Culture
5th Annual “Ratha Con” Pop Culture Convention Set for May 6-8
< < Back to 5th-annual-ratha-con-pop-culture-convention-set-for-may-6-8ARTS/West and the City of Athens Arts, Parks & Recreation Department is sponsoring the 5th annual Ratha Con: Athens Own Pop Culture Convention.
This year’s event will kick off on Friday, May 6 with a full evening of activities at ARTS/West, 132 West State Street. From 5 p.m. to 6 p.m. there will be the opening reception for the Pop Culture art exhibit, including light refreshments. That will be followed at 6 p.m. by a screening of the locally made film Kampout by Glenn Martin. Finally, at 8 p.m. there will be a screening of Russ Emanuel’s film Occupants. There will also be a sneak peek of the new Star Trek: Captain Pike film.
The main convention will take place on Saturday, May 7 from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m. and Sunday, May 8 from 12 p.m. to 4 p.m. at the Athens Community Center, 701 East State Street. Special guests include: Brimstone, a professional wrestler from New York; filmmaker Russ Emanuel of California; the voice of “Dieselpunk,” John Pyka; as well as actor Alan Courtright, actress Chalet Lizette Brannan, filmmaker Glenn Martin and special effects make-up artist John Marks.
In addition, the web series Con Man, with Alan Tudyk and Nathan Fillion of Firefly, will be screened throughout the weekend. There will be comic artists, dance performances, lightsaber choreography, RPG gaming, workshops, panel discussions, a kid’s craft room, and more.
Returning will be the Z.E.R.O.S. (Zombie Eradication Rescue Operations Squad) and Ghostbusters, West Virginia Division, as well as vendors selling comics, cards, and collectibles.
There will be three costume contests with prizes, and, back by popular demand, Quidditch matches on Saturday.
Admission for $10 on Saturday and $7 on Sunday, or $15 for the weekend (moms will be admitted free). Kids’ (13-17) tickets are $5 on Saturday and Sunday, or $8 for the weekend. Kids under 12 will be admitted free with a paid adult.
After the convention on Saturday, the fun will continue at the Casa Cantina with the costumed dance party “The Dance Awakens” at 10 p.m. Music will be provided by Sector 7G and Thoughtbeat. Admission will be free for adults and $2 for underage patrons.
Listen to two Rathacon committee members, Thomas Fiochhi and Jay Pare, in “Studio B” with Robin Barnes as they talk about the convention, upcoming events, and the history of the convention.
Visit the Ratha Con Facebook page for updates.
