Great Expectations (Beauty and the Beast convention)

Are you looking for Great Expectations: A World of Dancing Lights, a Beauty and the Beast convention zine?

Convention
Name:	Great Expectations
Dates:	July 16-18, 1993
Frequency:
Location:	Austin, TX
Type:	fan con with guests from the show
Focus:	Beauty and the Beast
Organization:
Founder:
Founding Date:
URL:
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a flyer

Great Expectations was a Beauty and the Beast convention held in 1993 in Austin, TX. It was subtitled A World of Dancing Lights.

The con raised over $15,000 for the Austin Pediatric AIDS League "after all expenses were covered."

The convention also published a charity zine: Great Expectations: A World of Dancing Lights.

Roy Dotrice read poetry aloud from the zine, The Sun in the Stone.

Photos, memories and videos from the convention can be found here.

Fan Transcends to Official Duties: Paulette Evans

"Edward Albert & Paulette Edwards: Together at last!": Nan asked Paulette Edwards, one of the organizers of Great Expectations, for an update on the letter-writing campaign she'd started in support of Edward Albert's becoming a recurring character on "Dr. Quinn, Medicine Woman," reprising the character he played in a two-hour episode last fall. That's still unknown, but in her reply, Paulette passed on some interesting news. She said, "In December, Edward Albert asked me to start serving as his Personal Assistant. As such, I will now be serving as the sole booking representative and contact for his convention appearances and will also be heading up his official state-side fan club. We will have the fan club in operation before TunnelCon III and it is really going to have some terrific membership opportunities." Paulette says she'll let us know more about the club as it gets organized. So more things than we knew have developed out of "Great Expectations."

Award Winners

NOTE: The award-winning fanworks were not necessarily created in 1993.

Fanworks

• Best Fan Publication, Newsletter, Infozine, etc. - Once Upon a Time...is Now and Lionheart
• Best Novel - Kaleidoscope 3 by Cynthia Hatch
• Best Digest Zine - Song of Solomon by Linda Mooney
• Best Short Story (humorous) - Beauty and the Beast, the Movie by Kate Thomas
• Best: Short Story (dramatic) - Hold Fast the Dream by Sally Wright
• Best Cover Art - Lionheart 4 by Barbara Gipson
• Best Art - "Gentle Thoughts of Thee" by Barbara Gipson
• Best Anthology Zine - TunnelCon II
• Best Poem - "Magic" by Lynette Combs
• Best Music Video - by Liz and Sally Perkins.

Costume Contest Winners

• Male Tunnel Person: Rob Edwards (turned from Pascal into Paracelsus)
• Female Tunnel Person: Sara Conklin (Tunnel rat catcher)
• Vincent: Stu Shef
• Catherine: Jackie Hunt (dressed in Linda Hamilton's "Terminator 2" outfit)
• Distinguished B&B Person: Joyce Fuller Kleikamp ("The Pipe Lady")
• Children Under 15: Dale Wittenbrink (as "Mouse")
• Fantasy: Eva Pressler (as a Pierrot clown)
• Science Fiction: Tim Stolfa ("Data", Brent Spiner's character on "Star Trek: The Next Generation")

Con Reports and Comments

The Charity Auction

Comments about the charity auction, see The Great Expectations Charity Auction Costume Conflict.

General Reports

Over a year ago, the staff held a preliminary meeting to decide on a basic foundation on which to build this con; and it was unanimously decided that the basic foundation would be All OF YOU! You provided the building blocks, you provided the encouragement to keep going, you provided the cement to hold it all together, and so it was to you that we dedicated ourselves in providing a special weekend that you would never forget! Our first time out, we knew that we'd make mistakes, but we tried very hard to plan every activity with fairness to all of you in mind. And we genuinely listened to all of your comments and suggestions and implemented them whenever we could in order to let you know that you were truly part of the whole! And we thank you for your patience, as only you know how successful we were in meeting our goals!

In the same vein, we extend a special thank you to the Doubletree Hotel staff for all the warmth and cohesiveness they provided in seeing that everyone had a pleasant stay; to all the many artists, writers, costumers and performers who gave so generously of their time in sharing their many talents with everyone through workshops, demonstrations, skits, as well as the Art Show; to the numerous dealers and advertisers who provided those tangible memories to hold on to long after the con was over; to our energetic and tireless emcee, Jamie Murray, who left us all richer in laughter, to our special volunteers who pitched in and kept right on pitching; and to our celebrity guests who all went the "extra mile to guarantee that the atmosphere of sharing, togetherness, and equality became the underlying thread of the entire weekend.

