BosCon, or As I Would Prefer To Call It, “Best Day Ever”
BosCon, or as I Would Prefer to Call It, βBest Day Everβ
Saturday, 2 pm: My soccer-mom SUV has magically turned into a 1967 black Chevy Impala (due mostly to the fact that I have removed my childrens’ booster seats) and my Supernatural playlist is pumping out of the speakers. Boston, here I come.
It was sometime back in the early Spring I became aware of the fact that Supernatural Fan Conventions actually existed, and it was with heart-pumping excitement that I found one coming to Boston, Massachusetts in August. I live in Maine, just a mere two and a half hours north of Boston. My birthday also falls in August, so it was without too much eye-rolling that my dear husband purchased me tickets. I had arranged to go with two dear friends from fanfiction.net β I will only refer to them here as Onyx Moonbeam and Enkidu_97, to protect their identities. They run the popular E/O weekly drabble challenge on fanfiction.net. It didnβt take too much convincing to get them to come with me to the event.
Saturday evening I arrived in Boston at my hotel. May I suggest that when driving in this fair city, you do not use your blinker, but frequent your horn, and make much use of your middle finger. Thatβs apparently what most of the other drivers with Massachusetts did β but I was just a βeffing redneck,β often caught in the wrong lane, politely attempting to get over using my signal. I learn slow. Seriously, though, I am originally from the Bay State, and I was used to the attitude. Nothing could get me down!
I met Enkidu and Onyx at the Boston Hyatt Hotel where the event was taking place. We promptly ran into Richard Speight, Jr. (Trickster/Gabriel) and young John Winchester in the hotel lobby.
Let me explain about the event, as many of you may be new to the convention process as was I. It took place all weekend at the hotel. Friday’s panels included Chad Lindberg, Jason Manns, and Alona Tal, as well as photo ops with each and autograph sessions. Friday night’s karaoke with Richard Speight, Jr., Matt Cohen, Alona and Chad was much talked about all weekend. Saturday’s panels included Traci Dinwiddie, Matt Cohen, and Richard Speight, Jr. Other events included an auction, a Ouija board expert, music video presentations, and a costume competition.
Many of these event are open to βGoldβ ticket holders (the highest price) and some to βSilverβ ticket holders. We were neither. The three of us had simply purchased βpreferredβ seating for Sunday’s panels ($90), an autograph from Jared ($89), and a photo session with Jared ($129). In addition, anyone could purchase private meet and greets with any of the attendees, ranging from $100 with Chad to $300 with Jared.
Sunday morning we gathered and got in line at 8 am to register. The photo session was up first thing, and as I waited in line, Mr. Padalecki burst thru some nearby doors, all height, muscle, flannel shirt and cologne. He held his hands up for hi-fives, but I choose to βmissβ and pat his biceps instead. In the photo room, music blared from a nearby iPod docking station as we were ushered one by one into Jared’s waiting arms. He took the time to pose as requested by each fan, or just gathered them in for a close shot. I was wearing a βGot Moose?β t-shirt, which we each pointed at playfully. The staff at Creation Entertainment, I must say, runs a very tight ship, and after quick pose, as flash of the camera, and a βthanks, babe,β from Jared, I was on my way. We walked out of the room, hearts thumping, feet barely touching the ground.
Wow.
After a bit of a break, we were allowed into the ballroom where the Gold and Silver ticket holders were seated closest to the stage. Our seats were fine, Row βOβ, and right in the middle. I settled for a moment, then realized that on either side of the stage, microphones were set up and lines were forming. I pulled my note with my question from my pocket, left my camera with E/O, and went to wait in the question line. Jared came on stage shortly after, again, seemingly bigger than life. He promptly began taking questions from those waiting at the microphones.
