Apr 14 2009
Shore Leave 31 - A Fan-Run Science Fiction Convention in Baltimore, Maryland
Shore Leave is a fan-run science fiction convention that is taking place at the Marriott’s Hunt Valley Inn, in Baltimore, Maryland, on July 10 - 12th, 2009. Shore Leave is hosted by STAT (The Star Trek Association of Towson, Inc.), and is one of the oldest and largest fan-run science fiction conventions in the country.
This convention offers a great assortment of science fiction guests and activities which are sure to entice you into heading on out to Baltimore for the weekend!
The Shore Leave 31 guest list currently includes: Jason Momoa (Stargate: Atlantis), Rachel Luttrell (Stargate: Atlantis), Robert Picardo (Stargate SG-1 and Atlantis, Star Trek: Voyager), Ethan Phillips (Star Trek: Voyager), Kevin Sorbo (Hercules, Xena, Andromeda), Adrienne Wilkinson (Xena, Angel, Charmed, and more), Christopher Heyerdahl (Stargate SG-1, Stargate: Atlantis, Sanctuary), Jasika Nicole (Fringe), Michael Welch (Twilight, Stargate SG-1, and more), along with over a dozen writers, scientists, and performers (including two personal favorites of mine: Peter David and Keith DeCandido)! You can see the entire guest list at the official website.
Shore Leave has a lot of great activities and events already planned! There will be a Masquerade, fan film screenings, an art show, special children’s programming, workshops, an “Alien Shindig” (this sounds wicked fun), a gaming room, filking, a special event staring Robert Picardo and Ethan Phillips, the Ten-Forward dance, merchandise vendors, a blood drive to benefit the Red Cross, and much more!
Preregistration for Shore Leave 31 is now open. Preregistration is only available until June 15, 2009. After that, registration will only be at the door, and at a higher price. This is important to note: At the door registration is limited to 1500! So get your tickets now!
Prices for registration are as follows:
- Weekend: $75 (Register in advance for $70.)
- Friday Only: $20
- Saturday Only: $50 (includes Masquerade and Ten-Forward)
- Saturday Evening Only: $15 - For admission to Masquerade (viewing attendance) and Ten-Forward only. To participate in the Masquerade you must have at least a full Saturday membership.
- Sunday Only: $40
- Children (5-12): $15
- Children (under 5): Free with paying adult
You can read more about registration, and download the necessary forms, online at Shore Leave’s official website.
There is one other thing I want to mention, namely because I haven’t seen such a reasonably priced convention offer this in a long time: Jason Momoa, Rachel Luttrell, Robert Picardo, and Ethan Phillips will sign one item for no additional charge during the Official Autograph sessions on Saturday and Sunday.
That’s right folks, for once you won’t have to give up your first born child for an autograph (like with some of those big convention companies). I think it’s really great that Shore Leave was able to arrange this, and I applaud Jason Momoa, Rachel Luttrell, Robert Picardo, and Ethan Phillips for agreeing to it.
As for the other guests, and various polices you should be aware of, please consult Shore Leave’s “Policy” section of the website. You will definitely want to check this out if you are planning a costume with weaponry, or if you are interested in purchasing a photo opportunity with the guests.
There’s a good chance I will be attending Shore Leave myself, which means you can expect to see some wonderful photos, videos, and plenty of first hand accounts of how the con goes. Are YOU going to Shore Leave this year? Post a comment!