How do we even begin to thank KC Clark, Ritch Brinkley, Terrylene, Roy Dotrice, Edward Albert and David Schwartz for giving so much of themselves to make everyone feel so special and a part of things? What was it that made their participation so unique this year? Was it the special way that Terrylene's eyes lit up as she reached out to the "little ones" through her stories, and her language became their language? Was it the loving tears in Roy's eyes as he shared moving passages from favorite poems just as a Father touches the hearts of his wide-eyed children? Was it the way Ritch took each fledgling actor/actress under his wing to gently guide and instruct or the time he took to bring warmth and laughter to all with his original rap tune? Was it the tireless energy that KC, David and Edward expended in seeing that the Charity Auction was the most successful ever - from KC canceling her workshop in order to keep helping where needed, to David agreeing to get those extra special autographs on purchased items, to Edward continuing to perform even though he had a pinched nerve in his back to his cutting up his pants to help our worthwhile cause? Or was it the most touching moment of all when after I told Edward about a special lady, Wanda Ricketts, who was coming to the con and then couldn't due to a serious illness, he volunteered to call her?

For as I listened to him inspire her with words of genuine concern and caring, it all became so clear - months of hard work didn't matter; being tired didn't matter - all that mattered was truly helping each other grow a little stronger; bringing a little sunshine to someone's gray days; being a real friend through the storms as well as the smooth seas; being accepting, loving and caring no matter how great the differences! That's the atmosphere that prevailed at GREAT EXPECTATIONS that everyone had a hand in and that's why we consider it a true success!

[...]

I'd like to once and for all lay to rest any misconceptions or assumptions that still exist in connection with the focal point" of this event!

[See this fan's comments about the charity auction at The Great Expectations Charity Auction Costume Conflict.]

At the Great Expectations con Diane hosted a panel called 'Madlibs' where she had the skeletal outline for a story with a bunch of blanks in it. At the panel she handed out pieces of paper to all in the room and on each there were 3 or 4 terms on it (like verb, noun, proper noun, etc.) and you had to randomly choose words and fill them in. She collected the papers (each blank for a word was numbered) and then read her skeletal story filling in all the blanks with the appropriate words. It was funny at the panel, but I found it tedious in the story, which appeared in the following years conzine.

Fantastic! Wonderful! Fabulous! Marvelous! Grand! Terrific! Sensational! You know how sometimes when you wait and wait and anticipate doing something and when that event finally comes along it just doesn't come up to your "great expectations?" NOT this time! I was a virgin, "Great Expectations being my first BATB convention.... Now, I'm left lusting for more!

I enjoyed everything. The costume contest - a Pascal that turns into Paracelsus! The talent show-Ed Albert sings for us! The workshops, panels will we ever see the MadLib' script in print? The Question and Answer Session with the "guest stars who seem to be as caught up in the magic of Beauty and the Beast as much as we are. The Art Show-so much talent. The banquet- the look on Terrylene's face when she returns from the bathroom and we're all clapping" for her. The celebrity charity auction - or rather the celebrity charity auction sleep over! The dealers room- nothing but BATB everywhere! Father reading to us. I could go on and on and on and on....

I am at a loss for words to express my feelings for the people I met. I'm not going to list names, you know who you are: the zine writer, the newsletter publisher, the artist, the "helpers...all of you who have kept BATB alive for me for the past three years; it was a thrill to meet you.

I'd like to share just a couple of my personal encounters of the third kind. On Friday night, in the lounge, David Schwartz and Edward Albert were socializing with all of us. I had a wonderful conversation with David, reminiscing about drive-ins and movie theaters with balconies. This man demonstrated such energy and enthusiasm throughout the Con that he should be voted our Head Cheerleader.

As for Edward Albert - he's the reason I didn't get any sleep at all Friday night! He touched me! Twice! This gentleman (for that is exactly what he is) was speaking with everyone and posing for pictures here and there. I finally pulled myself together, went to him and said, "Before I lose my courage, would you please take a picture with me?" He put his arm around me and with a squeeze said, It doesn't take courage to take a picture with me!' Immediate meltdown!

[...]

And then there was Vincent. Now, I know it was Stu in make-up. I know that there is no real Vincent. I know that it is just a TV show, that it's make-believe, a fantasy. So could someone please tell me why it felt sooooo good to be hugged by Vincent?!

