Why Utah?

Because it’s a great place to hold a convention!

Utah has a long history of science fiction fandom. As far as conventions, Life, the Universe, & Everything is one of the longest-running and largest academic science fiction and fantasy symposiums in the world, and it will have celebrated its 32nd year by the time Westercon 67 rolls around. Closely related (it was founded about the same time) is the Leading Edge semi-professional science fiction and fantasy magazine published twice yearly by students at Brigham Young University since 1981. It won a Chesley Award for the cover of issue 41 featuring artwork by James C. Christensen.

CONduit is Utah’s longest-running and largest general speculative fiction convention, and has combined with Westercon 67 for the 2014 convention. Utah is also home to Anime Banzai (the largest genre convention in Utah), Salt City Steamfest (steampunk convention), and SaltCon (a tabletop game convention).

Fan clubs of all kinds can be found, even outside of the several local universities and colleges. Starfleet Command’s Seventh Fleet is the largest Star Trek fan club, and runs events all throughout the year. Another smaller St Trek group is the USS Alioth.

The Alpine Garrison of the 501st Legion is a Star Wars costuming club which puts in a lot of community service and appearances. The Krayt Clan is a chapter of the Mandalorian Mercs, another Star Wars costuming club which focuses on mercenaries such as Boba Fett. There’s also the Rebel Legion Rogue Base if you prefer activities related to the Rebel Alliance in Star Wars.

The Mind’s Eye Society (formerly the Camarilla) is a live-action roleplaying (LARP) group which bases its activities in the White Wolf World of Darkness settings (Vampire, Werewolf, Mage, Changeling). A more “traditional” LARP group, actually a medieval reenactment group, is the Shire of Côte du Ciel, part of the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA). If live blades are not your thing, then Living Adventures might be your thing (since their weapons are padded).

On the science side, the Utah Space Association promotes space travel and exploration through education and working with space-related groups. And fans of the very-sciency Firefly series may be interested in the Utah Browncoats. There are other groups out there, but this gives a good sampling of the depth of the Utah fanbase.

During and after Westercon 67

America’s Freedom Festival is a month-long July 4th celebration that includes the third-largest parade in the United States. Add to that fireworks, rodeos, the Days of ’47, and spectacular scenery and it’s a must-visit time of year!

The Great Salt Lake, buffalo (on Antelope Island, no less), easily accessible mountain hiking, as well as river rafting, hiking, and camping in Color Country (Bryce Canyon, Zion’s National Park, Canyonlands, Arches, Goblin Valley) are also worth a visit.

Come for the con, stay for a vacation!