Prepare for an invasion of wizards, aliens, robots, fairies, superheroes and more frightful and delightful characters this weekend with the return of Chattacon, the local literary convention for science fiction, fantasy and horror, this year the 39th annual.
Whether you’re a diehard fan, an amateur, or just like to take advantage of any opportunity to play dress up, Chattacon offers a variety of activities to tickle your fancy: meet leading authors and artists, visit the art show or film festival, attend a panel discussions, watch a battle of robots or join the action in a Blok Bot Battle, enjoy a “Star Trek”-themed belly dance performance by the Sisters of Seduction (or test your own abilities of seduction in a belly dancing course), let the Comic Strip (a Fandom Themed Burlesque Revue) and Subterranean Cirqus (a “menagerie of miscreants” according to Chattacon’s website) astound you, and display your costume and dance skills at the very first Chattacon Masquerade Ball (cash prizes for best costume).
There’s even a “Young Jedi Academy” with cartoons and fantasy-inspired treats for the younguns. Special guests include Tobias Buckell, John Kaufmann, Jean Johnson, Robert Buettner and Wendy Webb.
Chattacon 39 begins at Finley Stadium on Jan. 24 with opening ceremony and concludes Jan. 26. According to KC Charland, head of publicity, “This year’s Chattacon promises to be more exciting than ever. Come down to the Choo Choo and meet some new old friends and enjoy one of Chattanooga’s most exciting events.”
For more information, including details of event times and locations, visit the website at chattacon.org. To peruse pictures from previous years, check out the Chattacon flickr page at flickr.com/photos/chattacon
$55 for adults, $35 ages 8-12, kids under 8 free with adult badge. Chattanooga Choo Choo, 1400 Market St..
— Dea Lisica