Family honors game-playing father and grandfather with PopiCon at Century Center
Tama Crisovan is honoring her beloved father, Tom, who died in November 2020.
In his memory, she and the family are expecting 700 people to come over for fun.
“Games were his passion,” Tama said. “Board, cards or D&D (Dungeons and Dragons). He would teach you and then beat you at it. Crush you.”
Tama said it was a way to show love — to crush your opponent.
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Now the love of family, community and board games is known as PopiCon! The day of games, cards, vendors and fun will be from 10 a.m. to 11 p.m. Saturday, Feb. 3 at Century Center. She expects families to come earlier in the day and the rest of the night will be the big-time gamers.
Tama hopes for a big crowd to come to the big room for the day. “We will have a costume contest and there is an area for painting miniatures. The Settlers of Catan will have a qualifying competition. I spent the summer going to art fairs and festivals to look for artists. I have 35 vendors and merchants, sponsors and 100 volunteers to help check out games and teach you how to play.”
There will be shirts, food, and lots of games. It is a big deal.
Board games are a big deal everywhere. It is a growth industry. According to a marketing group, it was a $3 billion industry in 2023. Card games are up more than 20% and strategic card games are up more than 200%. Those Magic and Pokémon cards are still a thing.
The cost is $20 for adults. Children under 14 are free if accompanied by an adult, she said. “To me it is about being inclusive and engaging the community. People don’t come downtown often and don’t realize what there is to offer. Wristbands will let you come and go and explore.”
Tama asked for prayers for good weather.
The Facebook page PopiCon! A Game Convention, or the website https://tabletop.events/conventions/popicon-game-convention have more information.
Tama explained her dad was competitive, loving and a perfect grandfather. Her father was an ex-Marine and worked in security for years. “He never missed a sporting event or performance for the grandchildren. We grew up around Detroit and games. I moved to South Bend about 20 years ago. My dad and mom (Pam) drove here to visit often.”
Granddad Tom wanted the grandchildren to call him Popi. So that’s where the name originated.
After several years of driving, they decided to buy the house across the street from Tama and the family in River Park. “We spent quality time together. Played games with his grandchildren (Willow, Autumn and Forest). Dad became my responsibility after Mom died in 2008.
Popi died of COVID in 2020, and the family waited for a memorial service. That was the first PopiCon! “After the service, we played his games. I told people to take a game if they promised to play it,” she said. “People said we should do this again. We think people are craving the interaction, the chance to put down the video games and the tablet.”
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The family planned again for PopiCon 2 in 2023 in the Stockroom East on Jefferson Boulevard.
“We had 200 presales and 350 people showed up. We didn’t advertise and it was all word of mouth.”
Now for something bigger and better — Century Center. “A bigger room, a bigger check,” she said. “We have lots of support, the city is happy with it, it is a good weekend for it, and it is close to Dad’s birthday (Feb.7).”
What would your dad say about all the planning and hoopla? Tama’s reply: “Why didn’t you plan this sooner?”
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When last we talked about Donna McIndoe, she turned 90 with a big party in 2019 at the Niles-Buchanan YMCA.
She was featured in this column as an inspirational athlete, a Y member extraordinaire and a good sport. She swam several times a week.
Her friend Candace Fletcher said she continues to inspire. “She doesn’t swim anymore because the pool is too cold for her. She does walk three days a week and keeps active. In fact, she just bought a new car.”
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Donna turns 95 on Friday, Feb. 2. Donna retired in 1995 from Clark Credit and started an exercise plan.
Donna gives credit to her dear friend Candace for putting her best foot forward. “She is a good listener and a wonderful person. I’m not juicing this up.”
Besides walking, she keeps busy with her two dogs, her devices, games and reading. She loves Wordle and other word games, Shutterfly, and other websites. "The key is to keep busy, using your mind. I’m proud of myself. Don’t sit idle.”
Get a new car? Does that help? “Yes. It is a small SUV. It is like driving a sardine can. But it has new things in it. It is a challenge and that’s good.”
Contact Kathy at kfborlik@yahoo.com.
This article originally appeared on South Bend Tribune: South Bend Century Center the venue for PopiCon gaming event
