Chattacon celebrates 50 years over the weekend

CHATTANOOGA, Tenn. (WDEF)- Fans of Science fiction can expect a weekend of activities as Chattacon makes its way back to the scenic city. 

“Many of the conventions that are around now are your pop culture, so comics and stuff like that. Well, that still falls within our realm as well, but our emphasis is literary. So armed guest honor is a literary book author. We are very art heavy as well. So we have an award winning art show,” said Thomas Kerns, Chattacon. 

Chattacon is a known staple, that became the first Science Fiction Convention in Chattanooga dating back to 1976.

Kerns explains why this convention is special to fiction lovers. 

“We are seeing the resurgence of literature, book, romance novels, that have become extremely popular. We joke about it that with a book talk,” said Kerns. “We are loving seeing that resurgence of passion for the written word for literature.” 

According to Chattacon, the convention will feature a ConSuite Area, Room Parties, and Gaming of All Kinds. 

Along with Local and National Guests, Panels and Workshops. 

Kerns believes the convention is open to folks of all ages. 

“This is a family convention. We do have certain events that are for 18 and up. Only those are in the late evening. We have a burlesque troupe that performed. So that is an 18 and up event. But outside of that. It is a all ages convention. We have gaming. We have got electronic gaming,” said Kerns. 

Chattacon  purpose is to get folks involved with Reading a book everyday!

And by celebrating Chattacon for more than 50 years,  Kerns hopes to see the convention grow even more for years to come. 

“It is really, really exciting that we are able to say that we hve been doing this for 50 years and we held out and still going strong. We do not see it stopping soon we already got our first book for 51 as well, so we are just keeping on going. But we are super excited to this is the 50th year for this convention,” Kerns concluded.