Immediately, I was impressed with his stage presence and demeanor. He really had a kind way of acknowledging each fan, and though there may have been some joking and play, he always answered the question thoroughly, and thanked the fan for their question. If you can find a video of the ‘train story’ somewhere, as my re-telling of it would not do justice to the animated, hilarious manner in which Jared told it. He stood, he walked, he acted it out, he laughed with us at the funny parts. Entertaining does not begin to describe it.
About Β½ hour in, Misha joined him on stage. It was immediately apparent the two enjoyed each others’ company, and though they may have done similar conventions a thousand times before, they made it fresh and fun for all of us. Though I may be scarred for life after asking my question.
The day was broken up with an autograph session with Jared. He looked at each person’s item politely, and even read the poem I wrote about the Winchesters that I had him sign. βThat’s cool,β he commented.
Richard Speight, Jr. came on stage after a short break and a trivia competition. The man does not stand still for a moment, as many of my blurred photos of him can attest. He came back and walked around to us in the βcheap seats.β In one of the funnier moments, he attempted to call Mark Pelligreno on his cell phone to get help answering a question. He muttered, βI actually have him listed as ‘Mark Lucifer’ on my phone.β
At one point, he even brought a sobbing fan up on stage and hugged and reassured her. βI have met the best people here today,β she sputtered, β…and all of you are so down to Earth, too.β Seeing as the crowd was 95% women, there was not another dry eye in the room. She was completely right, though. Everyone that was there that day was a Supernatural fan, without a doubt. It was just a great pleasure to be in the company of some many other folks that enjoyed getting their geek on. And, I must say, it was the most polite, well behave group of folks I have ever been with. Conversations started easily over shared snacks by people of every description.
After Richard, Brock Kelly took the stage. I really have to say this was the only downer of the day. To give him credit, Brock only appeared in one episode, so there was not a whole lot for him to talk about β but his conversation was monotone, and even a bit angsty. He corrected a fan who mentioned the Trickster: βYou mean, Richard?β His answers were short and the long silences were painful. When the discouraged fans decided to stop asking questions, Brock declared, βOkay, let’s have a staring contest.β I have to admit that’s when I walked out to find my photo op picture, which had just been printed out.
There was an auction with the proceeds going to Misha and Jared’s selected charities. The items included Supernatural themed t-shirts, mugs, and signed banners that decorated the ballroom. I did purchase a banner that had a picture and signature from each person that was in attendance that weekend. I’m not going to talk about what I paid. Let’s just call that part of my birthday present.
Misha, Misha. Misha came on and got the crowd going again. His sharp, biting sense of humor had us all rolling from the start. Granted, this was a love fest for anyone up on that stage, but my sides ached from his witty banter. A cute young lady dressed in perfectly as Castiel was pulled on stage. βWow, where did you find this tie? Its so authentic!β Misha asked. βWal-Mart,β she replied. Misha also wore a name tag: βHello….my name is GOD.β
When Misha left the stage, it was time for us to go. Exhausted but exhilarated, the three of us headed back to Maine with our autographed items clutched to our chests and the memories forever in our hearts.
I’m so thrilled you had such a great time! These cons really do blow you away, even for someone like me who’s been to a lot. I especially love your “first timer” angle. You got some great pictures too, thanks for sharing.
That’s so amazing you had Jared sign your poem! That just warms my heart. The first thing I had him sign was my very first article, the one that launched my Supernatural blogger career. It means so much to have them sign something personal like that.
Thanks again for taking the time to write this up.
Alice, I am glad you enjoyed my write-up – thanks for being so willing to post my articles!
Hi mainegirlwrites! I’m happy for you that you had such a blast at that convention!
I can only agree with Alice – I had also a very personal item signed by Jared, and it makes it even more special.
Thank you for sharing your experience and those sweet pictures with us! You know, in the future you’ll be able to open up this little bottle of memories and relive them again in your mind.
Well, that’s how I feel about it. I go back to the days of my convention experience and feel as happy as I did then.
Take care, Jas
Hey Jas! Thank you for your kind words. Someday I will be an old lady, but I will still have that autographed poem right next to me!