I've saved the best for last, for that's when it happened. [Well, not the "best" but one of the "nicer things.] Sunday afternoon, Laura and I are waiting in the hotel front lobby for the shuttle bus to the airport. We were disappointed at having to leave before the Con was over and also over the fact that we didn't get a picture with Roy Dotrice. When lo and behold Mrs. Dotrice comes bubbling into the lobby thanking everyone-thanking us for the grand time she had. "Oh, no," we said. "Thank you for making our first convention so grand.' Whereupon she starts calling Roy, "Love, Love, come over here and take a picture with these lovely ladies." Then, as they were going out the door, they call back, "Good-bye, Loves, see you next year in Las Vegas!'

That's right, "Loves," see you all next year in Vegas!

To begin with, after driving four hours, [L] and I reached the Doubletree and checked in to find most of the people who were already there sitting in the lobby talking. It was kind of cute. I'd told my husband that I needed to freshen up, and he commented: "Surely you don't think that all of fandom will be waiting in the lobby for you." When we got there, he just grinned sheepishly and said, "Okay. I was wrong." After enthusiastic hugs and greetings, we sat and talked until fairly late, then stumbled off to bed for a few hours sleep. It was fantastic to finally meet all the wonderful people I've been talking and writing to andfor--all this time.

The following morning (Friday), after an early breakfast with friends I set up my dealer's table and the convention began with the opening ceremonies. There was much more that I missed than what I actually saw, so much of my report will have to be hearsay. It's an unfortunate fact of life that one cannot be in fifteen places at once!

For me, the most wondrous part of the entire convention was meeting my friends and feeling the overwhelming sense of family. It's amazing to walk into a hotel with about 350 people you've never met and not feel a stranger...with anyone. For my part, I saw little tension-and since I sported a Diana/Vincent tee shirt (the only one there, as far as I could tell) [Ed: there were a few Bennett's Irregulars tees around, too) and was selling Diana/Vincent fourth season zines, that was very nice. It's a relief to see evidence that fandom is growing into whole cloth and not merely pieces of a whole.

At 1:00 there was a discussion panel on "Beauty and the Beast Around the World," and a make-up demonstration--"The Beast'- Part I, with Wayne and Anna D. Kelly. I missed both, though I did manage a quick picture of the make-up demonstration. At 2:00 there was a slide show with Jana Ondrechen, "B&B: Tale as Old As Time," and "Mad Libs" with Cynthia Hatch. There was also at 2:00 a rubber stamp workshop with Betty Mills and a quilting B&B with Sally Newman. Again, I missed all of them.

Sigh. And at 3:00 Wayne and Anna had Part II of their make-up demonstration. I also missed the discussion panel of Journaling 101 with Peggy Floyd and the air brush demonstration with Amy Young. I hear all of these were wonderful, but I was just too busy simply meeting people to get away. My head was spinning and my camera was flashing.

[...]

I did manage to see the Talent/Variety Show and the Costume Contest. Everyone was great! There was everything from belly dancers to Commander Data. We had some marvelous Vincents who wandered the convention, and they were all good. Stu Sheff won the category of Best Vincent Character, and he was very convincing, mannerisms and all. He and Rikki, Kate Thomas' niece, did a cute skit (along with Kate). Vincent and Catherine were sitting on a park bench and gazing into one an- other's eyes and attempting to read. They kept leaning toward each other, then breaking away. Kate, the cleaning lady, puttered around shaking her head and observing the hesitant couple. Finally, the "old" woman couldn't stand it anymore and pushed them together, amidst laughter from the audience. Then, when the clinch got too elaborate, Kate poured the "washwater" glitter over their heads. Adorable. The other skit presented was even more delightful. Fanzine writers were attempting to come up with a story and old Vinnie and Catherine were behind a sheet- the silhouettes acting out the story. The characters were getting frustrated trying to keep up with the changes of ideas and obviously had ideas of their own! like maybe killing a few authors. Impossible to describe and howlingly funny. Afterward, many of us met at the bar to visit, then broke up into private parties that lasted late into the night - or rather, early morning.

Then, Saturday morning, up again at 6:00 AM (yawn) for a huge breakfast, and back to the dealers' room. Again, I missed the master costuming workshop with K.C. Clark (the woman who was an extra in all three seasons) and storytelling with Terrylene. They had a discussion panel with Dot Sconzo, another rubber stamp workshop, an actor's workshop with Ritch Brinkley (William), and another quilting B&B with Sally Newman. P ant, pant I missed 'em all. It's really hard to "report" on something you didn't see, but I hear they were all great.)

