People love to have a reason to meet-up and share their eccentric hobbies and interests. Here are some of the weirdest conventions in the world.
World Toilet Summit and Expo
The objective of this convention, which was first held in 2001, is to bring clean water and sanitation to the 2.5 billion people in the world who still do not have it. It was created by the World Toilet Organization and was first held in Singapore. Since then, it has been held in different cities all around the world.
Celebrity Impersonators Convention
This convention attracts more than 150 celebrity impersonators each year to Las Vegas, Nevada. Here, stage shows are performed, seminars on make-up and costuming are held, and classes are taught on how to properly impersonate Barbara Walters, as well as many other celebrities.
The Xena Warrior Princess Convention
This convention has been going on since 1996, when fans of the popular show “Xena Warrior Princess” started meeting up in Los Angeles. Participants can attended special workshops, a cabaret show, and meet celebrity guests from the show.
Judy Garland Festival
In June, in Grand Rapids, Michigan, visitors can enjoy a festival in honor of Frances Ethel Gumm who played Judy Garland in the Wizard of Oz. Every year, the town fills with authors, scholars, and fans to attend not only a screening of the film, but also a gala dinner with a silent auction of memorabilia. Attendees and collectors can also purchase goods from one of the various vendors selling items based around Wizard of Oz and Judy Garland.
BlobFest
Not to be out done by the Wizard of Oz, the movie "The Blob", has its own convention held every year since 2000 in Phoenixville, Pennsylvania. Here, fans of the movie can visit locations from the movie, such as Chef's Diner in Downingtown, which has since been restored. They can also participate in the annual re-enactment of a scene in the movie in which screaming movie attendees run out of Colonial Theater.
Weird Al Yankovic Fans Convention
No fan of Weird Al can miss this convention in Chicago, IL. Some of the activities include a Weird Al look a-like competition, an auction of all things related to Weird Al, and a Lip Syncing contest.
Pure Speculation Festival
Also known as the Pure Spec convention, the tag line for this gathering is “By Geeks, For Geeks.” It was first started in 2004 by a group that called themselves The Four Stooges. At this convention, geeks of all types can meet-up and share their interests in fantasy, pop-culture, science fiction, anime, webcomics, and gaming.
Furcon
This convention originated in California in mid 1980s and now can be found in over 40 locations all over the nation. The furry convention, as it is also called, is a formal gathering for anyone who is interested in the idea of non-human fictional characters that have human characteristics. It is a places that furry fans can meet to exchange their own ideas or products of fandom, while enjoying furry based recreation and entertainment.
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About Today's Contributor:
Eric Blair is a trade show organizer and avid blogger. Eric writes for Certain, a trade show organizer that helps run events with efficiency and intelligence.
Eric Blair is a trade show organizer and avid blogger. Eric writes for Certain, a trade show organizer that helps run events with efficiency and intelligence.
