Anyone who knows me knows that I am a geek/nerd at heart.
Three years ago, when I first heard about Grand Rapids Comic-Con, I was super excited. For years I have been dreaming about going to similar conventions, like the big one in San Diego. When the first Grand Rapids Comic-Con was held, I was not able to go, due to it selling out immediately. It was a small space (the home school building in Wyoming) and they had no clue of the sheer number of people it would draw immediately.
Second year I was fortunate to be able work at the convention, which moved to the DeltaPlex, and I loved every moment. I got to meet Nichelle Nichols, Lt. Uhura, on the original Star Trek. That was an honor, one I will cherish always.
Now, in its third year, it has moved to it’s rightful location, DeVos Place. I walked into the convention center and was totally in awe of the costumes, the presentation of the convention and just how well ran it all was. The costumes are always the highlight and the convention goers really brought it this year. I wish I had a chance to catch the costume contest and some of the panels and such but, with me working most of the weekend, my time was limited.
This year I was honored to be able to meet Caroll Spinney. Meeting the man behind the bird and the grouch, surreal. To be able to speak with the man that had been a part of the amazing legacy that was/is Jim Henson and the Muppets, absolutely incredible. I have been a huge fan of Henson and the Muppets since I can remember. It was like meeting my childhood hero. Big Bird was my favorite when I was itty bitty actually. (Check out the cake for my fourth birthday)
Also at this years “con”, I was able to meet Mark Ryan, who voiced the character Bumblebee, and others, from the Michael Bay Transformers franchise. Marina Sirtis, who played Counselor Deanna Troi, on Star Trek: The Next Generation. Also Dickey Beer who worked on Star Wars: Return of the Jedi. I also met Walter Jones, one of the original Power Rangers but I didn’t get a chance to snag a photo which I regret. There were also many other comic book artists, artists and actors there as well. Plus a lot of fun activities and gadgets.
I am so happy to have the opportunity to work this awesome convention and hope to continue to work it year after year. It has been a completely amazing experience to see it grow so rapidly and have the chance to be a part of the beginnings of this awesome event.
It was a fun weekend. And one I will look forward to every year. I was dead tired by the end of it but didn’t want it to end.
I highly recommend going!
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