It’s that time of year, when things start to get very busy very quickly. In a couple of weeks, it will be time for time, a few weeks after that, vacation, but this weekend… This weekend it’s time to get my geek on and celebrate all the fandoms as Toronto’s Fan Expo gets underway.

I dipped my toe in for awhile this afternoon, eagerly wandering the aisles, and queuing up for what will no doubt, be some of the big draws this year.

I’ve got my collector’s hat on (I have to more classic 007 soundtracks to score on vinyl, OHMSS, and Moonraker), and there are a few things I’m always looking for (The Black Hole, and Star Trek: The Motion Picture are kind of top tier things I hunt for). But today was about hitting some of the cool attractions that are available all weekend.

First I’d like to shut out to the RetroKid booth – I could drop so much coin there easily, and I’m severely tempted this year to grab a Polkaroo shirt. How cool is that?

Paramount+ has had The Lodge over the past couple of years, but this time around, they’re doing something different. Tying in with their iconic mountain logo, they’ve introduced a 4D gondala ride that takes you up the Paramount Peak. You’re guided by a goat, and you can see a number of Paramount+ properties – I think they’re missing out by not going full Trek on this thing, but it’s fun none the less, and… you might get wet.

Right across from that peak experience, is one of the lightcycles from Disney’s forthcoming Tron: Ares! Now I may be sceptical about some of the films casting, but I love me a lightcycle. Get yourself a picture on that bad boy for sure.

Warner Brothers Canada is heavily promoting the latest (last?) installment in The Conjuring franchise, Last Rites and they have a mirror maze to find your way through. But be careful, as you may come face-to-face with evil before you find your way out. Happily there’s a priest on hand to bless you before you plunge into the heart of darkness – be careful!

Disney also has a retro booth celebrating their programs of the early 00s – was that really twenty years ago?

There are tons of photo opportunities, there’s a photo area where you can have a professional Star Wars or Marvel picture done, and it’s a great place to show off your cosplay!

Speaking of cosplay, tomorrow, along with some interviews, I think I’m going to hunt down some great costume shots.

And if you need a break from it all, queue up outside the Addams mansion, courtesy of Netflix Canada, and take an all too brief rest in the Alone Zone. It’s actually a great idea, getting off the floor, and sitting in a dark room like Wednesday Addams for a few minutes. I would have stayed longer.

There is going to be plenty to see and do all weekend, and while I may have just brushed the very tip of the iceberg today, it does look like it’s going to be a fun, and honestly, well-organized run this year.

Remember to thank the volunteers, be kind to all the fandoms, don’t clog up Artist Alley – keep moving, be respectful, and have fun.

And if you see someone wandering around in a Jaws shirt tomorrow, that might be me. Or maybe I’ll pull out a Trek uniform…

Either way, Unite the Fandoms, support one another, and have a great time.