Hal-con cancelled for 2020

HALIFAX — I've got a bad feeling about this — Hal-con 2020 is cancelled.

The science fiction, fantasy and gaming convention has become one of many upcoming events put off the rails by the ongoing threat of COVID-19.

“Like many of you, we feel hopeful about the next few months. But we know that hoping isn't enough,” the Hal-con board of directors said in a news release Friday.

“We also have to help by keeping our attendees and our communities safe, and that means — after consultation with our venue — choosing not to bring thousands of people together in close contact this year.”

Since Hal-con started in 2010, it has featured guests such as Wallace Shawn, Levar Burton, Jim Beaver, Gates Mcfadden, John de Lancie and Mark Sheppard.

The 11th annual Hal-con was scheduled to take place Oct. 23-25 at the Halifax Convention Centre. It draws a crowd of about 15,000 people.

“At the moment, gatherings of our size are prohibited and we would be unable to welcome guests from outside the Atlantic bubble,” the board said. “Even if these circumstances change, we recognize that we will still be living with the virus in October.”

People's hotel reservations, under the special Hal-con rate, will be automatically cancelled without penalties. Those that didn't book under the Hal-con rate are responsible for their own cancellations.

The board is planning some virtual events, which will be posted to social media channels when finalized.

But don't put your cosplay costumes away just yet.

“Here's the good news: this gives us extra time to plan an incredible event for

2021,” the board said.