BayCon facts for kids
Quick facts for kids BayCon |
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|---|---|
| Status | Active |
| Genre | Science fiction/Fantasy |
| Venue | San Mateo San Francisco Airport Marriott |
| Location(s) | San Mateo, California |
| Country | United States |
| Inaugurated | 1982 |
| Organized by | Andrew Edward Bay |
| Website | http://www.baycon.org/ |
BayCon is a super fun event for fans of science fiction and fantasy! It's the longest-running convention of its kind in the San Francisco Bay Area, California. People come from all over California, and even from states like Oregon, Washington, and Arizona, to join in the fun. BayCon happens every year over the Memorial Day weekend.
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What is BayCon?
BayCon is a special gathering where people who love science fiction and fantasy can meet up. It's a place to celebrate stories, art, and ideas from these exciting genres. You can meet famous writers and artists, learn new things, and even dress up as your favorite characters!
Who Attends BayCon?
Many well-known people from the worlds of science fiction and fantasy attend BayCon. They include amazing writers, talented artists, and dedicated fans. Some famous writers who have been guests include Peter S. Beagle, David Brin, Larry Niven, and Brandon Sanderson. Artists like Bob Eggleton and Michael Whelan have also been honored guests. It's a great chance to see and hear from the creators of your favorite stories!
A Look Back at BayCon's Name
Before the current BayCon started, the name "BayCon" was used for other events. For example, it was used for a big science fiction convention called Westercon in 1961. It was also used for the Worldcon in 1968, and even for a comics convention from 1975 to 1978.
The History of BayCon
The BayCon we know today began in 1982. It was started by John McLaughlin and Randall Cooper. The very first BayCon was held during Thanksgiving weekend in San Jose, California.
To avoid clashing with another big convention called Loscon in Southern California, BayCon decided to move its dates. So, in 1984, it skipped Thanksgiving and moved to Memorial Day weekend. This is when it has been held ever since!
For many years, BayCon took place at the Doubletree Hotel in San Jose. But it has also been held at other places, like the Marriott Hotel in San Mateo and the Hyatt Regency in Santa Clara.
Past BayCon Events
BayCon has a long and exciting history with many memorable conventions. Each year often has a special theme and features different honored guests.
- BayCon '82 was the very first one, held in San Jose, California.
- BayCon '87 took place in San Jose.
- BayCon '96 was a big year! It raised over $2700 for the American Cancer Society. More than 1750 people attended that year.
- BayCon '97 had the theme "Space Flights of Fancy: Let Your Imagination Take Wing!".
- BayCon 2001 was special because it included a "Towel Day" event. This was a tribute to the famous author Douglas Adams, who had recently passed away. The convention also raised money for the Electronic Frontier Foundation.
- BayCon 2002 was a big celebration, marking the 20th anniversary of the convention! The theme was "The Magic of Now".
- BayCon 2005 had a fun theme: "The Con You Can't Refuse," a playful nod to The Godfather movie.
- BayCon 2007 celebrated its 25th anniversary with the theme "Silver Streak." It raised money for the Polycystic Ovarian Syndrome Association.
- BayCon 2010 faced a challenge when some staff members resigned. However, the issues were resolved, and many returned to help make the convention a success. It raised money for the Comic Book Legal Defense Fund.
- BayCon 2011 had a "Carnivale" theme. It raised over $3000 for Noisebridge, a hackerspace in San Francisco.
- BayCon 2012 celebrated its 30th anniversary with a "Pleasure Cruise" theme. It raised $4300 for the Make-A-Wish Foundation.
- BayCon 2015 focused on "Women of Wonder," celebrating amazing female creators.
- BayCon 2016 had the theme "It's All About Space!" It raised money for the SETI Institute, which searches for alien life.
- BayCon 2017 explored the themes of "Dystopia/Utopia."
BayCon continues to be a vibrant and exciting event for fans of all ages, bringing together people who share a love for science fiction and fantasy.
