They say hindsight is twenty-twenty. What does that make looking back from a height? Forty-forty? Twenty-twenty x? Who knows, but the view from the torch is amazing in any respect.
Saturday started early for attendees at LibertyCon with the annual Walking with the Pros. Fans and pros meet bright and early for a brisk walk about downtown Chattanooga. A great way to start a healthy and happy day.
No sooner had the walk been completed than the Blood Assurance Bloodmobile showed up for the annual blood drive. The attendees of LibertyCon always give so much. They willingly give of their time, their money, and even their blood. Thanks to all who give each year. This life-saving gift, which works out to one donation saving three lives, is always in need and is always a welcome addition to the convention.
As always, the banquet was a hit. Kacey Ezell, our amazing Master of Ceremonies, regaled everyone with descriptions of the positions of each of the other Guests of Honor as well as the featly owed to the head table from the present star systems (the other tables). The other Guests of Honor added their own wonderful speeches while everyone enjoyed the food. Great fun was had by all. You’re missing out if you’ve never been to one of the LibertyCon banquets. Make sure to pick up a ticket next year and enjoy the camaraderie of your tablemates and the Guests of Honor.
The morning panels were filled with interesting information on AI and Copyright, Weird Science, COVID-19 science, and what comes next after finishing the writing of a book. For those with strong stomachs, The Horsemen of the A’pun’calaypse panel was worth a groan or two (or several).
After lunchtime, the panels continued, highlighted by the ever-popular Baen Traveling Road Show. There were also talks about off-grid power systems, Copyright 101, self-publishing, the fae, and how to paint Car Wars miniatures.
Next up, the Masquerade. As always, the costumes were fabulous. They ranged in subject from a power armor suit from Fallout to Royal Manticorian naval uniforms to Roz from Monsters, Inc. The judging was tough.
Then came the Art and Charity Auction. Items like the Baen box of books and the LibertyCon T-shirt Quilt went from display pieces to things people could bid on. And believe me, the bidding got heavy! Each year this auction helps provide our charity of choice with donations and the winners of the auctions with amazing art pieces and one-of-a-kind memorabilia like their very own Munchkin card. This year we had a successful marriage proposal that Steve Jackson helped officiate with a very special Munchkin card in addition to the normal excitement of the auction.
The Atlanta Radio Theatre Company (ARTC), as they have for many years, put on a great show. Most of us have grown up with television as a primary entertainment method, but ARTC takes us back to an earlier time when radio was the way families enjoyed fictional shows. It is always humbling to listen to them craft worlds with only words and sound effects.
Saturday night wouldn’t be complete without room parties, and there were plenty to choose from. People drifted casually from one to another, enjoying the evening festivities.
Finally, the night drew to a close with one of LibertyCon’s most famous and long-standing traditions, the Mad Scientist Round Table. This free-wheeling discussion of all things science by a collection of well-read and highly intelligent people is always entertaining and thought-provoking. This year is no different.
The full moon slowly set in the night sky, the last call was made at the Marriott bar, the final knots of conversation broke apart, and a level of quiet descended on the hotel. At least until Sunday morning.
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