Photo by Terry L. Estep Tolga Akdogan, a cosplayer from Morgantown, sits on a replica Speeder Bike at the Classic Plastics Toy Expo at the Parkersburg Art Center on Saturday. Akdogan’s character is the New Republic pilot Toga “Tinman” Akdo.

PARKERSBURG — Downtown Parkersburg was bustling with life on Saturday with all the events taking place as the annual Classic Plastics Toy and Comics Expo brought plenty of people to the Parkersburg Art Center.

Hundreds of people — a large number in various costumes — visited the expo to see exhibits, meet the celebrity guests, buy comics and collectibles and share their love of pop culture. The expo continues today.

“It is great to see everyone come together downtown,” Classic Plastics owner and expo organizer Tony Workman said.

“These events are really fun,” he said.

The expo, now in its sixth year, featured celebrity guests Timothy Zahn and Daniel Pesina, events, toys, comics, games and cosplay.

Photo by Madeline Scarborough Sammi Kaneff was dressed as a Flame Spirit at the annual Classic Plastics Toy Expo on Saturday at the Parkersburg Art Center.

“They invited me a couple years ago, and I really enjoyed it then so I was really glad to be invited back,” Zahn said.

“People are always very appreciative and its is a lot of fun,” he said.

Zahn expressed his appreciation to Classic Plastics and all other participating groups.

“Geek items are no longer just on the kids table, it is a major part of our culture. It is nice to see a community come together to celebrate and share their love of pop culture together,” he said.

Zahn said he enjoys showing up at events and the fans do too.

Photo by Madeline Scarborough Timothy Zahn, right, an author best known for his Star Wars books which included the creation of Admiral Thrawn and fan favorite Mara Jade, was selling books and autographing fan items at the annual Classic Plastics Toy Expo on Saturday.

Saturday’s activities included game tournaments, shopping, autographs and the annual Cosplay Contest at 4 p.m.

The expo included booths of vendors from all around selling comics, toys and other merchandise such as Cody Booth, with Sweets Kendamas, who was teaching people how to work kendamas, a traditional Japanese skill toy.

Other booths included creative items such how to write your own comics.

“I want to encourage kids to be creative and instill a passion for reading and writing,” said Victor Danridge with Ucre8comics, another of the expo’s special guests.

“My program helps kickstart entrepreneurship and turn passions into professions,” Danridge said.

Photo by Terry L. Estep Vendors display wares for possible customers.

Tickets to the expo are $5 each with children ages 10 and under admitted free. Free parking is available in the parking garage behind the Dils Center thanks to the Mid-Ohio Valley Transit Authority.

The last few years have averaged over 1,200 people through the doors, organizers said. Proceeds raised from the door and table registrations are donated to both the Parkersburg Art Center and the non-profit organization Main Street PKB to continue to revitalize the downtown area.

As part of the event, Main Street PKB held its annual Savor Saturday event with downtown eateries offering discounted food samples during Saturday’s activities at the expo.

The participating restaurants included Chams Lebanese Cuisine, Crystal Cafe, Hot Dog Willy’s, Maka Mia Pizza at The Point Park Marketplace, The Coffee Bar, Toscano in Appalachia at the Marketplace and Unity Cafe.

The expo’s schedule of activities for today includes:

Photo by Terry L. Estep These comic book characters are made from Perler beads and backed with magnets.

* 11 a.m.: Doors open

* Noon: UCRE8 Comics with Victor Dandridge Jr.

* 2 p.m.: Marvel Upper Deck Sketch Cards with Michael Watson

* 4 p.m.: Scorpion Rope Dart Demonstration with Master Daniel Pesina.

Photo by Terry L. Estep Venom fronts a larger collection of Marvel Comics figures.

Photo by Terry L. Estep Television and movie action figures.