That’s awesome.
I do know what I’m getting Jared to sign next time—along with giving him his very own copy of said item.
I’m glad you got to experience Sunday. Jared is larger than life, isn’t he? And he sets you at ease and makes you feel comfortable. They all seem to do so.
I just wish I could go again now after reading your story.
Hey girl! My ONLY regret is not giving him a copy of the poem – and I had one with me! I was just suddenly very shy about it. Silly me. I know better next time!
I threw shyness out the window ages ago. He’s getting a professionally bound copy of the damn novel I eat, breathe, sleep these days. Hell, since I TOLD him I’d cast him if it were a screen play, I rather feel obligated!
Which is why I’m watching preseason football instead of writing. *hangs head in shame*
Loved your blog, thanks for posting! I went with my daughter and it was our first convention as well, Sunday only as I had to work on Sat. What a fun experience! Couldn’t have asked for a better time.
Hi Mainegirlwrites
Thank you for sharing your first time Con with us.
I always love to hear peoples personal experiences.
I can only dream what itΓ’β¬β’s like to meet these incredible people.
Hi! I was there Sunday as well and had a great time. Were you the woman that Misha kept constantly interrupting while trying to ask your question? I felt so bad for you if it was! Even Jared tried to shut him up and kept apologizing for him! π
Unfortunately, I couldn’t afford a picture with Jared, but was lucky enough to almost walk into him while he was being escorted to another room after his panel. I’m about 5’9″ and still felt like he towered over me! Also walked by Richard Speight Jr in the hallway when he was being escorted to the room for his panel. He saw a guy drinking a coke, stopped and said “Coke? Really?” and shook his head in mock disgust! π
I have to say, as much as I love me some Jared (he was awesome and so sweet to everybody), I came out of there the most impressed with Richard Speight Jr. The way he interacted with the fans and made every one of us feel special? That really resonated with me. When he hopped off the stage and was walking up and down the aisles so that everyone could see him? Absolutely fantastic.
Oh, and did you see that he tweeted Mark Pellegrino’s answer later that day? It was “sorrow,” in case you haven’t seen. π
Oh, and one last thing, and then I’ll end what’s turning into quite the tome.. if anyone gets the chance to find the video of Jared answering the question about what his worst costume was in his acting career? You MUST watch. Hands down, it was the funniest moment of the whole day.
Next time I’m going to start saving early and scrape the money together so I can go for the whole weekend. It’ll probably be in Jersey next time though, since it doesn’t look like they’ll be back in Boston. Oh well, as long as I can go and meet more fantastic people! π
Sorry, I was at work so I didn’t watch the video attached to the article. So, you ARE that woman! It was funny, but I did feel bad for you!
No, dont feel bad, I was totally playing along!!
Yup, that was me. The two make a good comedy duo, for sure. I was glad to be comfortable enough to give it right back to them! Thanks for your kind words!
thanks for your report!! I love it! I felt like I was there and for me that I was never an agreement that’s beautiful!. Thanks!
This was excellent! It’s lovely to remember the weekend. Great video of your question! That was definitely a high point.
I was there too! It was so awesome!
Wow! It sounds like you had an amazing time! I’m so jealous! I mean to have Jared Padalecki call you “babe” is pretty awesome on my book. π I’m hoping to go to Nashcon next year. I’ve never been to one of these before and the seem like so much fun. Thanks for sharing your story and pics!
Thank you for sharing your experience with us. It kind of makes me feel like I’m there with you. I watched the videos. The way Jared tells the train story was just priceless, it was so sweet that he wanted to save Gen’s bag that badly that he stopped all the trains! I’m Canadian, so Jared can pretend to be one of us anytime he wants, fine by me!
That train story was HILARIOUS – he was so animated and funny, and even laughed along with us – a really great guy.
I’m glad you had a great time! The cons are so much fun. I love not only meeting the stars but also fellow fans, who then become wonderful friends!