YOUR GUIDE: Dragon*Con invades Atlanta, Sept. 2-5

Anyone who’s anyone in the entertainment business is planning on stopping by Atlanta this Labor Day weekend for the mega-convention known as Dragon*Con. Expect thousands of people, tons of vendors, a variety of celebrities and long, long lines.

Here are some of the highlights for fans heading to the four-day event…

• Celebrities attending include Loni Anderson, The Walking Dead’s Jon Bernthal, Robert ‘Freddy Krueger’ Englund, Harry Potter’s Tom Felton, Lou ‘The Incredible Hulk’ Ferrigno, legendary actor Martin Landau, Beau Bridges, Eliza Dushku, Ernest Borgnine, Elvira, Carrie Fisher, the great Lance Henriksen (check out his new autobiography, Not Bad for a Human) and Tony Todd, from Candyman and the Final Destination films.

Also coming …

• From Supernatural … Misha Collins

• From Dexter … Julie Benz

• From True Blood … Joe Manganiello, Jim Parrack, Kristin Bauer and Denis O’Hare

• From The Boondock Saints … Sean Patrick Flanery and Norman Reedus

• From Battlestar Galactica … Mary McDonnell, Tricia Helfer, Richard Hatch, Aaron Douglas, Michael Hogan and Edward James Olmos

• From Warehouse 13 … Eddie McClintock

• From the many Star Trek incarnations … Brent Spiner, Nana Visitor, Nicole de Boer, Kate Mulgrew, William Shatner, James Darren, Christopher Lloyd and Garrett Wang

• From The X Files … Dean Haglund

• From Buffy the Vampire Slayer … James Marsters

• There’s also a host of comic book artists, musical guests and authors attending.

• There will also be a special costume parade, plus film screenings, reading sessions and art shows.

• Dragon*Con is so large that fans should plan ahead and don’t count on seeing everything. The best way to experience the four-day event is to follow the official “fan tracks.” These are scheduled events that surround a certain genre, TV show or movie franchise. For example, there is a Star Wars fan track that will welcome Peter Mayhew (Chewbacca), Carrie Fisher and more. There are also tracks for Star Trek, The Lord of the Rings and Joss Whedon’s TV shows.

• To get into the convention, you need to purchase a “membership,” which costs $120. That distinction will get you into the event on all four days. There are also day memberships ranging from $30 to $50. If you’re interested in purchasing any of these ticketing options, head to the Georgia Hall at the Sheraton.

• The one confusing thing about Dragon*Con is that it’s not held in a convention hall or expo center. It’s held in several hotels in Atlanta. The host hotels for 2011 include Hilton Atlanta (255 Courtland St. NE), Hyatt Regency Atlanta (265 Peachtree St. NE), Marriott Marquis Atlanta (265 Peachtree St. NE), Sheraton Atlanta Hotel (165 Courtland St.) and the Westin Peachtree Plaza Hotel (210 Peachtree St.). Rooms and suites in all of the host hotels are sold out. However, there are overflow rooms available in area hotels.

• Expect long, long lines. Dragon*Con is one the largest East Coast conventions, and the crowds come out in droves. Bring extra cash, because the ATMs will likely be maxed out, and also don’t forget some water and snacks. Again, don’t try to see and experience everything. It’s too big, and you’ll likely ruin your weekend running from one place to another. Just relax and try to enjoy the fandom.

• Going to the convention? Leave your thoughts and memories in the comment field below.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

• Click here to find out more information on Dragon*Con 2011.