The Morning Journal (Lorain, OH)
Kicktopia raises money for treatment
Elyria Kicktopia returns to LCCC
Shoe enthusiasts and collectors came out in droves on Aug. 4 at the Ewing Fieldhouse at Lorain County Community College for a second annual Kicktopia sneaker convention.
The 2019 edition featured more than 30 vendors showcasing hundreds of pairs of collectible sneakers and apparel along with food, video games and music.
As was the case in 2018, all proceeds of the convention will go to support partner organization The LCADA Way, who Kicktopia organizers called “one of the few organizations in Lorain, Medina and Erie County on the ground-level fighting the addiction and opioid epidemic.”
This year’s theme “Kick the Habit” underscores the continued collaboration with Kicktopia and The LCADA Way in working to help those struggling with addiction.
“It’s just wonderful. Every year they go above and beyond and they have just been wonderful to work with,” said LCADA Way spokesperson Joe Matuscak. “It’s a really fun event with great food and great music that supports a good cause.”
Co-organizer Kyle Demyan said it was a nobrainer to bring back after a successful debut in 2018.
“This is our second year. We’re bringing it back. We’ve got 31 vendors this year and we’ve grown since 2018. One hundred percent of the proceeds are benefiting The LCADA Way and we’re looking to have a good event today,” Demyan said.
“A lot of vintage clothing here, a lot of accessories and shoes obviously and we’ve got a lot of different brands and a lot of different stuff to offer this year.”
The idea stemmed from a desire for Kicktopia organizers Demyan, Cullen Draga and Rocky Melendez to help those suffering from addiction and to bring a sneaker convention into a different market.
As one of the first sneaker conventions in Lorain County, sneaker enthusiasts and collectors had a chance to find the one missing piece of their collection or swap with equally enthusiastic attendees in a trading pit area.