DucKon

DucKon is an annual science fiction convention held every June in the Chicago area.^[1] The name is a shortening of DUpage County KONvention.

DucKon serves as a fundraiser for Super-Con-Duck-Tivity, a non-profit (501(c)3) organization that is known for creating and administering the Golden Duck Awards for excellence in children's science fiction literature.^[2]

History

The first DucKon was held in 1991. The first three DucKons were chaired by Candis King. Duckon is known for heavily fannish programming and a strong science track of programming.

Duckon 3 was the first year that the convention had a furry track of programming; that furry track grew over the years and by DucKon 8 was believed to be responsible for up to 1/3 of the attendance.^[3] In 2000, most of the furry programming was spun off to become its own convention: Midwest FurFest, although DucKon maintains a furry track of its own.^[3]

• The 16th Duckon, themed "The Duck Side of the Force," was held on June 8–10, 2007. The guests of honor included author Alan Dean Foster and Laura MacLeod of World Bird Sanctuary. On June 9, 2007, DucKon hosted the first public performance of the Zeusaphone, played by Steve Ward.^[4]
• The 17th Duckon, themed "The Maltese Duckon," was held on June 13–15, 2008. The guests of honor were author Elizabeth Bear, musicians Jeff & Maya Bohnhoff, and "mad scientist" GoH Dr. Samuel "Uncle Kage" Conway.

References

External links

• Duckon's website
• The Golden Duck Awards