Sutherlin’s First Unified Comic Con Draws Strong Turnout, Builds Momentum for Future Events

SUTHERLIN, Ore. — Sutherlin High School’s first-ever Unified Comic Con brought students, families, artists and vendors together this weekend for a celebration of creativity, inclusion and community.

The two-day event, held April 11-12 at the high school, brought together students, families, vendors, artists and community members for cosplay, gaming, booths and other family-friendly activities. The convention was organized through the school’s special education department and promoted as an inclusive event built around creativity and connection.

During the event, organizers said the idea came together after an earlier comic con planned in the community was canceled in November, leaving some students disappointed. According to Matt Parrish, a special education teacher at Sutherlin High School, Brenda Richardson stepped in to make sure the idea did not disappear.

“She came to us and said, hey, we can’t let this fall. These kids are looking forward to this,” Parrish said. “And I said, you’re crazy, because that’s not much time to plan. And man, she put this thing together.”

Richardson, an instructional assistant at Sutherlin High School and owner of Customized Chaos, said the event was created because she did not want students to be left heartbroken after the earlier plans fell through.

“My students were a little heartbroken,” Richardson said. “So I don’t do heartbroken students. So here we are.”

The event also carried a broader mission. Before the convention, organizers said the goal was to create an inclusive space centered on “unity through pop culture,” while also highlighting student talent, supporting local creators and raising money for school programs and clubs. Admission was free, and attendees were encouraged to bring nonperishable food donations for the Sutherlin/Oakland food pantry.

Parrish said part of the proceeds from the event will support the school’s Unified Program, which brings together students with and without disabilities through sports and activities. He said that focus on inclusion helped shape the spirit of the event.

“And so it’s all good causes,” Parrish said. “And we’re just really pleased with the turnout on such a short notice. And it just seems like everybody’s just having a great time.”

That atmosphere was visible throughout the campus as attendees explored vendor booths, checked out artists, participated in games and took part in activities such as the cosplay contest. The convention would included vendors, Artist Alley tables, food trucks, tabletop gaming, live-action role play, family-friendly activities and community exhibitors.

Richardson said the event mattered not only to students, but to the broader community.

“It’s important because it unifies our school, our community, families that live here,” she said. “It’s important for Douglas County. It’s important for kids to be able to have a creative outlet.”

She also pointed to the number of student artists and creators involved.

“We have lots of high school students that have booths here, artists,” Richardson said. “And they’re just having a great time.”

Even with only about three months of planning, organizers said they are already looking ahead to next year. In the school’s earlier announcement, Richardson had described the event as a welcoming space for students, families and local vendors. During the event weekend, she said there is strong hope the convention will return with more time to build on this year’s success.

“Well, I think everyone’s hoping that we get to do it again next year,” Richardson said. “And hopefully we have an entire year to do it again next year.”

For a first-year event assembled on short notice, Unified Comic Con appeared to do exactly what organizers hoped: give students and families a place to connect, create and feel included - while laying the groundwork for something the community may be able to build into a lasting tradition.