ConCarolinas 2016 Recap

2016 Badge Artwork by Rich Molinelli

ConCarolinas 2016

June 3-5

Concord, NC

ConCarolinas is a general multi-genre multi-media convention. We call ourselves a sci-fi convention but in truth we cover all speculative fiction – science fiction, fantasy and horror. We host a variety of fandom related events and guests, including gaming, discussion panels, costume events, music events like SciFi Karaoke, concerts, a charity auction, a short film festival, SCA events, groups celebrating fandoms like Star Wars, Star Trek, Doctor Who and many more. We have a Dealer Room with vendors selling unique fandom related items. At ConCarolinas you will find something for everyone!

One of my favorite things is waiting to see what CeeCee, the panther mascot, will look like each year. 2016 gave us Spock CeeCee by Rich Molinelli. You can check out all the CeeCee art work over the years link

This was my...fourth? year attending ConCarolinas. This is the largest SFF con in NC and it is only 70 minutes from my home. That's a win. Plus this was the first year my 15 year old daughter attended with me!

and yes, I forgot to flip the sign...

I was honored to attend as a guest blogger and editor again this year. But this was my first time having a table in the hallway. I wanted to answer people's blogging and or editing questions. The key to getting noticed and having people stop by your table is to be creative. So Holly and I recreated Lucy's advice stand from the Peanut comics. We rocked the idea, but the design...not so much...it was kind of flawed. Made of cardboard, two mop handles and duct tape, it spent more time flopping over than not. But I have learned from my mistakes and next time will be better!

There are always a wide varitey of panels. The great thing about ConCarolinas is the large literary tract with some great authors like Faith Hunter, Kalayna Price, Gail Martin, Ursula Vernon, Chelsea Quinn Yarbro, David B. Coe...here is a complete list of guests link

It was wonderful seeing all my local NC literary friends. This year I was a slacker and didn't get many pics of me with them. Luckily my daughter took pics of the cosplay!

go to the ConCarolinas FB page to find some other cosplay pics

 

Me and Holly is a Star Wars craft

The highlight for Holly was meeting the comedy troupe The Pineapple Shaped Lamps (YouTube). They did a Batman's Day Off show (spoofing Ferris Bueller) We are now looking for a comedy troupe in our area for Holly to join :)

 

Yes, that is Aquaman!

I got to meet author Calandra Usher for the first time. I saw, but didn't get a pic of Nancy Northcott 

Baaart found some unicorn horns to wear!

Don't judge me!

I always love seeing the Unique Creations booth. She had a Deadpool bracelet...

I also found someone to make the cosplay dress I need. I'm not going to reveal it yet...but stay tuned! Hint: Dark Horse character.

My room was on the top floor! Freaks me out. The hotel is nice, but this year there was a problem with the A.C. in some of the panel rooms...there was one we called the oven. Totally not the Con's fault. This one is on Embassy Suites.

I love this convention. Thank you to Jada Diaz and her staff.

5 "loving" Sheep

Sunday Swag: Concarolinas 2015 recap

Sunday Swag Team!
Riverina Romantics 
 I Smell Sheep 

Featured Event: Concarolinas 2015

http://www.concarolinas.org/

Baaart and I went to Concarolinas May 29-31. I attended as a guest editor and got to sit panels with some great people. I try to go to Concarolinas every year because it's awesome and local for me (Charlotte, NC). It is a chance to see old NC authors/readers/publisher friends. Below is a pictorial tour of my experience!

Special Guests: Joel Hodgson (of MST3K fame), Michael Hogan (of Battlestar Galactica), and Doug Jones (of the Hellboy franchise, Silver Surfer, Pan’s Labyrinth, etc.)

First the hotel! One of the nicest con hotels I've stayed at.

Embassy Suites- Concord, NC

All the rooms are suites and soooo big. I had a den. The convention hallways were cavernous. Baaart was a little freaked out looking down from the eighth floor.

Baaart found friends in the gift shop.

It ain't a SFF con unless there is Dr. Who stuff. Baaart enjoyed hanging with K-9.

Cosplayers are what make going to cons a squeee worthy experience. So many talented people.

Mad Max!

Leo is the only furry that usually shows up at Concarolinas. He's a really nice guy, except for the trying ti eat Baaart part.

 Check out that Warhammer costume! It was probably the best costume there. It has working lights and stuff.

You are hard put to find a con with an Elsa of some kind.

Of course meeting new and old friends is what makes the whole thing worth while :)

This lady was spinning yarn. Baaart was impressed but refused to share his wool. J. Matthew Saunders is the author of Daughters of Shadow and Blood (trilogy of Dracula's wives), John Hairston Jr. is an artist from the area. I bought a cool print of Jason (Friday the 13th) for my daughter. 

Jason Gilbert wrote a cool book Bad Movie Beware!: Over 100 movies that no human being should watch. Ever. (Fail-Flix Presents). His wife, author and editor, Melissa Gilbert was also there. She was on the editing panels with me. You need to check out Amy Konechy's website for some awesome geek jewelry. She can do custom too. I didn't get a pic of author Darin Kennedy but Baaart liked the cover of his latest release The Mussorgsky Riddle.

Southern Ghouls Do It Better Panel with  Jake Bible, Alexandra Christian, Nancy Northcott, and Jeanne Adams. Jeanne Adams also put on one of the most popular panels of the weekend: Mauled Men, Drowned Dames and Crispy Critters: A Body Disposal Primer for Writers.

yeah, Baaart got a hug

I met the wonderful Clay and Susan Griffith. Got an audio book! After I listen to it I'll give it away. Fact: the narrator for the book is James Marsters (yes, Spike!)

Gail Z. Martin had a book release party and there was candy. Gail is a super nice and smart lady. She writes epic fantasy, urban fantasy and has a new steampunk coming out this year, Iron and Blood.

There was some great entertainment at the con. Valentine Wolfe is always there along with the Pineapple Shaped Lamps comedy team. They played SiFi Who's Line is it Anyway. I didn't get a pic, but the The League of Extraordinary Belly Dancers was incredible!

I don't know who the Aussie is that Baaart met, but I am very disappointed. 

 *I Smell Sheep does not promote animal inebriation*

Swag from Concarolinas. Some of the stuff is signed. You also get a Concarolinas program (that black panther on the cover is the con's mascot Cee-Cee)

Head over to Riverina Romantics and win more Swag!

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