El Lay Con-cluded

Part 3? Yes there’s a part three because conventions aren’t just about the celebrities that show up to promote themselves. The real reason for conventions is the fans. They are the people who spend the money making every thing possible.

I met a nice couple Ashley and Tim at the ‘Terminator’ panel. It’s a pleasure meeting other fans and hearing what makes them excited to be part of the family of pop culture aficionados. Ok, ok I meant to say nerds but I don’t want to embarrass them. I was drawn to Ashley’s choice of jewelry, she had matched millennium falcons dangling from her ears. I asked if I could get a picture and she was more than happy to show her handy work, turns out she made the earrings herself.
Ultimately she’d like to build her own storm trooper armor. She was inspired by a woman at Star Wars Celebration IV dressed as a trooper. Turns out that was their first convention.
Tim is a manic ‘Star Wars’ fan, the custom embroidered hoody he was sporting should have tipped me off. When Los Angeles was announced as the next convention sight they decided they had to go. Tim and Ashley enjoyed their time at Celebration IV so much they made the trip to San Diego Comic Con International where they experienced pop culture overload. They’re determined to hit more conventions to see what else is available.
I was happy to see that they had chosen to join in the social exercise of convention going. Conventions are where fans can be themselves. You can speak your mind and express yourself with like minded people. Many conventions are just large swap meets for those in fandom, but they all offer an opportunity to get out of your shell and make some friends.
I’ll cover that most unique creature the ‘Con-Friend’ another time. So to Tim and Ashley welcome to the convention going family. I hope you make lots of new friend and eventually make some really old ones too.