So what is it?

There is a ton to do at Geek Gala this year. A dance party, costume contests and a pop-up arcade are just some of the delightfully nerdy activities taking place.

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“Geek has come to mean a lot of things so we try to have something for every kind of geek at the Gala,” said Josher Lumpkin, Geek Gala organizer.

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Blind Bob's, 430 E. Fifth St. in Dayton’s Oregon District, hosted its annual Geek Gala, a costume dance party celebrating nerdom and fandom of all type, on Saturday February 17. Proceeds benefitted Dayton Children’s Hospital through Extra Life Dayton. TOM GILLIAM / STAFF Credit: Tom Gilliam Credit: Tom Gilliam

What’s the cost?

There is an incentive to dress up: a discount.

Admission is $5 for those who attend the second annual event in costume, and $10 for those who do not.

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Why?

Proceeds will benefit Dayton Children’s Hospital through Extra Life Dayton.

Extra Life is a national charity that collects money regionally for children’s hospitals affiliated with the Children’s Miracle Network.

“Working through Extra Life Dayton, we've been able to raise over $5,700 for Dayton Children's in the first two years and this year our goal is $4,000,” said Lumpkin. “We're pulling out all of the stops and I really hope we can make it!”

The first-ever Geek Gala and costume party was held at Blind Bob's on Saturday, Jan. 28, 2017. PHOTO / TOM GILLIAM Credit: Tom Gilliam Credit: Tom Gilliam

What about PRIZES?

Lumpkin and his team have collected an assortment of raffle prizes spanning the universes of nerdom, geekdom and all the other doms.

Prizes include include a "Treat yo Self” package from Joga Somatic Arts, shopping/gift card packages, a turntable from Omega Music, a Warped Wing gift basket, Dayton Dragons tickets, D20: A Bar With Characters merchandise, board games, comics and more.

What’s with the theme?

The theme “Geeks in Space” seems like an obvious way to go, and you can be sure to find your favorite Star Wars, Star Trek and Alien characters represented at the costume contest and dance party. But of course, any and all characters and costumes are welcome.

Josher Lumpkin, the organizer of Geek Gala 2018 at Blind Bob's, shows off some of his geeky treasures. He dressed as a demonic bat skeleton person to show that all sorts of fandom will be accepted at the event. Credit: Amelia Robinson Credit: Amelia Robinson

PODCAST: Meet Dayton Geek King Josh Lumpkin

There are few things better than a punk rock geek who loves babies. “What Had Happened Was” host Amelia Robinson talks to Dayton.com geek culture correspondent Josh Lumpkin about the twisty road that led him to becoming a baby nurse, trivia host and Dayton's unofficial geek king.

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"What Had Happened Was" is a podcast for Dayton, powered by Dayton.com. You won't believe the stories that come from right here. Host Amelia Robinson shares the best tales from the Gem City, Land of Funk and Birthplace of Aviation: Dayton, Ohio.

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