Visioncon brings sci-fi down to Springfield
Fantasy, gaming and guests highlight a weekend of events for variety of Earth types.

By Jaime Baranyai
News-Leader Staff

What started out as a simple "Game Day" 14 years ago has grown into much more for science fiction and fantasy game buffs.

Southwest Missouri's Visioncon 2004, Science Fiction/Fantasy and Gaming Event presents the "Next Generation" of guests and games this weekend at the Clarion Hotel. This year's theme: popular science fiction/fantasy television shows.

But even if you aren't into science, the event promises to be entertaining, says Joyce Reedy, chairperson for Visioncon. "This event is so different from anything else — there's something everyone is sure to enjoy."

One thing is for sure: There will be plenty to keep you busy.

"Gaming continues throughout the night, so you can stay as long as you want," says Reedy.

Star guests, local and out-of-state vendors, an art show and auction, a dance, demonstrations, costume contests for children and adults and gaming are all a part of the three-day event.

To complement the theme, several guests are available for autographs and question and answer sessions. They include: Eugene Roddenberry Jr., CEO of Roddenberry.com and son of Gene Roddenberry, creator of the "Star Trek" series; Bob May, known for portraying the robot "B9" in the 1960s television series "Lost in Space"; Hollywood special effects pyrotechnician Tom Seymour, who worked on "StarGate," "Titanic" and other films; author Jim Butcher; and Springfield native and comic book artist Gary Bedell.

"The experience is what makes it worth coming," Reedy says. "The camaraderie and friendship of people coming together for this is what makes it so special, entertaining and enjoyable."

Melody Cutbirth, a medieval re-creationist who's participated in the event for several years, agrees.

"There's such a broad spectrum of people that come — old, young, doctors, lawyers, teachers, artists — all sorts of people. And it's really great to have all these people together in one place getting along and having such a great time," she says. "I meet new people and make new friends every year."

Cutbirth and her husband are demonstrating four types of sword fighting throughout the weekend.

"The time period that we re-create is from 1150-1550, so we'll also have people singing songs from that time, wearing clothes from that time, and displaying armor people wore from that time," Cutbirth says.

Her favorite part of the event: the costume contest.

"I'm looking forward to it and I encourage everyone else to come check everything out."

Jimi Lasiter (left) and Theresa Lasiter check out a Klingon sword the the Visioncon gathering last year.
News-Leader File Photo


Eugene Roddenberry Jr. is one of the featured guests at this year's Visioncon gathering.

Visioncon

Want to go?

What: Visioncon 2004, the 14th annual Science Fiction/ Fantasy and Gaming Event

When: Beginning at noon today and continuing through 4 p.m. on Sunday — gaming continues throughout the nights; costume contests start at 2:30 p.m. Saturday (for kids) and 9:30 p.m. Saturday (for adults)

Where: Clarion Hotel, 3333 S. Glenstone Ave.

Cost: $30 for entire event; a day pass (9 a.m. to 9 p.m.) is available for $20 on Saturday. Admission to the vendor room and Art Show is free for participants and others.

Information: 883-6550 or www.Visioncon.net

GUESTS:

• Eugene Roddenberry Jr., son of Gene Roddenberry, creator of the "Star Trek" series

• Bob May, known for portraying the robot "B9" in television series "Lost in Space"

• Tom Seymour, Hollywood special effects pyrotechnician

• Jim Butcher, author

• Gary Bedell, Springfield native and comic book artist of Gee Bee Studios