Sci-Fi Event SoonerCon Returns to OKC

On July 15-16, central Oklahoma fans of science fiction and fantasy will have a new chance to renew old acquaintances at SoonerCon 2006, SoonerCon Chair Jerry Wall announced.

Wall, a south Oklahoma City business owner, is the Chairman for SoonerCon 2006, a charity SF/Fantasy convention to be held July 15-16 at OKC's Bricktown Central Plaza hotel.

A series of conventions with the same name was held from 1986-1997. "This charity event is using the same name as a kind of verbal shorthand. The SoonerCon name stands for a fun time for fans," Wall said. "While we are not affiliated with the original SoonerCon, we did receive permission to use the name from its creators."

A portion of ticket sales, and the entire proceeds from a special auction of memorabilia and collectibles, will benefit Citizens Caring for Children, an Edmond-based charity that exists to aid foster children in Oklahoma.

Featured events will include two video rooms showing TV and movie programming, a costume contest, panels featuring artists, authors, and filmmakers, a dealers' room full of merchandise of all kinds, and an over-21 dance Saturday evening.

Sci-Fi conventions, or "cons" as they are also called, are an important part of the fan social structure, Wall said. "Although people can connect online, there's really nothing quite the same as meeting hundreds of people who share your interests in comic books, animation, pop culture, and other things that are just plain fun and exciting."

Wall noted the popularity of films such as this summer's "X-Men" and "Superman" movies as examples of how sci-fi/fantasy has entered the mainstream. "These pop-culture icons appeal to the better instincts in all of us," he noted. "The more that the concepts of 'politeness' and 'good behavior' are mocked by the so-called 'hip' areas of our society, the greater the basic appeal of positive heroes like Captain Kirk or Superman. They give us a fictional example or a goal to aspire to -- helping others instead of yourself."

SoonerCon will be held Saturday-Sunday, July 15-16, at the Bricktown Central Plaza hotel at Reno and Eastern in Oklahoma City. Two-day admission is $25 and may be purchased at the door beginning at 10AM, or online at the con's website, www.soonercon.com.