Many Charlotte-area fans of fantasy and science fiction stories are eagerly anticipating the upcoming ConCarolinas convention. Scheduled to take place from May 29 through May 31 at the Hilton Charlotte University Place, ConCarolinas is expected to attract a wide range of fans, authors, performers, gamers, game designers, and cosplayers. For more information about this year’s convention, please click on the following link: https://concarolinas.org/
ConCarolinas is billed as the “Carolinas’ Longest Running Sci-Fi & Fantasy Con.” Established in 2001, ConCarolinas is celebrating its 25th anniversary this year. In keeping with the convention’s long history of celebrating fandom in all its flavors, programming covers a wide range of topics. Here is the official description:
Our programming is designed to be fun and educational with an emphasis on literary arts, visual arts, and performing arts. We tie that all together with our love of science fiction, fantasy, superheroes, and gaming.
It’s a weekend full of entertainment, gaming, costumes, authors, films, music, discussion panels, and workshops with professionals in the entertainment and creative community. Come celebrate geekdom and meet some of the region’s most creative minds.
I am pleased to report that these “creative minds” include many writers of fantasy and science fiction from the Charlotte area. Among them are AJ Hartley, John G. Hartness, Darin Kennedy, Nicole Givens Kurtz, Gail Z. Martin, Larry N. Martin, James Nettles, and Nancy Northcott.
Although reading is usually a solitary activity, participating in fandom is not. There seems to be some sort of paranormal gravitational pull that brings fans of fantasy and science fiction together to celebrate their love of shared stories. In a sense, ConCarolinas is a big communal celebration. I always say that my blog is all about celebrating Charlotte’s community of readers and writers, so as I see it, Storied Charlotte and ConCarolinas are made for each other.