One thing I did get to was the session called "Ed Gross and Associates Projects in the Works. I must tell everyone who hasn't met the man that he is very personable. Definitely a fan and very knowledgeable about the series. He seemed to be doing a brisk business at his table, and commented that coming to the convention had excited him all over again about the show and absolutely revitalized him. I won't give a rundown on when things will be out, because I'm sure Beth will include copies of the flyer. If she doesn't then someone else will in other publications.

Now. The things that I did see. The question and answer session with the stars was marvelous. Roy Dotrice was... well- Father. Roy's great. My impression of the man (and it's apparently a true one) is that he considers fandom all his extended family, and he certainly acts the part. One cannot say enough about his warmth and humor. He's pretty proud of his B&B "family and the good things that have come out of the show, and he shared a few of his favorites with us. Edward Albert was delightful. He commented on the fact that this was his first convention: he'd always closely guarded his private life and avoided things like conventions, but he said he was so glad he'd come. It was nothing like what he'd been afraid it might be. (Heaven knows what he thought...we never came near to tearing his clothes off...well...except maybe at the auction...get to that later.) He, too, commented on the sense of family. Ritch Brinkley was his very nice self, but unfortunately I never got a chance to speak with him, so I can't say too much. Our paths just never seemed to cross. Terrylene was cute, funny, and very insightful. An absolute joy. K.C. Clark, who was an extra all three seasons, gave funny accounts of happenings on the set. Did you know she was the only one who "almost caught fire? Hmmmm.

After a brief resting time in the afternoon, during which there were games played - like Beast Bingo (no, I missed that, too), there was a discussion panel of "Tunnel Life' and a work- shop for writing zincs. Don't ask. Missed them both. Crazy, huh?

The banquet was such a joy. Attending a Winterfest ceremony led by Father was almost more than I could take. The only glitch was that they started it with the lights on. That detracted a little, but not much. I noticed that our waitress was even crying. I wonder if she was a Beast fan? It meant so much to me to be able to share that ceremony with everyone I have come to love - and it meant even more that I was able to share it with my husband. He's not much of a Beast fan, but I think he's coming around. (Okay. We grow on people. What can I say?)

Prior to the banquet I ran out to the ladies' room and ran into Edward Albert out in the hallway. He was having his back 'adjusted.' Apparently it was bothering him. I asked if he was okay, and he just gave me a lopsided grin and said, "No, but I will be. I have an auction to do." And he did. When he got up on that stage, you'd never have known he was in pain. He is a terrific showman, and one of the most gracious men I've ever had the privilege of meeting. The auction was marvelous. [See more comments at The Great Expectations Charity Auction Costume Conflict.]

[...]

As I said, the convention is over. But the sense of family, of caring, will stay with me for the rest of my life. And I got to share it with Larry, who I think appreciates my obsession" a whole lot more.

I can't tell you much about who won what, except that Sally and Elizabeth Perkins won first place in the music video contest. They were at our table at the banquet, so that much I do know. I can tell you that this B&B convention earned over $14,000 for Pediatric Aids. And that's something for Roy Dotrice to add to his scrapbook.

It's hard to believe the convention was over a month ago, so many wonderful memories were made there for so many of us. He always have a great time at the national conventions but there was something special with us this year. When you try to put a finger on exactly what it was that was different, it's difficult to come up with just one thing. The mood of the convention was relaxed and easy and everyone seemed to be enjoying the slower pace. Was it Texas? Maybe we just all came together with a positive attitude and a lot of good will. Whatever it was that we each came with, we each left with a lot more. The convention committee deserves so much praise for the way the entire con was planned and carried out. The security team was low-key and handled so well that those attending were hardly aware of their presence. We enjoyed the innovative ideas that resulted in Mad Libs, great skits, unique workshops and panels, etc., along with a smoothly run autograph line.

The art show was handled with expertise and displayed many beautiful new additions from the talented artists our fandom boasts. Those of us who came with 'Great Expectations' were certainly not disappointed. We were able to see more of the celebrity guest stars than at any previous convention. They just seemed more willing this time to mingle with the fans and have some fun. Wasn't it great seeing Edward Albert, David Schwartz and Kim Clark (K.C.) moving through the fans in the lounge just to enjoy some friendly conversation?! All of the guests, Roy & Kay, Ritch & Kathi, Terrylene, K.C., and David made themselves so accessible to us and we didn't scare them away. Instead, we all appreciated the time to get to know them better and a good time was certainly had by all because of it. Roy gave of his special talents in an extraordinary reading session. Those who attended were treated with an exceptional treat - Father reading poems, short stories and verse. Almost like being in the tunnels and listening to the wise monarch of the community imparting words of wisdom to the younger ones. There were a few tearful moments as well, when we listened to him recite the poem by Lynette Combs that spoke of the last one in the tunnels and reminded him (Father) to blow out the candles.

