Vulkon-the best scifi convention on planet earth. No really.

What a refreshing change of pace, after attending Dragoncon last month. So nice to attend a laid back, calm convention. The staff may beg to differ! Though they would never let you see them sweat.

I have to say I didn't have high expectations for this convention, I really haven't seen many of the original Star Trek episodes (shame on me!), and I had bought my tickets on the hopes of  some major Stargate guests. However, based on my experience with all the Vulkon events I've been to, I knew I would have a good time regardless. Well I was defintely not disappointed. I had bought the Platinum ticket (aka the most expensive one) which included a cocktail party with the guests. All of the guests were in attendance.  I know have to say what an honor it was to meet Nichelle and George. I was spellbound by Nichelle's beauty and poise. As I approached her she commented "well hello there pretty lady"...OMG...moi? George was an elegant and well-spoken man. To my great surprise, he is completely fluent in Spanish.

Both of their presentations onstage were stories of how their brief experience with Star Trek has presented them with so many opportunities in their lifetimes. Nichelle has had the pleasure of meeting Dr. Martin Luther King Jr., being speechless in his presence and who at their first meeting convinced her not to leave the show. Nichelle also worked with NASA to help recruit women and minorities into the Space Program. She closed out her presentation with an absolutely goose-bump inducing song. A truly talented lady!

George told of his honor of influencing and meeting the first Japanese-American astronaut, who was tragically killed in the Challenger incident. And of having an asteroid named after him. I loved his tales of the first Star Trek convention...tea and cookies with a group of about 15 fans. Well we all know where that went from there!

Ok without further ado, and before I lose everyone's attention, here are some photos from the weekend, with more tales attached. (cool! I'm getting the pix on! still more to come, however...) 

Saturday night was the highlight of the convention. The Platinum tickets entitled us to a cocktail party with the guests. Very small group of fans, very intimate. Oh and open bar...

After the cocktail party was the "Banquet with the Stars", another must at this con. You get to pick which guests' table you sit at, based on how fast you bought your ticket...my friend and I had decided on Dominic. It was quite entertaining, to say the least. We also sat with David Reddick, some guy that just draws cartoons (lol) and one of the con promoters. I have some inside info for the next con, but if I tell you I'd have to kill you.

After the banquet was the Tiki party, at the hotel's outside Tiki Bar. What a blast. Danced the night away with my friends.

Dominic Keating sang karaoke, thought not too well. He readily admitted it the next day. Connor seems to have mellowed out; I had heard the two of them wild-it-up at conventions but Connor was pretty reserved. A two year old will do that to you, I guess.