55th World Science Fiction Convention
The 55th World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), was LoneStarCon 2, also known as "The Second Occasional LoneStarCon Science Fiction Convention & Chili Cook-off". The convention was held August 28–September 1, 1997, at the Marriott Rivercenter, Marriott Riverwalk, and the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas, United States.[1][2] The first LoneStarCon, held in Austin, Texas, had been the North American Science Fiction Convention (NASFiC) in 1985, when the 43rd Worldcon was held in Australia.[3]
| LoneStarCon 2, the 55th World Science Fiction Convention | |
|---|---|
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| Genre | Science fiction |
| Dates | 28 August–1 September 1997 |
| Venue | Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center |
| Location(s) | San Antonio, Texas |
| Country | United States |
| Attendance | 4,634 (5,614 total) |
| Organized by | Austin Literary Arts Maintenance Organization, Inc. |
| Filing status | 501(c)(3) non-profit |
| Website | alamo-sf.org/lonestarcon2 |
The supporting organization was the Austin Literary Arts Maintenance Organization (ALAMO). The chairman was Karen Meschke. The Guests of Honor were Algis Budrys (pro), Michael Moorcock (pro),[4] Don Maitz (artist), and Roy Tackett (fan).[1][5] The toastmaster was Neal Barrett, Jr.[6] Total attendance was 4,634, of 5,614 paid memberships.
Awards
The World Science Fiction Society administers and presents the Hugo Awards,[7] the oldest and most noteworthy award for science fiction. Selection of the recipients is by vote of the Worldcon members. Categories include novels and short fiction, artwork, dramatic presentations, and various professional and fandom activities.[7][8]
Other awards may be presented at Worldcon at the discretion of the individual convention committee. This has often included the national SF awards of the host country, such as the Japanese Seiun Awards as part of Nippon 2007,[9] and the Prix Aurora Awards as part of Anticipation in 2009. The Astounding Award for Best New Writer and the Sidewise Award, though not sponsored by the Worldcon, are usually presented, as well as the Chesley Awards, the Prometheus Award, and others.[9][10][11]
Hugo Awards
- Best Novel: Blue Mars by Kim Stanley Robinson[12]
- Best Novella: "Blood of the Dragon" by George R. R. Martin
- Best Novelette: "Bicycle Repairman" by Bruce Sterling
- Best Short Story: "The Soul Selects Her Own Society: Invasion and Repulsion: A Chronological Reinterpretation of Two of Emily Dickinson's Poems: A Wellsian Perspective" by Connie Willis
- Best Non-Fiction Book: Time and Chance: an Autobiography by L. Sprague de Camp
- Best Dramatic Presentation: "Severed Dreams" (Babylon 5 episode)
- Best Professional Editor: Gardner Dozois
- Best Professional Artist: Bob Eggleton
- Best Semiprozine: Locus, edited by Charles N. Brown
- Best Fanzine: Mimosa, edited by Nicki Lynch & Rich Lynch
- Best Fan Writer: Dave Langford
- Best Fan Artist: William Rotsler
See also
References
- Abell, Joe (August 24, 1997). "Sci-fi meets the Alamo: World convention to draw thousands of genre's fans and luminaries". San Antonio Express-News. Retrieved September 9, 2009.
A galaxy of the brightest stars in the science-fiction universe will coalesce over San Antonio Thursday when the 55th World Science Fiction Convention kicks off the Labor Day weekend at the Convention Center.
- Varney, Allen (September 19, 1997). "Not Just for Geeks: Gaming at Worldcon 97". The Austin Chronicle. Austin, TX: Nick Barbaro. Retrieved September 11, 2013.
- Faires, Robert (September 19, 1997). "From Scully to Spock: The Sights and Sounds of Worldcon". The Austin Chronicle. Austin, TX: Nick Barbaro. Retrieved September 11, 2013.
- Martini, Adrienne (September 19, 1997). "Beyond the Multiverse: Author Michael Moorcock". The Austin Chronicle. Austin, TX: Nick Barbaro. Retrieved September 11, 2013.
- "Quotes From Lonestarcon2". The Austin Chronicle. Austin, TX: Nick Barbaro. September 19, 1997. Retrieved September 11, 2013.
- Shindler, Dorman T. (August 31, 1997). "Sci-fi convention toastmaster prefers life a bit 'off the wall'". San Antonio Express-News. Retrieved September 9, 2009.
- "Article 3: Hugo Awards". WSFS Constitution. World Science Fiction Society. 2008. Archived from the original on May 20, 2011. Retrieved April 5, 2009.
- Franklin, Jon (October 30, 1977). "Star roars: this year's champs in science fiction". The Baltimore Sun. Baltimore, MD. p. D5. Retrieved March 3, 2011.
- "Awards". Nippon2007: 65th World Science Fiction Convention. Retrieved March 15, 2009.
- "1997 Hugo Awards". The Hugo Awards. World Science Fiction Society. Archived from the original on May 7, 2011. Retrieved February 28, 2011.
- Abell, Joe (August 31, 1997). "Sci-fi practitioners honored at convention". San Antonio Express-News. Retrieved September 9, 2009.
- "Hugo Award Winners 1997". The Austin Chronicle. Austin, TX: Nick Barbaro. September 19, 1997. Retrieved September 11, 2013.
External links
- LoneStarCon 2, the 1997 Worldcon: Internet Information Center
- NESFA.org: The Long List
- NESFA.org: 1997 convention notes
- Hugo.org: 1997 Hugo Awards
