Dallas Fantasy Fair
| Dallas Fantasy Fair | |
|---|---|
| Status | Defunct |
| Genre | Comic books, movies, pop culture |
| Venue | Sheraton Park Central (1983–1989) Marriott Park Central (1986–1988) Market Hall Convention Center (1992–1995) Harvey Hotel (1995) |
| Location(s) | Dallas, Texas |
| Country | United States |
| Inaugurated | 1982 |
| Most recent | 1995 |
| Attendance | 9,000 (1995) |
| Organized by | Larry Lankford/Bulldog Conventions |
The Dallas Fantasy Fair was an annual multi-genre fan convention which was held between 1982 and 1995 in Dallas, Texas. From 1989 until the show's demise in 1996, it was the home of the Harvey Award ceremonies. During its heyday, the show was one of the largest comics conventions in the country, third in attendance behind the San Diego Comic-Con and the Chicago Comicon.
Most Dallas Fantasy Fairs took place over three days, From Friday to Sunday. The convention featured a large range of pop culture elements, primarily comic books but also science fiction/fantasy, film/television, animation, anime, manga, toys, horror, and collectible card games. Along with panels, seminars, and workshops with comic book professionals, the Dallas Fantasy Fair often featured previews of upcoming films, and such evening events as a costume contest. The convention featured a large floorspace for exhibitors, including comic book dealers and collectibles merchants.
The show included an autograph area, as well as the Artists' Alley where comics artists signed autographs and sold or produced free sketches. (Despite the name, Artists' Alley could include writers and even glamour models.) Organizer Lankford was known for his generosity in regards to Artists' Alley, often giving even marginal creators free tables at the convention.
Antecedents to the Dallas Fantasy Fair included the Southwesterncon, held alternately in Dallas and Houston in the late 1960s and early 1970s; and D-Con, which occurred periodically in the late 1970s. D-Con '79 was produced by Larry Lankford, (born 1960–died Dec. 25, 2013) who went on three years later to found the Dallas Fantasy Fair.
The first Dallas Fantasy Fair was held over four days from June 10–13, 1982, by Lankford's Bulldog Productions the business name, that may have also been called Bulldog Conventions. The Fantasy Fair programming coordinator was Paul McSpadden. (McSpadden later went on to become coordinator of the Harvey Awards.)
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