18 cities host the second annual Brick Cities LEGO convention
Founders Rob and Mindy Warland expanded their Twin Cities event into a national circuit after establishing two local stores and a nonprofit focused on education.
By Sanjay Ivanov ·
The second annual Brick Cities Twin Cities LEGO fan convention concluded on the weekend of October 31 at the North End Event Center in the Minnesota State Fairgrounds. The event marks the latest iteration of a gathering that has grown from a single local meetup into a circuit spanning 18 cities across the United States. Organizers reported that the convention served as a showcase for custom builds and community engagement, drawing attendees of all ages to the venue.
Rob and Mindy Warland, residents of Roseville, founded the event after establishing two Bricks & Minifigs stores in Minnesota. Before launching the convention, the couple ran a nonprofit that used LEGO education products in urban schools to support students with learning challenges. Their goal was to highlight local creators and vendors while providing a dedicated space for the hobby.
Rob Warland described the attendee base as diverse, noting that the medium appeals to a wide age range. “We are all creative people. I think that we’re all created to be creators, and LEGO provides that opportunity,” Warland said. He added that the experience remains accessible whether a participant is seven or 77 years old, allowing them to express joy and creativity.
The event floor displayed a variety of intricate models, including Star Wars battle scenes, a Jurassic Park layout, and a large recreation of the Eiffel Tower. Local landmarks such as Target Field also featured prominently. Model trains ran along LEGO railroads, and families participated in derby track challenges while browsing independent vendors selling collectible sets, bracelets, and keychains.
Jodi Johnson, who represents the Bricks and Mini Figs locations in Champlin and Blaine, displayed a replica of the Rebel Loon. The piece, created by Bernardo Anderson, reimagines the Minnesota state bird using the emblem of the Star Wars Rebel Alliance. Johnson, a workday teacher, stated that she uses LEGO in her classroom to foster problem-solving and critical thinking skills. “This is my creative outlet, my mental health outlet,” Johnson said.
Drew Smith, a 1994 University of Minnesota statistics graduate from Stillwater, presented a scaled replica of the historic Stillwater Lift Bridge. Over time, he expanded the model to include Lowell Park, local trolleys, a miniature gondola, and the Andiamo showboat. Smith also built a custom layout centered on a large-scale Millennium Falcon model. He spent five months constructing the Docking Bay 94 set from the original Star Wars film, modifying the structural walls to include hidden details for attendees to find. Smith noted that building from scratch requires an engineering mind and serves as a therapeutic activity.
Warland viewed the convention as a method to unify the community. “In our society, there’s a lot that divides. LEGO is not one of those things,” Warland said. He expressed satisfaction with organizing an event that brings people together through a shared creative medium.
Source: Minnesota Daily