Terrylene was absolutely beautiful with the children and their storytelling session. She is so exciting to listen to and she made every one of us wish we had already learned to speak in the beautiful language of sign. I'm sure many of us will learn before we meet with her again. Ritch added pizazz to the Q&A with his "rap" and his acting workshop was great! We just never know what to expect from this man, except that his unique love for entertaining always leaves us laughing and wanting more. Kim Clark had some great stories to tell and we loved hearing about Ron's shenanigans backstage when the cameras were not rolling.

And what can you say about Edward's contributions to this convention that will sufficiently describe how he made us all feel when he jumped into the auctioneer position with such flair, enthusiasm and style. [See more of this fan's comments at The Great Expectations Charity Auction Costume Conflict.]

[...]

Congratulations to all who made this convention such a great success. Teri and Paulette, we can't thank you enough for your labor of love and all you and your families and friends did to help make this convention one for our memory books.

The hotel was gorgeous. I have to congratulate Heart of Texas and all the people involved with this con. They truly outdid themselves. Can't wait for next year and Vegas! Roy, if you're reading this, I'll meet you at the craps table. I love to gamble, too! It was great seeing old friends again. And meeting new ones. Thank goodness there i s new blood in the fandom.

[...]

I didn't buy as much stuff as I would have like to, but hey, I have to pay a mortgage! And buy diapers, and buy food and clothing and baby needs a new pair of shoes!! But the things I did bring home with me will get a lot of wear and tear out of them, I assure you.

[...]

Hope the auction brought in lots of money. And the fact that that beautiful outfit that Vincent wore is going to stay in fandom is the best thing on earth!! Sorry, Eddie, but you just didn't fill out those pants the way Ron did. Bulk up, okay?

To David, you are hysterical! I met them both going on my flight back to Newark Airport and he was still chattering up a storm about the convention. He'll be back next year, I'm certain. And I hope he talks to Koslow and Perlman and Hamilton because the fact that Roy said he doesn't believe there's going to be a movie I know put a damper on some people's spirits. Maybe we better start bombarding Koslow with letters again, huh??? Tell him we're still out here. Did he finish sharpening those pencils yet???

I loved that skit done my Kate and Stu and her niece with Vincent and Catherine kissing and the old woman pushing them together and then having to dump water on them like two overheated dogs!! A blast.

The Dreamseekers skit, though, really took the cake!! We got that on video and I have to admit, we've watched it more than a million times. Seeing Vincent doing the Egyptian walk and snapping his fingers in time with the music and the parts where they almost kissed, but the writers changed their minds and... oh, you all saw it!! It was just fantastic!

[...]

The banquet was a special treat because our own Sally and Liz Perkins won the music video contest. I sat through most of them and I have to say they were all great. The effort it takes to make them is impossible to imagine. I dabbled in it myself, but not to the degree these talented people did. A big round of applause to all of you. Sally and Liz' video was so touching. I never knew that song before they did it, but I can't seem to get it out of my head now. Such beautiful words and the scenes matched them perfectly.

All in all, it was a wonderful convention. (We fans throw one hell of a party, once we get started.) The angriest folks seem to have pretty much drifted away now ~ maybe we're growing into this, but it was a much more mellow group this time, having piano sing-alongs in the hotel lobby at midnight. (We more or less took over the Doubletree that weekend!) Our guest speakers seemed to have had a very good time as well, the fandom was so well-behaved that the stars could wander around and make themselves very accessible. I loved this convention because there was so little of our old anger evident; people were warmer, and kinder, than they'd been in years. Everyone seemed so comfortable — just glad to finally all be together again. I can't wait to see you all again next year.

Those of you who attended the convention already know that the DreamSeekers were selling the "John DuPriest Collection" to help his family defray the enormousmedical bills that accumulated before he died. This is the "report" of what all of you, in your generosity, helped to collect. We've just sent Mrs. DuPriest a check for $1,593.00.

[...]

At the convention, when Roy Dotrice got up for his Q&A, he pulled out the letter I'd written him about John. He told everyone John's story, and urged them to look over John's collection. (This was a beautiful and unexpected gesture.) Afterwards, people swarmed to "John's table." I was amazed at the number of writers who'd had him on their mailing lists, and were saddened to hear of his death. They came, one by one, to buy their own 'zines back ~ "Old friends finding their way home," several told me, quoting "Bluebird's" Jonathan Smythe.

