Atlantic Entertainment Expo draws large crowds in first event for Saint John, N.B.

CTV News

5 days ago

Sculptor Brian Muir, who created the mask Darth Vader wears in the Star Wars franchise, is pictured talking to a fan during Atlantic Entertainment Expo in Saint John, N.B., on July 20, 2025. (Avery MacRae, CTV Atlantic)
Thousands of maritime pop-culture fans made there way to Saint John, N.B., this weekend for the 2025 Atlantic Entertainment Expo (AEX).
The family focused experience was held at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre, marking the first time the event has made its way to the port city. Over the two-day event visitors, many of whom cosplayed as their favourite characters from various games and shows, were treated to gaming displays, panels, and hundreds of unique vendor tables.
This year's AEX was highlighted by special guest Brian Muir, who is best known for creating the original Darth Vader helmet. His sculpting work has been featured in Indiana Jones, James Bond, the Harry Potter series and dozens of other films.
Lead organizer Alex Maine said a pop-culture event of this size and style hasn't been tried in Saint John since 2017.
'Saint John's a great city, and there's a great community vibe here,' he said. 'Pop culture is something everyone can appreciate so it's great to see all of the fans.'
Proto Monkey Creations
A selection of Proto Monkey Creations handcrafted leather goods are pictured at a vendor's table during the Atlantic Entertainment Expo in Saint John, N.B., July 20, 2025. (Avery MacRae, CTV Atlantic)
Jennifer Carignan was one of the vendors at the event during the weekend with her Proto Monkey Creations table. She handcrafts leather goods in Nova Scotia, including masks, wallets and suits of armour for a variety of series.
'This has been awesome,' Carignan said. 'It's been impressive the people coming out and supporting the event, the cosplayers, it's been amazing.'
The sentiment is shared by Chris Craig, who was joined by his 501st Atlantic Garrison Star Wars Legion. He and his team spent much of the weekend in iconic Star Wars costumes much to the delight of fans. He said the success of the event doesn't surprise him.
'Everybody comes together, and they have a sense of camaraderie,' Craig said. 'They can get together, and they can see some of the other vendors – see all the different products that are selling or making or whatever. They can do something that they love and hang out with like-minded people.'
Atlantic Entertainment Expo
Vendors and guests are pictured at the Saint John Trade and Convention Centre during the Atlantic Entertainment Expo on July 20, 2025. (Avery MacRae, CTV Atlantic)
That sense of belonging inspired Allie Coburn to try cosplay for the first time. She dressed up as the character Dante from the video game Limbus Company for the event.
'It's really cool to see just how many people with these similar and wide range of interests are here in the area,' Coburn said. 'When there's events like this where it's celebrated, it feels like people can kind of really show off what they love and their niche hobbies and niche interests and be themselves in a way around other people who are similar to them.'
'I find it great to look at all the creative outlooks,' said cosplayer Amadna Reinhart. She came dressed as Barbie with Joe Hatfield who came as Ken.
'To just to see other people's face light up when you're cosplaying their favorite character, and they want to run up to you and greet you and have a picture, it's just amazing.'
Maine said what makes the event a success is the passionate fans that attend each year. He said everyone enjoys the celebration for a different reason.
'It's very easy to be anxious or intimidated by an event like this,' said Maine. 'But you'll actually very quickly find out that this event is for all ages and for everyone.'
Star Wars helmets
A storm trooper's naks is displayed next to Darth Vader's helmet. (Avery MacRae, CTV Atlantic)
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