Children toting light sabers, men dressed as pirates and women wearing fairy wings were just a few of the sights at the 35th annual Chattacon science fiction convention Saturday.
Held in the Chattanooga Choo Choo hotel, more than 1,000 people attended this year's three-day convention for lovers of all things sci-fi. Chattacon is one of three major sci-fi or fantasy conventions held each year in Chattanooga, and is what some call a "relaxacon."
"You do a lot of sitting around with friends," said Anthony Allen, a 38-year-old Knoxville resident who has been coming to Chattacon for five years. "Since it's been going on for 35 years, it's kind of like a little family. People here have known each other a long time."
Charlie Williams, financial officer of the convention committee, said Chattacon is a place for people to share their love of science fiction literature, movies and television.
The convention features an art show, dealers room, two gaming rooms, a costume contest and various discussion panels.
Ms. Williams has been part of Chattacon for 25 years, and said what she likes most is "just meeting all the people and having a chance to get to know new people who you already have a common bond with to begin with."
One of this year's special guests is Peter Mayhew, who played Chewbacca in all of the "Star Wars" films.
Mr. Mayhew signed autographs Saturday during his first Chattacon convention. Though he wasn't dressed as the beloved Chewy, Mr. Mayhew said without hesitation that if he were to wear a costume, he'd be a Wookie.
Amongst paintings of whales with wings and dragons masquerading as butterflies, there were people dressed in jeans and T-shirts all the way to full-on chain-mail armor.
An array of ages filled the various rooms and hallways of the hotel, with many making it a family affair.
Steven Lowe, 46, of Chattanooga, brought his 2-year-old son, Loki, along Saturday to catch up with old friends and peruse the offerings of more than 50 vendors in the dealer room.
"When I first started coming, I came to play games and stay up all night," said Mr. Lowe, who has been attending Chattacon for 26 years. "Now I just come to see old friends, see what's on sale, meet people like Timothy Zahn and Peter Mayhew ... just keep in touch with the sci-fi fantasy crowd around here."
But it doesn't take a Chattacon veteran to enjoy the feeling of camaraderie at the event.
Elna Brynestad, a 20-year-old from Knoxville, said the welcoming atmosphere at her first visit to Chattacon has made it a positive experience.
Ms. Brynestad, who was dressed in a leather corset and a skirt made of Indian saris, said the best part of the convention is getting to know new people.
"It's really fun because you can just go up and talk to random people and know that you'll at least have some areas of similar interests and like thinking," she said. "People here are a lot more open-minded than your everyday person in the South."