MidSouthCon facts for kids

MidSouthCon is an exciting event held every March in Memphis, Tennessee. It's a big gathering for fans of science fiction, fantasy, and other cool topics. People come together to celebrate literature, art, comics, and games. This convention has been a yearly tradition since 1982. It even gives out special awards called the Darrell Awards each year!

History of MidSouthCon

The story of MidSouthCon began with a group of fans in Memphis. After World War II, a new group called the Mid-South Fantasy Association (MSFA) formed in 1970. In the late 1970s, they held a small, relaxed gathering. It was so successful that they decided to start a yearly science fiction convention.

They tried a few different names before settling on MidSouthCon. The first official MidSouthCon in Memphis was actually called MidSouthCon 2. This is because a convention with a similar name had been held before. There was no convention in 2020. This was due to the COVID-19 pandemic.

Early Conventions and Guests

Before MidSouthCon became a yearly event, there were a few smaller gatherings. These "precursor events" helped set the stage for the big convention we know today. They often featured authors, artists, and fans.

• Steve & Don's Memphis Halfacon/Relaxicon (December 1977): This was one of the first gatherings. It took place in Memphis, Tennessee.
• Just Imagicon (May 1979): This event featured famous authors like L. Sprague de Camp and artist Kelly Freas.
• Imaginitzacon (September 1980): Author Robert Asprin was a special guest here.
• Imagicon (September 1981): This event welcomed author Andrew J. Offutt.

MidSouthCon Through the Decades

MidSouthCon has grown a lot since it started. Each year, it brings in amazing guests from the worlds of science fiction, fantasy, and gaming.

The 1980s: Starting Strong

MidSouthCon officially began in Memphis in 1982. It quickly became a popular event. Early conventions featured well-known authors and artists. For example, C. J. Cherryh and Frederik Pohl were guests. Fans and artists like Keith Berdak also joined the fun. In 1989, MidSouthCon 8 teamed up with DeepSouthCon. This brought even more guests, including author Orson Scott Card.

The 1990s: Growing Bigger

The convention continued to grow in the 1990s. More famous authors like Robert Jordan and Harry Turtledove attended. Artists such as Larry Elmore and Frank Kelly Freas also joined. In 1998, the convention had to be canceled due to a hotel issue. But it came back strong in 1999!

The 2000s: New Millennium, New Guests

The 2000s brought even more exciting guests to MidSouthCon. Authors like Laurell K. Hamilton and Terry Pratchett visited. Game designers like Steve Jackson and Rich Burlew also shared their knowledge. The convention sometimes partnered with DeepSouthCon, making it an even bigger event.

The 2010s: Modern Era of Fun

In the 2010s, MidSouthCon continued to host a wide range of guests. Authors like Kevin J. Anderson and Mary Robinette Kowal were featured. Comics artists such as Kurt Busiek and Ethan Van Sciver also attended. The convention moved to the Memphis Hilton in 2011, where it has continued to welcome fans.