26th World Science Fiction Convention
| Baycon, the 26th World Science Fiction Convention | |
|---|---|
| Genre | Science fiction |
| Venue | Hotel Claremont |
| Location(s) | Berkeley, California |
| Country | United States |
| Inaugurated | August 29-September 2, 1968 |
| Attendance | 1,430 |
| Filing status | non-profit |
The 26th World Science Fiction Convention, also known as Baycon, was held August 29-September 2, 1968, at the Hotel Claremont in Berkeley, California, United States.
The Worldcon was combined with the annual West Coast Science Fantasy Conference (Westercon), sharing Guests of Honor and Chairmen. The chairmen were Bill Donaho, Alva Rogers, and J. Ben Stark. The guests of honor were Philip José Farmer (pro) and Walter J. Daugherty (fan). The toastmaster was Robert Silverberg. Total attendance was approximately 1,430.[1]
Awards
The Hugo Awards, named after Hugo Gernsback, are presented every year for the best science fiction or fantasy works and achievements of the previous year. Results are based on the ballots submitted by members of the World Science Fiction Society. Other awards are also presented each year at Worldcon.[2]
Hugo Awards
- Best Novel: Lord of Light by Roger Zelazny
- Best Novella:
- "Weyr Search" by Anne McCaffrey and
- "Riders of the Purple Wage" by Philip José Farmer (tie)
- Best Novelette: "Gonna Roll Them Bones" by Fritz Leiber
- Best Short Story: "I Have No Mouth, and I Must Scream" by Harlan Ellison
- Best Dramatic Presentation: "The City on the Edge of Forever" (Star Trek episode, original script by Harlan Ellison)
- Best Professional Artist: Jack Gaughan
- Best Professional Magazine: if
- Best Fanzine: Amra, edited by George Scithers
- Best Fan Artist: George Barr
- Best Fan Writer: Ted White
Other awards
- Special Award: Harlan Ellison for Dangerous Visions
- Special Award: Gene Roddenberry for Star Trek
Notable events
This Worldcon was the first one that was attended by large numbers of people in the hippie subculture. A psychedelic light show was presented in the main ballroom of the hotel. Robert Silverberg gave a speech about using LSD to attain a mystical experience. Harlan Ellison read a story he had written about a hippie commune.
Poul Anderson emceed a presentation by the Society for Creative Anachronism.
See also
References
- ↑ Lynch, Richard (March 29, 1996). "Chapter Eight: Worldcons of the 1960s". Fan History of the 1960s. Archived from the original on September 27, 2011. Retrieved September 30, 2011.
- ↑ "Hugo Award FAQ". The Hugo Awards. World Science Fiction Society. Archived from the original on May 7, 2011. Retrieved September 7, 2011.
External links
- NESFA.org: The Long List
- NESFA.org: 1968 convention notes
- Transcript of the 1968 Hugo Awards Ceremony
| Preceded by 25th World Science Fiction Convention Nycon 3 in New York City, USA (1967) |
List of Worldcons 26th World Science Fiction Convention in Oakland, USA (1968) |
Succeeded by 27th World Science Fiction Convention St. Louiscon in St. Louis, USA (1969) |