The 14th annual CONvergence Con, held recently at DoubleTree by Hilton in Bloomington, celebrated the women of science fiction and fantasy.
The theme of the bonanza was "Wonder Women," specifically female creators and characters across genres. Female characters were everywhere -- from the Space Lounge populated with Barbarellas to a best-in-show winning group costume featuring women as the 11 incarnations of "Dr. Who" to actual Wonder Woman costumes with punk or goth twists.
It was all about an all-inclusive approach at the convention, which boasted more than 5,000 enthusiasts.
"Anyone who is obsessed with something, you try to bring them into the fold," said Laura Gerald, director of communications. "We try to appeal to all aspects of geekdom."
Elaborate costumes reflected that spirit. Otaku (Japanese anime fans), steampunk Wonder Twins, Monty Python's knights, Indiana Jones and almost every character you can imagine were wandering the hotel.
For the four-day event's culminating costume contest, known as the Masquerade, Chelsea Branson of Burnsville dressed as Queen Amidala from the "Star Wars" universe.
"This is my baby," she said of the elaborate petal-covered ensemble that took her more than 200 hours to make.
Although she was nervous to wear it on stage, the enthusiastic crowd gave her courage.
