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Orycon 29!

Orycon 29 begins its frenetic run Friday, November 16 and finally winds down Sunday November 18. Once again holding moor at the Portland Marriott Waterfront Hotel at 1401 SW Naito Parkway (map), you can expect to meet Geeks of every shade and nuance at Oregon's only science fiction convention. Conventioneers will have their choice of writing and artistic panels, game rooms, art galleries, costume balls, room parties, and the swag-filled dealer’s room. (A place that I dare not go with any kind of money...)

Orycon began as a writer's convention and fans will have the chance to meet their favorites here. Robert Charles Wilson will be the Writer Guest of Honor, "Axis" and Molly Harrison, well known for her Fairy & Fantasy watercolors will be the Artist Guest of Honor. In addition, Portland's own Will Vinton and Ursula LeGuin are both attending as special panelists.

This year's theme is "Pirates - Past, Present and Future". You will observe many a buxom wench letting you all know that the bodice and corset should have never gone out of style. There will also be the usual representatives of the Federation and the Empire/Rebellion as well as some truly mind-boggling costumes both hideous and beautiful. The Portland Costumer's guild will be roaming the hallways again, handing out ribbons for those who come in costume. The costumes culminate on Saturday with the Grand Masquerade Ball. (I do hope that next year, they will go back to a more traditional theme, such as "Murderous Zombie Robots from Garthos" - make the costume people work for their hall awards)

The cost of the entire weekend is $55 at the door for adults, $45 for students with current ID and $27 for kids 6-12. There are also rates for the individual days. You can learn more at www.orycon.org. Have a great time!!