YOUR GUIDE: ‘Stargate’ mega-con set for Chicago, Aug. 19-21
Stargate fans in the Chicago area, get ready to party.
Creation Entertainment is coming to the Westin O’Hare from Friday, Aug. 19 through Sunday, Aug. 21 for the Official Stargate Convention. Featuring actors from all incarnations of the successful sci-fi franchise, the three-day event promises to be a memorable time for genre fans.
Actors appearing on Friday include Alexis Cruz (Skaara/Korel), Gary Jones (Walter Harriman), Alex Zahara (also appearing on Saturday) and Dan Payne (also appearing on Saturday).
Saturday will see the big-ticket item: Ben Browder (Lt. Col. Cameron Mitchell), plus Kavan Smith (Major Evan Lorne), Christopher Judge (Teal’c) and Paul McGillion (Dr. Carson Beckett).
Sunday’s big name is Joe Flanigan (John Sheppard). There will also be appearances by J.R. Bourne, David Hewlett and David DeLuise.
In addition to celebrity autographs and photo ops, the Creation convention will feature a Friday night karaoke party (free), costume parade, special breakfast with Browder and acting workshop with Cruz ($129).
There is a variety of ticketing options available at the convention’s doors.
The top option is the Gold Weekend Package, priced at $399. If you’re looking to experience just about everything at the convention, this is the way to go. The package includes autographs with all of the celebrities, reserved seating near the front of the auditorium, admission to a dessert party and admission to the Browder breakfast.
One step down is the Preferred Weekend Package, which includes autographs, reserved seating and admission to the Friday night cabaret party. Price is $199. Note: Not all of the top autographs are included in this option.
General admission tickets cost from $20-$25 per day. Autographs are not included with this option; so they must be purchased separately. Expect to pay $20-$30 for most of the actors’ autographs, except Browder who has an asking price of $70. Note to fans: Celebrities sign at specific times at Creation conventions. Only a few actors are on hand throughout the entire weekend.
All ticket holders will have access to the vendors room, which promises good buys on rare collectibles, 8×10 glossy photos and clothing options. Note to fans: At Creation conventions, you need to bring something for the celebrity to sign. Creation typically sells nice photos for $6 each in the vendors room.
If you’re into photo ops, expect to $40-$50 for each actor. For more of a bargain, try the duo photo ops, which feature two actors and cost only $89. The two options for the Chicago convention include Flanigan and Hewlett, or Judge and Browder.
The Official Stargate Convention will be held at the Westin O’Hare at 6100 River Road in Rosemont, Ill. Whether you’re an SG-1, Atlantis or Universe fan, your sci-fi palette will likely be satiated.
Going to the show? Leave your memories and experiences in the comment field below. If you’re unable to make it to Chicago this weekend, look out for Creation’s Stargate Convention in Los Angeles, Nov. 18-20. That mega-con is paired with a Farscape event, plus tributes to Syfy’s Warehouse 13 and Eureka.
By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com-
Click here for more information on the three-day event.
