Thursday at 5:30PM in the Marriott Imperial Ballroom was the official opening for Dragon Con 2025. The room was filled to capacity with excited Con goers. Everything that happened before didn’t count, so all Con attendees had special permission to start over again, announced Brian Richardson, host and Dragon Con TV co-founder.
David Cody, co-chairman and one of the original co-founders of Dragon Con, opened the ceremonies. His witticisms and smile brought cheer to this anticipated event. Everyone was so grateful for what he helped create and the joy that seemed to emanate from him compounded with the joy that Dragon Con has brought to millions over the decades. It was obvious to all that he really enjoyed kicking things off.
Richardson introduced the two hosts of this year. Donato Giancola, Artist Guest of Honor, and T. Kingfisher, Literary Guest of Honor, were chosen this year to represent Dragon Con.
Giancola, best known for his artistic works in science fiction and fantasy, had a funny story to share during the game “Two truths and a Lie.” He was offered a job to illustrate for the Lord of the Rings. He turned it down, but five minutes later, called the publisher back to change his mind. He had realized his mistake and called himself an idiot. The attendees laughed at this absurd statement; at first they thought this was the lie. Giancola assured them that, although true, he had freaked out when he quickly realized his mistake and took the job. Applause and cheers broke out as laughter rolled across the room.
Multiple award-winning author T. Kingfisher, a.k.a. Ursula Vernon, had fascinating anecdotes, one of which was waking up one morning during a camping trip in another country and there was a massive paw print on the ground right next to her head. Apparently, one of the larger wildlife decided to check her out up close and personal. She was lucky not to have been eaten. The gasps were audible.
Richardson also provided the audience with incredible statistics. Dragon Con has contributed over $220 million to Atlanta’s economy. The money raised for charity last year was over $300,000. This year, Dragon Con will match all money donated to the National Alliance on Mental Illness (NAMI) up to $150,000. This is up from $125,000. Dragon Con collects donations in several ways; panels will collect money, Sunday’s Auction, and Coloring for Charity. In the past 10 years, Dragon Con has donated over $1.8 million to the various charities they have sponsored. Everyone has a great time at the Con and does a great act of kindness. It’s truly a win/win for all.
Dragon Con has now officially joined in partnership with a distillery for Dragon Con. Mead will still be available, but now there is the expansion into additional alcohol-related fun that can only be truly experienced at Dragon Con. Remember, please drink responsibly. The ceremony was a fantastic way to jump start the best weekend of the year.
