This weekend, Columbus will be invaded by Klingons, wizards, superheroes and many other imaginable characters at the 39th-annual Marcon.

“(Marcon) is a gathering of a plethora of people who are brought together once a year – Memorial Day weekend – to enjoy each other’s company and celebrate the works in the genre of science fiction and fantasy,” said Lisa Ragsdale, Marcon’s spokesperson.

Marcon is a general science fiction and fantasy convention with no specific emphasis on any given work or genre.

“It’s a gathering of strange people that have a connection of esoteric interest. All types of interests and genres come together,” professional artist and guest of honor Bob Eggleton said.

The convention offers a variety of activities for all ages, Ragsdale said.

“Marcon is unique because it provides activities for a wide range of people,” Ragsdale said. “I think the thing people enjoy most about attending Marcon is the way people from diverse backgrounds can come together for a weekend and share a commonality. You leave your ‘real’ world at home for the weekend and you come live a fantasy for a weekend and relax, meet new people, nurture old relationships and have fun no matter if it is gaming with friends,” she said.

The theme of this years convention is “Godzilla” in honor of the monster’s 50th anniversary.

Keeping with the Godzilla theme, Marcon will be having a unique event for children attending the convention.

“The children of the convention will be editing a script, casting, completing costumes and sets for the creation of a rubber monster movie,” Ragsdale said. “With the help of several independent filmmakers from the Midwest area, the children will act in the short film and then it will be edited and premiered Sunday afternoon of the convention.”

Eggleton was particularly exited to be involved in the Godzilla activities.

“I’ve been very much into Godzilla since I was six years old,” Eggleton said.

One of this year’s special guests is cult-radio host Barry Hanson, more commonly known as Dr. Demento. This appearance makes his fifth attendance at Marcon.

“I always enjoy coming there and spending time with old friends and new,” Hanson said.

Hanson will be speaking on the FCC indecency controversy, hosting the masquerade, and the “FILK,” a science fiction folk music concert.

Marcon attendees will have the opportunity to purchase various science fiction products. There will be dealers with science fiction and fantasy paraphernalia and many other related items, including artwork.

Live-action role-playing games will be held throughout the weekend as well as miniature and board games. Tomorrow night is the annual costume contest at the masquerade, which is open to all attendees.

There will be entertainment when the main convention activities have subsided.

“In the evening there are Marcon’s famous room parties,” Henson said.

Egglton said that the Marcon is a remarkable experience.

“It’s hard to describe unless you experience for yourself,” Eggleton said.

The convention will be held today through Sunday at the Hyatt Regency Hotel and Convention Center.