Excellent Conventions That Are Happening In The Gulf South

Biloxi, MS and Lake Charles, LA

Biloxi, MS is home to one of the biggest “little” conventions in all of the United States.  Each year it is home to CoastCon, a fan-run convention that focuses on gaming, fantasy, and science fiction.  I’ve had the great opportunity to attend this convention on two occasions and hope to attend it again very soon.

2014 finds the convention in its thirty-seventh incarnation (dubbed Revenge of the Red Shirts).  The convention has an excellent list of guests this year including John de Lancie (Star Trek:  The Next Generation, Little Women, Days of Our Lives, etc.), author Kelley Armstrong (Otherworld, Blackwell Pages), and Gaming Guest of Honor Michael Brock.  Also expected to attend are authors Allan Gilbreath, Kimberly Richardson, “The” Rob Cerio, Brandon Black, and Michael Moreau.  There will also be numerous cosplayers at the event.

I call CoastCon the biggest “little” convention because despite the fact that it is a fan-run convention, it manages to get some excellent guests and artists to attend.  It also has the feel of a large convention but with the intimacy of a smaller con.  If you’re in the area, be sure to visit.  You won’t regret it!

CoastCon takes place at the Mississippi Coast Convention Center on March 7,8, and 9.  It’s an excellent convention and I highly recommend it.  Get more information at www.coastcon.org.

Another excellent convention happening in the Gulf South during the first part of the year is CyPhaCon in Lake Charles, LA.  This particular convention has been growing steadily since its first year and shows no signs of slowing down.  It focuses on anime, science fiction, and gaming, but has a little something for everyone. 

One unique aspect of this convention is that its staff has planned events throughout the year.  These events focus on different fandoms, from gamers to Doctor Who.  There’s even a branch organization, CyPhaKids, that has activities throughout the year for younger fans of science fiction, fantasy, and comics.

This year the convention will be held on April 4, 5, and 6 at the Lake Charles Civic Center.  Special guests will include Kandyse McClure of Battlestar Galactica, anime guest Tiffany Grant (Neon Genesis Evangelion), and multiple artists and authors.  MechCorps’ gaming pods will also be at the location providing plenty of pulse-pounding entertainment.  The Suzaku 7 will also be at the convention playing some wonderful tunes.

I do plan to attend CyPhaCon this year and will give a full report once the convention has ended.  For more information, check out www.cyphacon.org.

That’s all for now, kiddies.  Thanks for reading!