The Dark Ones' first convention - DarkCon 1995

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From the Chair (From the DarkCon 1995 Program Book)

Welcome to DarkCon ’95, I am Shadowstalker of the Dark Ones, your chairman and host. We have talked of putting on DarkCon for more than three years. DarkCon is a full-scale science fiction and fantasy convention with a running theme of Middle Ages, Modern Ages, Future Ages (this year’s visual theme is medieval and renaissance) we have interests that span from ancient history to hard science and speculative fiction.

Over the years we’ve seen ideas implemented at conventions(local and across the multi-verse) that have either faded away or have never been tried here. DarkCon will strive to push the limits in as many new areas as possible. Some of these include using Dillard’s Box Office outlets to sell memberships and getting America West Airlines to be our official (and discounted) airline.

This is my opportunity to give you a little insight into the people and ideas that are DarkCon. DarkCon is the brainchild of The Dark Ones, Inc., a 501(c)10 non-profit corporation. The Dark Ones are known for their interests and activities involving the promotion of various form of art including personification, costuming, photography, brewing and of course the art of partying.

For over five years, The Dark Ones have been attending and throwing social gatherings for fandom in the Phoenix (and now Tucson and Casa Grande) area. The most well-known of course, are the big dance and beer parties at local cons, where loud rock music and free Michelob have become legendary. But I would like to point out a few other events maybe a little less known. Each year, the Dark Ones host smaller events like Grimm Christmas Tales (a fireside storytelling evening), camping trips, movie premieres (or biggest attendance (at the time of writing) 151 people for Star Trek: Generations!), and getting together to attend concerts.

The Dark Ones also support the fannish community and the community at large. We have helped many fans move their homes across town, and collect money for charities like the United Way Benefit Raffle at this year’s convention. With ten scheduled events each year and 15 – 25 movie premiers, you must surely ask what we do with all that spare time… the answer of course, is DarkCon ’95.

Welcome again,
Shadowstalker O.T.D.O.
Jeff Jennings