Imagi-Con
| Science Fiction Convention | |
|---|---|
| Name: | Imagi-Con |
| Dates: | Dec 4, 1976 |
| Frequency: | one time |
| Location: | Lincoln High School, San Francisco, CA |
| Type: | fan-run |
| Focus: | Star Trek, Planet of the Apes |
| Organization: | Star Klique and Starseekers |
| Founder: | Evelyn Aguilar and Judy Aho |
| Founding Date: | 1976 |
| URL: | |
| Click here for related articles on Fanlore. | |
Imagi-Con was a fan run science fiction convention held in a local high school auditorium in 1976. It had actor George Takei and William Campbell (Star Trek) and Roddy McDowall (Planet of the Apes) and Bruce Hyde (Star Trek) as actor guests.
Additional guests were science fiction writers Cheslea Quinn Yarbo, Poul Anderson and Dick Lupoff, and Marion Zimmer Bradley, plus Dr Frank Chilton speaking on the topic of space colonization. Guest artists were Dorris Quinn and "Criss" who drew the Spock portrait for Bjo Trimble's Star Trek Concordance. Proceeds were donated to the Children's Brain Diseases Foundation.
The convention offered a dealer's room, art gallery, exhibits, a costume contest and a raffle:
"Over $1,000 worth of Home Entertainment Equipment (one AM/FM Stereo with Tape Deck, 2 Speakers, Turntable AND two AM/FM Radios, one of which is Portable and one with Digital Clock) generously donated by SATELLITE RECORDS, INC., Hollywood, CA, will be raffled at the con."
From the program guide:
[Message from Judy Aho, Star Klique]: "Imagi-Con is the culmination of six months hard work by two Bay Area Star Trek/science fiction clubs, Star Klique and Starseekers. At one time, both clubs were planning individual conventions but it was decided it would be more advantageous to have one combined event to bring together the talents and enthusiasm of both clubs. In these past months, we have worked together - agonizing over the defeats and rejoicing over the victories.It is a period of our lives that we will never forget; working toward a common goal is a unique experience, especially when you are doing it for a good cause such as the Children's Brain Diseases Foundation.
We have tried to put together a program that we ourselves would enjoy seeing. We hope we have succeeded and that you will enjoy yourselves today.
I would like to extend my personal thanks to everyone who made this event possible.
[Message from Evelyn Aguilar of Star Seekers]: What it's really all about is you and me. If you've asked yourself, why am I here on earth, and for what purpose, you try to find an answer. Speaking on behalf of Imagi-Con as Co-Chairman, I remember the following words spoken by an Austrian philosopher, Dr. Frenkel. who was asked in an interview his thoughts on how Apollo came to be, and he answered in the following manner: "When a possibility is recognized as a possibility, mankind will do all it can to turn it into a reality."
Taking the above into consideration, I'm proud to say that Star Seekers can be counted upon to do their part, while at the same time trying to stress creativity, achievement, progress, unity, and solidarity. We also, I believe, live the words of Star Trek's famous episode "City on the Edge of Forever" — "Let me help."
This convention would not have come about if it were not for the efforts of our own club members. We hope and pray that people will remember that we are not professionals, but a group of believers who are in some way serving humanity. We also hope that we will have helped one child from the Children's Brain Diseases Foundation. have a chance to grow to full adulthood and realize his or her dreams."
A convention report written in 2013 can be found here.
One of the more interesting items sold at the convention was a new invention called "lightsticks" where were approved by the FAA and the US Navy.
front page of the convention flyer. Click to read.
back page of the convention flyer. Click to read.
a flyer
Imagi-Con schedule. Click to read
the list of sponsors ranged from individuals, fan clubs from other cities, printing shops, the school and even two local TV stations
ad for the new invention "Lightsticks"
