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HISTORICON 2007

	Author: Colonel (Ret) Bill Gray Article Type: Convention Coverage Publication Date: 8/27/2007 Related Categories: Business and Industry, Convention Coverage

I know it was all in my mind, but at the beginning of July it happened, as it has happened for decades. The almost spiritual yet elusive chants calling me and 3200 other faithful home to the veritable Mecca of wargaming, Historicon, in Lancaster, PA, 26 – 29 July 2007. It’s not just a convention, you see, but mandatory nourishment for the wargaming soul. Four days and over 700 games later, my faith had been renewed. It is truly amazing what good games, even better friends, and lots of toys will do for one’s disposition. Yes, despite the noticeable lack of air conditioning in a very hot July, it was that damn good.

Just the facts, ma'am

The theme this year saw many packing their kit and marching to “Indja” as the convention targeted conflict in South Asia, 1800 – 2007. Such specialized interest is in keeping with HMGS East tradition to promote lesser known arenas of military action lest they become forever trampled under the heels of more well known periods such as World War II or the American Civil War. Yet the Second World War did emerge victorious as the most popular era played at the con, with the complete list of how many games were played in each era as follows:

Folks familiar with HMGS cons likely remember the informal limit of 10% fantasy and science fiction games allowed, and at first glance the numbers suggest this limit has well been busted. Not true, however, as the numbers above do not include any games from the many ancients, renaissance and Flames of War WWII tournaments that kept the Lampeter Room at the Lancaster Host Resort rocking day and night. This is a guess, but I’d bet you’d see another 200 events if they were included. The entire effort here is honchoed by the ubiquitous Scott Holder, co-author of the very popular Warrior ancients rules, and a person of far more kudos than he likely receives.

Ancients and Flames of War tournament action.

As regards attendees, the preliminary count from convention director Bob Giglio was 3263. This was not a record, but there is some evidence of inflation in the past and I can certainly tell you that it sure looked more crowded. What made the difference seems to be that everyone – and I do mean everyone – showed up on Thursday, the first day of the con. Usually most folks arrive Friday afternoon or early Saturday morning, after the end of the work week. I got to the Host about 7:30 that morning and was shocked to see the pre-registration line backed up past the hotel check in desk, nearly to Uncle Duke Seifried’s Northwest Frontier extravaganza (narrative detour, he’s been doing this for 70 years – unbelievable). Likewise when the dealer hall opened the line to get in was backed up to the outside barbeque of the Host, while it was breathing room only at the flea market.

In a similar vein, nearly all the vendors reported a very good convention as regards sales. Evidently while Friday was OK, both Thursday and Saturday were unbelievable, with some folks I spoke to indicating it was their best con ever. Bottom line, if everybody showed up early, they also went by the bank en route because the dollars and Visa slips were flowing. I couldn’t fathom that I would ever have to stand in line to get to see what a dealer had to offer, but this time around it actually happened.

Oh yeah, this pilgrimage was shaping up to be a life altering expereince.