating and joining in the fun.

Costumes should be family friendly, but do not have to be completely horror-free. When asked this exact question on social media, Diehardz and Son responded, “Horror is okay. We stay away from gore.”

Events like The Weekend Blender are a welcome addition to the Sunrise Mall, which has struggled in recent years to retain business. The mall now contains stores on only one half of the expansive building, with a few more shop closures recently announced. The mall has recently been home to various other events including a back to school fair and Easter Bunny pictures in an attempt to use the space outside of normal retail operations.

The Weekend Blender will be open to visitors 11 a.m. to 8 p.m. on June 24, and 11 a.m. to 6 p.m. on June 25. Those wishing to participate in the costume contest can check it out at 4:30 p.m. on Saturday, and 3:30 p.m. on Sunday.