Stockton’s first Gamer Festival attracts crowds and nostalgia

Stockton’s first-ever Gamer Festival proved that gaming tradition is alive, nicely and thriving within the Central Valley. Held over two days on the San Joaquin County Fairgrounds, the occasion introduced collectively a mixture of retro video video games, collectibles, buying and selling playing cards and neighborhood vitality that shocked even its organizers.

“It’s a maiden voyage,” mentioned occasion producer Tyler Meyers. “We always try to start smaller so we can build up to it. So far, the response has been really great—we’ll be back, and we’ll be bigger.”

Inside the competition, company browsed rows of distributors promoting every part from classic Hot Wheels and Pokémon playing cards to hard-to-find Pop figures and plushies. Attendees might relive their favourite childhood video games or get aggressive with tournaments, with many saying they didn’t anticipate to see a lot selection or such a giant turnout.

Michael Torres, a first-time attendee, shared how the occasion exceeded expectations. “I thought it was going to be outside like a flea market, but it’s indoors and there’s a lot more here than I expected,” he mentioned. “I got a lemonade, played Mario Brothers, and bought a Sasquatch shirt for myself and some toys for my daughter. It brought back a lot of memories.”

For others, like Anthony Espino, the competition marked their first time merchandising at an indoor occasion. “I was nervous at first,” Espino mentioned. “But this is way easier than setting up at the flea market. The turnout has been amazing, and I’ve sold a ton of dinosaur toys – Jurassic World fans are definitely out here.”

The occasion drew company from past Stockton, together with Ciara and Jake Shannon, who traveled from Tracy after recognizing an advert. “We didn’t know what to expect,” Jake mentioned, “but it’s been really cool. A lot more people than we thought, and a great community vibe.”

Whether you got here for the video games, the nostalgia, or the collectibles, the frequent thread was neighborhood. As Meyers put it: “If there’s something you wanted to see that wasn’t here, don’t lose faith. We’re coming back, and we appreciate your support.”

From the sound of it, Stockton’s gaming neighborhood shall be prepared.

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