WATERVILLE — The downtown looked like an alternative universe Saturday as characters from comic books, movies and video games marched down Main Street from Waterville Public Library to Castonguay Square.

There was Darth Vader, Hello Kitty, Doctor Who, The Cheshire Cat, Lady Loki and about 20 other people dressed in colorful costumes who were taking part in the fourth annual Cirque du Geek convention held at the library. The free events over three days included playing of video games, costuming and makeup tutorial workshops, jewelry making, a sing-along, movies, contests and discussions.

Emily Fournier, right, applies makeup to her fictional sci-fi character Loki Lady costume Saturday at the Waterville Public Library for the Cirque du Geek convention's parade. Michael G. Seamans/Morning Sentinel

“I’m Link, from the Legend of Zelda,” said 13-year-old Damon Miller, who traveled from Lisbon for the convention. “He comes from the force of Kokiri. He gets the spiritual stone so he can rescue and save Hyrule.”

Miller, dressed in a blue cap and tunic, carrying a wooden sword and shield and sporting pointed ears, was waiting for the parade to begin around noon Saturday outside the library. He said he is a video game fan who heard about the convention via Facebook.

“It looks awesome,” he said.

Dressed as Deadpool, Ray Fournier Jr., 36, of Lewiston, a roofer in real life, said he was attending his first Cirque du Geek.

“Deadpool is a mercenary who got cancer and got cured and got a supercharged healing factor so he can’t die. He’s known as the mercenary with the mouth.”

The local geek convention was the brainchild of Sarah Taylor, who works in teen services at the library. She helped start the event in 2013.

The definition of “geek” is different for different people, most agreed.

To Emily Fournier, whose family founded the Recycled Shakespeare Company acting troupe, based in Fairfield, a geek is a special kind of person.

“Being a geek is, like, just kind of being true to yourself and what you like – science fiction, anime, comics – just embracing and getting to know that kind of culture,” said Fournier, who was dressed as Lady Loki, a female version of Loki, from The Avengers comic book series. “I’ve really geeked out lately. … It’s fun and it’s so nice to know there are other people who are geeky. It used to be that geeky people had to hide in their houses.”

Sunday’s events start at 10 a.m. at the library, where muffins and juice will be served.

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