Conestoga (convention)

Conestoga was a literary science fiction and fantasy convention held annually in Tulsa, Oklahoma from 1997 through 2010, after which it was suspended for financial and logistical reasons. The convention at first was designated by the year in which it was held. With its sixth incarnation, Conestoga converted to a whole number count, rolling the first five into the number tally, and running through #14 before stopping. Celebrating science fiction and fantasy literature and art were staples of the convention, but many who were also interested in horror, anime, and comics attended. Popular activities at the convention included filking (filk singing is a play on folk) and gaming. Featured programming included a writers track, an art show, a dealer room, a masquerade, and a play put on by the Penguin Playhouse Troupe.

Past conventions

Conestoga '97 (1)

Conestoga '97 was held March 21-23, 1997, at the Radisson Inn at the Tulsa Airport. Featured guests included Guests of Honor Barbara Hambly & George Alec Effinger, Artist Guest of Honor Joy Marie Ledet, Toastmaster Robin Wayne Bailey, Fan Guest of Honor Gerald Burton, and Filk Guest of Honor Tom Smith. The con chair was Curtis Berry. The play was the ''Star Bores Trilogy.'' Charity activities during the convention benefited the American Cancer Society.

Conestoga '98 (2)

Conestoga '98 was held June 26-28, 1998, at the Sheraton Tulsa Hotel, on 41st Street near Highway 169. Featured guests included Guest of Honor Connie Willis, Artist Guest of Honor David A. Cherry, Toastmaster Mark Simmons, Fan Guests of Honor Jim & Susan Satterfield, and Special Guest Carole Nelson Douglas. The con chair was Roger Allen. The play was ''All Alone, After the Fall of a Very Long Night.'' Charity activities during the convention benefited the Tulsa Zoo.

Conestoga '99 (3)

Conestoga '99 was held June 25-27, 1999. Featured guests included Guest of Honor Harry Turtledove, Artist Guest of Honor David Lee Anderson, Toastmaster Gardner Dozois, Mystery Guest of Honor Barbara Hambly, Fan Guest of Honor Keith Stokes, and Special Guest George Alec Effinger. (At the last minute, Effinger was unable to attend.) The con chair was Tim Frayser. The play was ''The Fandom Menace.'' Charity activities during the convention benefited Our House.

Conestoga 2000 (4)

Conestoga 2000 was held July 14-16, 2000. Featured guests included Guest of Honor David Weber, Artist Guest of Honor Lubov, Mystery Guest of Honor Nancy Pickard, Toastmaster Roger Tener, and Fan Guests of Honor Tim & Kimber Chessmore. The con chair was Randy Farran. The play was ''Spandex Men.'' Charity activities during the convention benefited Operation School Bell.

Conestoga 2001 (5)

Conestoga 2001 was held July 27-29, 2001. Featured guests included Guest of Honor Joe Haldeman, Artist Guest of Honor Kelley Vandevir, Toastmaster Tim Powers, and Fan Guests of Honor Mike & Karla Weaver. The con chair was Tim Frayser. The play was ''Plan 9 of the Apes.'' Charity activities during the convention benefited the Tulsa Air and Space Center.

Conestoga 6 (2002)

Conestoga 6 was held July 19-21, 2002. Featured guests included Guest of Honor Elizabeth Moon, Artist Guest of Honor Nene Thomas, Toastmistress Lee Martindale, Fan Guests of Honor Lori Wolf and A.T. Campbell, III, and Special Guest Joe R. Lansdale. The con chair was Danny Myers. The play was ''Attack of the Groans.'' Charity activities during the convention benefite
Tulsa Domestic Violence Intervention Services, Inc.

Conestoga 7 (2003)

Conestoga 7 was held July 18-20, 2003. This was the first year of the Conestoga Short Film Festival and the old OKon mascot "Okie the Penguin" returned as the official mascot of Conestoga Featured guests included Guest of Honor David Brin

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