Kicktopia Sneaker Convention coming

If you’re on the lookout for collector Air Jordans, hard to find Nike kicks or get a text alert whenever the latest Adidas Yeezys release, Kicktopia is this summer’s “don’t miss” event. Kicktopia 2018, the first ever sneaker convention to take place in Lorain County, according to a news release.

Kicktopia is set for 1-7 p.m. July 7 at the John A. Spitzer Conference Center at Lorain County Community College at 1005 N. Abbe Road in Elyria.

The gathering will feature over 20 vendors and showcase hundreds of pairs of the coolest, hard-tofind sneakers and apparel, along with great music, a guest DJ, collectables, food trucks and more, the release said.

This year’s event will include a “trading pit” where guests will buy, sell and trade some of the most coveted fashions on the market today.

“We are very excited to be hosting the first ever event like this in Lorain County,” said Cullen Draga, Kicktopia event co-organizer. “Not only will this be a blast for those who can attend, but more importantly, we are pleased to announce that 100 percent of the proceeds from the ‘kick the habit’ themed event will go to our partner, The LCADA Way, one of the few organizations in Lorain County and Medina County fighting the opioid epidemic on the ground-level.”

The LCADA Way, a nonprofit since 1981, serves Lorain and Medina counties and surrounding communities by helping those dealing with drug, alcohol, mental health and gambling addiction.

Event highlights include DJ Steph Floss playing music, DJ K-Nyce running live call-in’s from Z107.9, Saxx Booker hosting an episode of 6Kicks, a guest appearance by Ray Jr., and a raffle containing a pair of autographed LeBron 11 sneakers, according to the release.

The buy/sell/trade atmosphere encourages guests to bring cash and even some of their shoes to participate as they please, the release said.

Presale tickets are available at kicktopia2018.eventbrite.com.

For more information on sponsorships or vendor tables, email kicktopia2018@gmail.com.

Kicktopia 2018 “Kick The Habit” is a collaboration between Kicktopia organizers Cullen Draga, Kyle Demyan, Rocky Melendez, Lorain County Community College and The LCADA Way, according to the release.

Follow Kicktopia on Twitter, Facebook, or Instagram: @kicktopia2018.

MARTHA IRVINE — THE ASSOCIATED PRESS FILE Limited edition sneakers, wrapped in plastic to protect them, sit in a Chicago consignment store. People who track the shoe culture say the Internet and explosion of social networking has created new fervor in a hobby that began with the release of the...