THUNDER BAY - A popular convention slated for this fall is the latest event to be cancelled due to the COVID-19 pandemic.
ThunderCon announced its 2020 convention that was to take place in September has been postponed for one year.
“After much deliberation and particular attention to federal, provincial and local public health authorities regarding large public gatherings in Ontario, we have come to the decision to not present the ThunderCon event in 2020, but rather postpone the event for one year,” a statement on the ThunderCon website reads. “We are announcing our return to the CLE grounds, Sept. 18/19, 2021 with, guests and exhibitors already confirmed.”
Started in 2014, ThunderCon was the city’s first sci-fi and fantasy convention, drawing in thousands of people to celebrate all things geek.
The convention includes workshops, cosplay, panels, guest speakers, and a marketplace. It was first held at the Valhalla Inn, but since growing nearly every year since its inception, it was moved to the CLE grounds last year.
The venue, guests, sponsors, and exhibitors had already been lined up for the 2020 event.
According to the statement on the ThunderCon website, throughout 2020 it will be redirecting resources to support sponsors and exhibitors with appearances and smaller event promotions.
It will also be delivering content virtually such as panels and videos.
“This was not an easy decision, but ThunderCon believes it to be the responsible choice,” the statement reads.
“Without a vaccine on the immediate horizon, the risk of COVID-19 breaking out at a mass gathering is simply too great to take. With the health and safety of our community at the forefront of our minds we make this decision now to protect all of us. We are also deciding to reclaim something else we have lost, our certainty. Our certainty that we can continue to deliver the safe, family-friendly event that Thunder Bay has grown to love in 2021.”
