Eighth annual Prairie Comics Festival returns to Winnipeg’s Millennium Library [Video]

Thousands of people passed through the third floor of the Millennium Library this weekend to peruse through one of the largest collections of zines, comics and merchandise the province has ever seen.

The Prairie Comics Festival is in its eighth year and features more than 80 artists, publishers and bookstores. On Saturday, organizers estimated around 4,000 people make their way around the market.

“This is our biggest festival that we’ve ever had,” said artistic director Sam Beiko. “I’m really happy that we can use this space this way and welcome people to the downtown.”

Beiko said the festival is different from Comic Con in that it’s a free event and puts emphasis on promoting independent artwork.

“It’s just really wonderful for artists to be able to connect with their community,” Beiko said.

Beiko added that the festival also serves as a mentorship program for up and coming artists and exhibitors.

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