Inaugural Spa-Con opens today

Hot Springs residents may think that Hot Springs has time warped ahead to Oct. 31 this weekend, but never fear: it’s not Halloween.

Today and Saturday, expect to see droves of Dead-pools, Spider-men and Chewbaccas, along with several other cosplays, converge on the Spa City for the inaugural Spa-Con.

A meet-and-greet with Nichelle Nichols, the actress who portrayed Lt. Uhura on the original “Star Trek” television series and movies, and a lunch and Q&A with the sci-fi icon had tickets still available through the first part of the week, but as of Friday they were completely sold out. As of Sept. 16, 400 attendees had preregistered, and pre-tickets were sold out Friday. Tickets are still available at the door today.

Nichols’ ticketed events will be held today at 11 a.m. and 11:30 a.m. in Horner Hall at the Hot Springs Convention Center. An unticketed photo opportunity will be available at 1 p.m. in Room 201. Attendees can catch “Battlestar Galactica” cast members Richard Hatch and Michael Hogan at the “Battlestar Galactica” panel at 3:30 p.m. in Room 203. The event is on a first-come, first-served basis.

With more than 250,000 Legos assembled by the Adult Fans of Lego, con-goers can anticipate to see a 30-by-60-foot Lego city with waterfalls, Ferris wheel and other Lego structures in the convention center’s lobby. The display was a collaboration of 20 Lego enthusiasts and approximately $30,000 to $40,000 worth of Legos, according to AFOL member Richard Glatter.

Spa-Con program/comic books are available upon registration and contain a full list of special events, expo stage, gaming and workshops.