By Tony Murillo
For Inland 360
For Will Thompson, growing the Lewiston-Clarkston Valley’s Comic Book and Record Swap is more than just starting an event, it’s about uniting a pop culture community.
“The event is not designed to simply be a yard sale,” said Thompson, of Lewiston.
He wants it to be a place where fans of different pop culture niches can find something valuable, even if it’s just a conversation with a fellow fan, he said.
While last year’s inaugural event was limited to comic books and records, this year will be expanded to pop culture collectibles such as video games, movie memorabilia, anime/manga and figurines.
“The biggest suggestion I got coming out of last year was to expand the scope of the event to include more types of collectibles,” Thompson said.
Community plays a strong role in the swap. A variety of people show up to bond over similar interests, he said.
“I think it’s sort of like being a foreigner in the country that you live in now, but running into people that speak your language,” Thompson said. “You’re with your people.”
One of Thompson’s major influences was his friend Randy Sarbacher, who passed away in January. Sarbacher was a vendor at the previous swap and a friend to many in the community.
A portion of the door proceeds, and all the proceeds from a table of collectibles, will go to the Liberty Theater Preservation Alliance, which is working to restore the Liberty Theater in downtown Lewiston
IF YOU GO
WHAT: Comic Book and Record Swap
WHEN: Noon to 6 p.m. Saturday
WHERE: Riverport Brewing, 150 Ninth St., Clarkston
COST: $5 from Noon to 1 p.m. (only 30 allowed entry), $2 from 2 to 6 p.m.
OF NOTE: All ages welcome.
