Dragon Con

I have decided to go to Dragon Con again this year. It is "the world's largest fantasy/SF convention, held annually in Atlanta, GA, on Labor Day weekend." I have been going for a few years in a row now. It has a great writers track of seminars, that I have attended in the past, and a sizeable turnout from many of the famous fantasy, sci-fi, etc. authors. Many attendees dress up in amazing costumes, but since I have no girlfriend to share the convention with, I won't be wearing a costume myself. I would feel too self conscious showing up stag in a costume -- the biggest benefit of which is going to the fantastic costume ball.

They also have a Dawn Contest, where women dress up as Dawn (a graphic novel character). I think they chose Dawn, because (1) she wears many, vastly different costumes, and (2) the author was cool with the whole thing. Those ladies strut across the stage in front of 100's (1000's?) of people in a large auditorium -- that takes guts and moxy. The MC is Anthony Daniels, of C3PO fame. He is what makes the whole costume contest work -- keeping the pace moving and supporting the ladies who find their confidence flagging. I bet they have it on youtube somewhere.

I hope to see you there...