Dropping Science Fiction

My science-fiction roots go deep. One of my first memories is of standing in line to see Star Wars when I was four. I grew up watching Star Trek reruns with my dad. I discovered and subsequently devoured Robert Heinlein’s juvenile novels in grade school and graduated to his adult fiction before junior high. I remember my first reading of Stranger in a Strange Land the summer after seventh grade as a turning point in my life. I consider Dune to be one of the greatest novels of the twentieth century and Philip K. Dick to be the best American novelist and philosopher of his time. So understand that it isn’t hyperbole when I say I couldn’t be more excited that Denvention 3: The 66th World Science Fiction Convention is coming to Denver.

Beginning tonight and continuing for the next five days (through August 10), the Colorado Convention Center, 700 14th Street, will play host to a cultural event that traces its history back to before World War II. It hasn’t been held here since 1981, so this is a rare opportunity to catch one of the best and oldest conventions in the world in our own back yard. All five days are packed with events, panels and opportunities to indulge in a love of speculative fiction with fellow fans. Highlights include a masquerade, a presentation by guest of honor Lois McMaster Bujold and the presentation of the Hugo awards, the most prestigious award in science fiction. Beyond that, there will be plenty of panels with other writers, opportunities for tabletop gaming, an art show and all the other usual convention standards. Tickets are $225 for the entire event for adults, $50 for kids twelve and under; single-day passes are $35 to $85, depending on which day you wish to attend. For information and tickets, visit www.denvention.org.
Aug. 6-10, 2008