SciFi Valley Con to return to the area June 27-29

Local sci-fi convention announces plans for 2014

By Kenny McKernan, guest writer|March 21, 2014

 

TAHS students Grace McKernan, Sean McGovern, Conner Stroud, and Logan McKernan pose with their trophies from last year’s costume Contest. Grace McKernan as “Rose Tyler” from “Doctor Who”. McGovern and Stroud as “The Doctor” from “Doctor Who” and Logan McKernan as a “Jawa” from Star Wars.
TAHS students Grace McKernan, Sean McGovern, Conner Stroud, and Logan McKernan pose with their trophies from last year’s costume Contest. Grace McKernan as “Rose Tyler” from “Doctor Who”. McGovern and Stroud as “The Doctor” from “Doctor Who” and Logan McKernan as a “Jawa” from Star Wars.

For the third year SciFi Valley Con will be returning to the Jaffa Shrine in Altoona in June 2014.

SciFi Valley Con is an event for fans of science fiction, fantasy, horror, and alternative history. It is scheduled for June 27-29, 2014.

This convention features famous guests, guest speaker panels, a costume contest, vendors and displays, and gaming events, including a Warhammer 40,000 (action figure board game) tournament, and a Heroclix (card and figurine board game) tournament.

Special guests include actor Jim Krut, the famous “helicopter zombie” from the classic horror movie Dawn of the Dead. In recent years, Krut has appeared in such films as The Guatemalan Handshake, Deadlands 2: Trapped, and ZOMBthology and Night of the Living Dead: Genesis being filmed in Virginia.

Also featured is actor Brian O’Halloran, who played the cranky and befuddled Dante Hicks in the cult classic slacker movie Clerks by writer/director Kevin Smith.  O’Hallaran is a member of Smith’s stock company, playing supporting roles (usually as characters with the surname Hicks) in Mallrats, Chasing Amy, Dogma, and Jay and Silent Bob Strike Back.

The 2014 SciFi Valley Con will also have some classic sci-fi vehicles on display.  The Back to the Future Delorean Time Machine, a Jurassic Park replica Jeep, a replica of the 1966 Adam West Batmobile, and the TARDIS from Doctor Who fame will all be at the convention.

“I am super pumped about the TARDIS” said Tyrone high school junior Conner Stroud, 2013 convention goer.

“Having the opportunity to meet so incredibly nerdy nerds was a highlight from last years convention,” according to Nathan Hormell, TAHS freshman, “I’m hoping it will be even bigger this year.”

 “I enjoyed the vast array of genres included at the convention,” said TAHS sophomore Sean McGovern.

“I’m excited to get my picture taken in the Delorean.” said Stroud.

When told that the TARDIS would be at the con this year Stroud replied, “TARDIS?! Holy crap!”

Previous attendees hope that SciFi Valley Con will grow more and more each year.

“It would be nice to have a big convention in our area.” said McGovern.

Last year over 2,000 people attended the convention. SciFi Valley Con was thrilled since this was just its 2nd year.

SciFi Valley Con tickets will cost $10 for one day, $15 for two days, and $20 for three days. For more information visit their website.