Duckon Drops Some Science, Ups The Fandom

By aaroncynic in Arts & Entertainment on Jun 18, 2010 4:30PM

This weekend, Naperville plays host to the 19th annual Duckon, a yearly sci-fi convention featuring nearly everything including panels on how to pick up geeks, tips on costume making, a bird show, masquerade ball and more. Duckon is a bit different from other conventions that come through Chicago, with a heavier focus on both fandom and actual science. While events like C2E2 and Wizard World feature loads of fandom and fun, Duckcon definitely brings some more unique aspects of the culture together under one roof. While there's definitely enough interesting programming to keep anyone with a passing interest busy, some of the more exotic highlights of this three day geek extravaganza include:

• Blinkies - A chance for you to solder together your very own blinking LED board.
• Live Filk - A brand of folk music that gives Wizard Rock a run for its money.
• The Masters of Lighting - Singing Telsa coils (weather permitting).
• Critter Crunch - Battle your very own robot against others. “Thermonuclear weapons are strictly forbidden within the confines of the hotel.”

Plus, vampire LARPing, a show from the World Bird Sanctuary and of course, Klingon Love Poetry. We'll have a photo gallery on Monday and if I'm lucky, I'll find a way inside a Faraday Cage during the Masters of Lightning.