St. Joseph Retro Con returns after successful inaugural year

By: Darren Doyle

ST. JOSEPH, Mo. (KQTV) -- After a successful inaugural year, St. Joseph Retro Con is returning in 2026 at a larger venue with more stars from pop culture's past. 

Popular artist from the Mortal Kombat Video Game series, Paul E. Niemeyer, is set to make his return to year two of the con. Niemeyer was seen as a staple at Retro Con in the first year by many con attendees, according to Retro Con organizer Colt Skouby. 

Skouby said that fans not only embraced Niemeyer, but that Niemeyer also embraced the area. 

"We went out to eat at Texas Roadhouse and Boudreaux's, and he actually drew stuff for the waitress free of charge," Skouby said. "He interacts with everyone on Facebook ads."

Kevin Clash, who puppeteered Elmo on Sesame Street from 1985 to 2012, is also set to appear. He also had a hand in puppeteering popular movies and TV shows, including Labyrinth, Dinosaurs and various Muppet productions. 

Clash was also the voice and puppeteer for Master Splinter in the 1990 and 1991 Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles movies. 

Clash isn't the only TMNT star to appear; other actors who have appeared include Paige Turco, Robbie Rist and James Saito. 

Skouby is proud to make such a welcoming environment for pop-culture fans of all different styles. 

"People that don't normally go to this environment are getting to see their childhood heroes, stuff that they grew up watching," Skouby said. "Some of the best feedback I've gotten is from vendors saying my wife won't come and doesn't normally go to shows with me."

For pop culture fans looking to attend, tickets can be purchased by visiting stjoeretrocon.com.

Retro Con will take place from May 2 to May 3 at Civic Arena.