YOUR GUIDE: ‘Supernatural’ convention arrives in Vancouver, Aug. 26-29

Supernatural fans get ready for a four-day extravaganza in Vancouver, courtesy of Creation Entertainment. The Salute to Supernatural event takes place at the Sheraton Vancouver Wall Centre Friday, Aug. 26 through Monday, Aug. 29. Almost all of the top celebrities associated with the show will make appearances, and audiences are expected to be enormous. Plan ahead.

If you’re going, here’s a how-to guide…

• First off, if you haven’t purchased tickets yet, make sure you arrive early on the days you wish to attend. Ticket sales are brisk. Gold Weekend Packages, which feature autographs and priority seating, are already sold out. There are some Silver Weekend Packages available for $419. Plus, preferred and general admission tickets are available for each day. For these, expect to pay anywhere from $20 to $80. It might be worth plunking down some extra loot for a reserved seat on Sunday, when the big stars appear in the main auditorium.

• Included among the celebrities are series stars, Jared Padalecki and Jensen Ackles, plus Misha Collins, Matt Cohen, Alona Tal, Steven Williams, Chad Lindberg, Sebastian Roche, Richard Speight Jr. and Corin Nemec. Autographs with each of these celebrities cost anywhere from $20 to $25. For Roche, the asking price is $30, while Collins commands $40. Both Padalecki and Ackles charge $99 for scribbles. Showing you how in demand these autographs are, Ackles’ signature is already sold out.

Now, you may not need to purchase these separate autograph tickets; it all depends on your ticket. Gold and Silver patrons have many of the autographs included already.

• Photo ops with the top stars are already sold out (Padalecki and Ackles charge $129 each, or $209 for a duo shot), but all of the other celebrities are available throughout the weekend. Most of the photos will set you back $40, with Collins costing $65. Check out the group shots, if you’re interested; they will save you some money and probably make for a better memory.

• The convention boasts several events, including a dinner cruise with Misha Collins for $259, a solo performance from Brian Buckley on Friday night for $15, karaoke parties, no-minimum-bid auctions, a costume competition and the premier of a new series featuring several Supernatural alumni.

• To close out the convention, a Supernatural location manager will host a bus ride through the streets of Vancouver, where the hit CW show films most of its scenes. Unfortunately, the Monday event is already sold out. (Note to fans: Expect sell outs. Plan early.)

• The Salute to Supernatural convention will also feature a vendors room where fans can purchase rare memorabilia, 8×10 glossy photos and clothing items. Remember: At Creation Entertainment events, most of the celebrities require that the autograph-seeker bring something to the table for them to sign. Make sure you’re prepared.

• Celebrities at the event will not appear every single day. If you’re only heading to the convention to see one particular star, make sure you check the schedule. For example, those fans turning up on Friday for a chance to see Padalecki will be sorely disappointed.

• Bring extra cash, although Creation accepts credit cards for its auctions, ticket sales, autograph tickets and photo ops.

• Meet up with fellow fans. This is the official Supernatural convention in the city where the series is filmed. It’s going to be a blast; so kick back and enjoy the company of not just the celebrities, but also your colleagues in the audience.

• The Sheraton is located at 1088 Burrard St. in Vancouver.

By John Soltes / Publisher / John@HollywoodSoapbox.com

• Click here for more information and a complete schedule for the Salute to Supernatural convention in Vancouver.