The DreamSeekers would like to thank all of you for making "John's table"so successful. Many of the dealers donated 'zines and pictures, to be sold with the collection; and artist Sheri Preuhs donated all the profits from artwork. Not to mention those of you who came up and simply

threw money at us "for John's family". It was a wonderful thing to see. John dreamed our Dream... and it gave him some measure of happiness. In his "B&B" world he was not sick; no one who came to know him through it, knew that he was gravely ill. I think it was perhaps the only place left in his life where he still saw himself as well and strong. I know that he identified strongly with the characters he loved, and it probably helped him to endure; and he loved Vincent and Catherine, and the ideal of their love.

It is always hard to believe you wait a whole year to go to a convention and in the blink of an eye, it's all over... I had a wonderful time! Seeing friends again was the best part of the whole thing. Next was seeing cast members, then buying new merchandise. Though I felt the Dealers' Room was VERY SMALL...

[...]

Anyone who went to Great Expectations - What do you think about the statement of "Republic wants a B&B movie..."? Per David Schwartz, who was one of the producers of the show, "Ron Koslow was told to move along with his script, and the movie would be made with or without Linda Hamilton." I did not hear any new news about the two B&B albums. Roy Dotrice told fans to write our own movie and send it to him. Sure, and what good would that do? I, for one, have a few ideas on that subject. I love what was done at Great Expectations. You felt as if you were a part of the Tunnels. There was a phenomenal Vincent and Catherine

banner with a couple of airbrushed scenes from the show. Oh, how I would have LOVED to come home with that piece of art. What I would have done with it once it was home is another story. There was a tunnel made that you had to walk through to get to the convention area, a life-size cardboard silhouette of Vincent and Catherine standing under Vincent's stained glass window that made me get all dreamy, and my heart ached for our show. I must commend everyone connected to getting this convention together... BRAVO!!!

This year, once again, the "spirit” of the tunnels was alive and flourishing. He saw the committee pull together to keep things running smoothly for all who attended as well as for the guest stars who got into the spirit of the con and made themselves accessible whenever possible. (They were having almost as much fun as we were.) He saw the generosity of people as they gave in many ways to our chosen charity, the Pediatric AIDS League, during the convention. He saw people giving to each other by way of support, friendship, encouragement, companionship, and love throughout the entire con.

The relaxed atmosphere at Great Expectations made it possible to enjoy everyone you could get your hands on without rushing from one event or activity to another. He had time to enjoy each other along with the special activities that are ever-present at cons. And we certainly took advantage of that time to hang loose, chill out, bend an ear, shoot the breeze, mellow... whatever. I actually saw Vincent in a hot tub! My point being, we had time for everything or anything we wanted to do and didn't miss out on anything. He had many things to keep us busy and occupied and so many different activities and functions to attend if that was what we wanted to do. Even the work was fun — putting things up, running for things, taking things down, FINDING things (including my purse - thanks Teresa and Brian); — we had a great time! I even learned what happens if you put too many people in a utility closet for some last minute banquet preparation and close the door — oxygen deprivation — right K.G.? Jeanne? Brian? Simon? Johnny? I never knew taking condoms off of candles could be so much fun! (Sorry, inside joke!) I'm sure you all have your own comical stories about something unique that happened at the con.

The committee certainly deserves much of the praise for all of their preparation and hard work but the fans also deserve a lot of the credit for a very successful convention. I don't know if what I witnessed was a maturing fandom or a group of fans determined to keep the "spirit" alive along with the dream of "Beauty and the Beast". Whatever it was, it made my heart joyful to be a part of and to behold. Each time we have gone to a national convention, we have been fortunate to take home something special in the memories that we share with the others who attended. We also bring back special moments to share with our friends who couldn't be there. The most important thing we can take with us, though, is a renewed spirit, whether it's to get through another year without a new episode (or MOVIE!) or to help us get through the daily grind we face at home with a little more patience and understanding. Whatever it is, I hope that we'll each do something every year about giving back part of that dream we take home with us. We can give it to fellow fans or, to someone who may know nothing of Vincent and the Tunnel Community. There are many people in this world who need a dream to hold onto and all they may lack is encouragement or support to help than reach for that dream. Sometimes, all they really need is someone to remind than to dream. I hope that before the next national convention in Las Vegas, I'm able to help someone else find a dream or remember that they had one once upon a time.