Sun City SciFi: A Convention “By the Fans, For the Fans”

The inaugural Sun City SciFi was held April 26-28, 2013 in El Paso, Texas.

Billing itself a convention, “by-fans-for-fans,” Sun City SciFi was inspired by the number of influential Sci-Fi actors and creators born in El Paso (aka The Sun City) including Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry, “Firefly” regular Alan Tudyk, Academy Award-winning actor F. Murray Abraham (“Star Trek: Insurrection”), and Chase Masterson (best known as Rom’s girlfriend, Leeta, on “Star Trek: Deep Space Nine,”) to name a few.

The event welcomed several celebrity guests such as convention regulars like Peter Mayhew, Mirina Sirtis, Dana Synder, Tom Kane, Aaron Douglas, Tony Amendola, David Yost, Herb Jefferson Jr., Larry Nemecek and  Joseph Gatt as well as several regional artists, cosplay groups, authors and artisans specializing in everything from horror art to steampunk props. Costume contests, a charity auction, gala dinner, panel talks and gaming room were also part of the fun.

Sun City SciFi may be the area’s newest kid on the scene, but certainly shows signs of becoming a regular fixture on the city’s sci-fi scene.

Lisa Kay Tate
Staff Writer and ihogeekmom

PHOTOS BY RICK TATE

Members of the Vhe’rang Clan chapter of the Mandalorian Mercs Costume Club.

Steampunk artisans from Coyote’s Fortune.

A Lady Mandalorian.

Comic artist Andy Perez

Steampunk cosplayer and pet dragon

Voice actor/comedian Dana Synder sizes up a fan

Venomous Conceptz artist Shelby W. Robertson

A Halo solider joins The Geeklings celebrating Doctor Who Day