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February 2001

Happy Groundhog Day!!

Love that movie... Thank you to all who have registered for MarsCon recently. We're glad you can join us! Here's the latest news:

Announcing Our Featured Guest - We are very happy to honor author Joan Marie Verba as a Featured Guest for MarsCon 2001. Joan has contributed to MarsCon since its inception three years ago with her programming participation and her presence in the Dealers Room, and we are forever grateful for her support. Among her many professional affiliations, Joan serves as Mythopoeic Press Secretary for the Mythopoeic Society, a non-profit international literary and educational organization for the study, discussion, and enjoyment of fantasy and mythic literature, especially the works of J.R.R. Tolkien, C.S. Lewis, and Charles Williams. Joan's written work includes Boldly Writing: A Trekker Fan and Zine History 1967-1987; North Dakota, Lerner Books, 1992; and Voyager: Exploring the Outer Planets, Lerner Books, 1991; as well as numerous short stories and articles. Her recent efforts have been devoted to co-writing the novel Autumn World with Tess Meara, Deborah K. Jones, Margaret Howes, and Ruth Berman. Autumn World is scheduled for release by StoneDragon Press in 2001. During the convention, you will probably find Joan in the Dealers Room when she's not busy lending a hand with literary programming. Joan's Website. Thank you, Joan! See you at MarsCon!!

Masquerade Rules & Entry Form Now Online - The MarsCon Masquerade is a wonderful opportunity for convention attendees to showcase their costume-making talents and acting abilities. It is huge fun both for participants and those of us who like to "ooh" and "ahh" over the costumes. The Masquerade Rules and the entry form are now available on our web site. Our beauteous Masquerade Director Anna Everling will be taking "mail-in" entries until May 2, 2001. "Mail-in" entries may be sent to the snail mail address listed below. "Mail-in" entries need to be postmarked on or before May 2nd, but you are also welcome to enter the Masquerade at the convention by registering at the MarsCon 2001 registration table. Just to give you a taste, you can find a few photos from last year's Masquerade on our picture page. Bravo, everyone!

Programming News - There are many incredible programming ideas orbiting the red planet right now and preparing to land at MarsCon 2001. This is, of course, entirely due to the numerous creative & talented individuals willing to participate in programming at the convention. Many thanks to you all! Toward the end of the next ConCom Meeting (February 18th, 1-4pm, Radisson South/more details below), our 2001 Programming Chair Christine LaBounty will be hosting a Programming Breakout Session. Interested individuals will be talking about planned activities and mapping out a preliminary programming grid which will ultimately be posted on the MarsCon website. Everyone interested in volunteering for programming is encouraged to attend, and feedback on scheduling will be greatly appreciated. However, if you can't make the meeting, but have a helpful tip for the Programming Department, feel free to drop us a line anyway. You can reach Christine via any of the methods listed below. Thank you for your help!

Artwork For T-Shirts, Publications, Badges...Oh, My! - We are currently seeking artwork for convention t-shirts, volunteer t-shirts, badge art, publications, etc... Artwork that fits with our "2001:Space Oddity" theme is best, but any science fiction or fantasy-related artwork would be welcome. All artwork needs to be submitted in camera-ready or scan-ready or electronic form by March 1, 2001, or soon thereafter. Many thanks to all who decide to contribute your creative efforts. Please contact MarsCon through one of the methods listed below if you wish to submit artwork or if you have questions.

Other Announcements - The 9th Annual Minnesota Fan Alliance Network Meeting is set for Sunday, February 11, 2001, 12:30-4:00 p.m. The meeting will be held in the Southdale Hennepin Area Library (2nd floor), located at 7001 York Avenue South, Edina, Minnesota. Try this link for directions. The F.A.N. is a non-aligned, all volunteer group dedicated to providing service and support to all fan groups for the mutual benefit of fandom as a whole. Representatives from all area fan groups are invited to attend and inform others about their group or club. If you know of any fan groups or clubs that have not received a proper invitation, please feel free to share this invitation with them or contact MN F.A.N. via mccloud9@freemars.org so that an invitation may be sent to them. The meeting is open, and anyone interested is welcome to attend. A MarsCon/FENsf rep will be on hand at the meeting to answer questions about our convention.

Upcoming Concom Meetings - Here are dates & times for upcoming ConCom meetings. ConCom Meetings are held on Sunday afternoons at the Radisson South Hotel in Bloomington, Minnesota, the same place where the convention is held. Directions & other information about the Radisson South may be found here. ConCom meetings are open to the public, and you are welcome to attend whether as a spectator or an active participant in planning the convention. Our February meeting will also feature a Programming Breakout Session and volunteer training for the Registration Department.

ConCom Meeting - Feb. 18, 1-4pm, Radisson South, Bloomington, MN

ConCom Meeting - Mar. 18, 1-4pm, Radisson South, Bloomington, MN

ConCom Meeting - Apr. 15, 1-4pm, Radisson South, Bloomington, MN

ConCom Meeting - Apr. 29, 1-4pm, Radisson South, Bloomington, MN

ConCom Meeting - May 6, 1-4pm, Radisson South, Bloomington, MN

MarsCon happens - May 11-13, 2001!

Hope to see you there!