LEGO builders’ masterpieces at SC BrickCon at The Oaks Venue (Photos by Damian Bertrand/Carolina News & Reporter)
“Everything is awesome,” SC Bricks members shouted before opening the doors to SC BrickCon.
The quote from the 2014 LEGO movie set the tone for the day Saturday at the two-day celebration of small plastic bricks.
SC BrickCon for four years has brought in fanatics from across South Carolina. More than 30 exhibitors showed off their unique creations to kids and adults alike.
From Star Wars to skyscrapers, presenters showcased various builds that attracted attendees’ eyes.
Kipp Hoffman, the host and initiator of SC BrickCon, launched the event because he wanted to unite LEGO fans during one big event.
“We’ve been doing this just to spread the love of LEGO, show what we love to do and try to find other people that are like us,” Hoffman said.
SC BrickCon became so popular that it had to double the size of its original venue. Displayers now showcase their LEGO designs at The Oaks Venue near USC’s Williams-Brice Stadium.
The event is not as large as other LEGO conventions in the Southeast, but Hoffman said it grows in size every year. He expected 1,000 people to attend this year.
“For a local show, I think this is fantastic,” said John Lamers, the president of SC Bricks. “I think it’s one of the best shows, even if I’m a bit partial.”
Displayers set up their LEGO builds the day before the event started. They worked together to safely set up the designs, using cardboard and bubble wrap.
SC Bricks, the organization that hosts SC BrickCon, is a community of adult LEGO fans who meet monthly to discuss all things LEGO.
Supporting other enthusiasts and bringing fans together makes SC Bricks amazing, Lamers said.
“It creates an immense sense of pride, and I love it,” Lamers said. “I get to step back and feel really satisfied that we created a cool community.”
Displayers aren’t just LEGO enthusiasts. They have full-time jobs.
Andrew Lynch, a Cub Scout committee chair with the Anderson Cub Scout Pack, set up a racetrack with LEGO cars to promote scouting and to demonstrate how to combine scouting and LEGO bricks into a STEM activity for children.
Lynch, who has participated in SC BrickCon for three years, said the event creates a wonderful atmosphere.
“LEGO allows you to design, build and have a community like this,” Lynch said. “SC Bricks is a wonderful group of like-minded individuals who like to show their talents off.”
Displayers add their unique touch to their creations. Dr. Carmela Gottesman, a psychology professor at USC Salkehatchie and a member of SC Bricks, displayed grand architecture-themed builds modeled after the Seven Wonders of the World.
“It’s wonderful to do,” Gottesman said. “I see a lot of kids interested, and their mouth goes open, and it’s like, ‘Wow, that’s so cool.’ It’s great to get kids interested.”
Gottesman said she doesn’t let her full-time job stop her from enjoying her hobby. She said she builds LEGO displays as visual aids when presenting in front of her class.
“A lot of people think of LEGO as being just for children,” Gottesman said. “Now everybody kind of recognizes that LEGO is for adults as well.”
Each display creates a different scene, but together, they create a bigger picture, Lamers said.
“You have to take it slow when you walk through these,” Lamers said. “There is so much detail, so you have to pay attention and look for the story.”
Cub Scout committee chair Andrew Lynch of Anderson shows off his racetrack with LEGO cars.
