SANDPOINT — Sandemonium is back for its 10th year, promising a day of nerdy delights at the Sandpoint Library — along with plenty of fun.

The annual fandom convention offers an inclusive space for fans of anime, science fiction, fantasy and esports to celebrate their passions. The event brings together like-minded individuals in the local community and features cosplay contests, panels and more.

“It’s an inclusive convention that’s focused primarily on nerdy things and fandoms,” said Michael Nickerson, event chairperson. “It’s really an excuse to get together with other people in the community and just have fun.”

The event will be held Saturday, Oct. 11, at the Sandpoint Library, beginning at 10 a.m. A full day of activities is planned, including board games, miniature painting, panel discussions and a cosplay contest at 3 p.m. There will even be a bake sale featuring treats and bao — a steamed, filled bun that comes in a variety of sweet and savory flavors.

Nickerson has been involved in the fandom celebration since the beginning, attending the first event with his son. They had so much fun that Nickerson joined the group, then the board, and now serves as the event chairperson.

And fun it is, agreed his wife, Vanessa Nickerson.

“A surprising number of people come out of the woodwork for this and look forward to it,” she said.

Vanessa Nickerson said she fell in love with the event after being introduced to it by her husband. She’s now a devoted fan of Sandemonium and enjoys participating in the annual cosplay contest.

For Michael Nickerson, while he loves everything about Sandemonium, seeing the community come together is his favorite part.

“I think what hits the hardest is that I love seeing the community there,” he said. “I love seeing strangers, friends, family — all of the above — playing games at tables, enjoying each other’s company, some of them trying out new things. … I think the coolest thing about Sandemonium is just getting to spend time with people I love and doing really cool things that we all enjoy.”

For Joyce Jowdy, the library’s coordinator of community engagement and adult programming, the event has been a revelation. After being introduced to Sandemonium last year, she said she had so much fun and enjoyed learning more about the fandom community.

The local event offers a more personalized experience than comic con-type events in larger cities.

“The smallness is a blessing. You’re not lost in the crowd. You’re not feeling pushed or rushed or anything. You just have fun,” said Brendan Bobby, coordinator for the East Bonner County Library District’s experiential and STEM programs. He compared Sandemonium to the recent Lilac City Comicon in Spokane. “There, I was like, ‘This is a great con experience,’ then two hours in I’m like, I want to go home.”

Michael Nickerson agreed.

“I think the very fact that Sandemonium is local and small is a huge draw,” he said. “This isn’t Spokane or Seattle. This is your community. It brings out the local nerds.”

And yes, all three said, the word “nerd” has gone mainstream, as nerd culture has become more widely accepted. People are realizing it’s OK to celebrate their passions — from sci-fi and fantasy shows to crafting and role-playing games.

Bobby, a fan of creating and painting miniatures, said his hobby easily crosses into “non-nerdy” territory, such as painting Civil War miniatures or World War II planes.

The celebration of fun and the willingness to embrace “all things nerdy” makes Sandemonium a welcoming and enjoyable event, Michael Nickerson said.

“I’ve only met very approachable, very cool people at these events,” he said. “Even the other costumers at the cosplay contests — when you ask them about their costume, they’re very excited and love to talk to you. … People are happy to share their fandom.”

Jowdy said she loved seeing the diversity of attendees, from young children to longtime residents. Fans of all ages came to share their interests with others in the community.

“It really is an event for all ages,” she said. “And whether they want to spend the whole day or just pop in for the cosplay contest to see everybody’s outfits or play one game, it’s just so cool.”

Often, visitors entering the library are drawn in by the crafting or face painting in the foyer. From there, they find their way to the conference rooms, where the main Sandemonium events take place.

“I think it’s just so cool to spur new community members to find new things,” Jowdy added.

“Experiencing inclusivity is a big selling point,” Michael Nickerson said. “That’s something we always want — we want everybody and all ages. Whatever your niche is, because a lot of it is niche, come and have fun.”

When they married, Nickerson told his wife that her passion and creativity in crochet and crafting are easily comparable to his love of the “nerdy” hobbies celebrated at Sandemonium.

“That’s the same passion we have for games or miniatures or anime,” he said. “It’s all nerdy from my perspective.”

This year’s event promises to be a celebration of all things fandom — and an exploration of all things nerdy. Organizers said the 10th anniversary makes this year’s Sandemonium especially meaningful.

“Come celebrate the landmark 10th anniversary of Sandemonium,” organizers said. “An inclusive space to build community and celebrate nerd fandoms, there will be everything from cosplay to video games to workshops and more. In short, there’s something for everyone at this all-ages event.”

“We want you here,” Michael Nickerson said. “This is a space where, if you’ve ever watched a nerdy movie or played a nerdy game or video game, you’re welcome. We’d love to meet you. We’d love to see you.”

The library-sponsored event is co-sponsored by Sandemonium, Keokee and Sandpoint Gaming LLC.

For a schedule of events, go to ebonnerlibrary.org. For more information about Sandemonium, visit 7bcon.com.