Attending GalaxyCon Richmond - The Good
If you’re thinking about attending GalaxyCon in Richmond, here’s my best piece of advice: go on Friday.
We’ve been going since the very beginning, and over the years, the crowds have grown massive. There was a time when you could stroll from guest to guest without ever waiting in line—but those days are mostly gone.
That said, Fridays still carry that old magic. Shorter lines, easier movement, and an atmosphere that’s far more relaxed and personal. The whole experience just feels more special when you're not being herded through a sea of people.
(And if you're curious about the not-so-magical side of the con, stay tuned—my post on “The Ugly of GalaxyCon” is coming soon.)
But today, let’s focus on the good. And believe me, there was a lot of good.
Alan Ruck – Pure Class
Meeting Alan Ruck was an unexpected highlight. He didn’t just sign an autograph and nod politely—he came around the table to personally greet us, full of warmth and humor. Of course, everyone that comes up him asked about his great work as Cameron in Ferris Beuhler’s Day Off, Captain Jonathan Harriman in Star Trek Generations or his role as Conner Roy in Succession, but I surprised him by remembering his very first gig—the original Dungeons & Dragons TV commercial with Jamie Gertz. When I brought it up and ask why there were no promo stills from hi—he laughed and hung his head, genuinely floored. He confessed he never quite understood the game back then; they were just told to sit, roll dice, and cheer like they meant it. He’s still never played, but he was genuinely fascinated that I still do, decades later. That kind of connection? Priceless.
Katie Leigh – Voice of Nostalgia
Katie Leigh, the voice of Sheila from the Dungeons & Dragons cartoon, turned out to have one of the most impressive resumes in voice acting. Who knew Sheila also voiced Baby Rowlf (Muppet Babies), Honker Muddlefoot (Darkwing Duck), Sunni Gummi, Richie Rich, Alex (Totally Spies), and even young Han Solo in Lego Star Wars? When I asked if she regretted that the final episode “Requiem” was never animated, she shared that she did a table read for it—the only original cast member to do so—with her daughter voicing Diana. That’s not just cool, that’s legacy.
Sid Krofft – Living Legend and Lidsville Magic
Sid Krofft (@SidMartyKrofft) was hilarious. Listening to him trade stories with con-goers was a treat in itself. But when we showed him a Sigmund and the Sea Monsters still for @MonstersNMommas to get signed, he lit up. He told a behind-the-scenes gem about helping Billy Barty into the suit on the first day of filming, laughing about a dazed beachcomber in the background who just happened to wander into the shot. But the real magic? When I asked about Lidsville photos, they actually found one for me, and as I stood there in awe—Sid started singing the Lidsville theme. And yes, I joined in. It was one of those surreal, once-in-a-lifetime moments I wish I’d caught on video.
Kathy Coleman – OG Tomboy Energy
Also joining the Krofftverse vibes was Kathy Coleman (@coleman_kathy), the unforgettable Holly from Land of the Lost. She was all heart, and when @MonstersNMommas shouted her out as the “OG Tomboy,” Kathy’s face lit up like a con-goer at their first panel. Oh—and she brought Dopey the dinosaur along for photo ops. Total win.
John Carpenter – The Legend with a Heart
Our #1 goal for the weekend was simple: meet John Carpenter. The man is a genre titan—filmmaker, composer, actor—and he did not disappoint. Although we couldn’t get his autograph on Friday (his line was massive), fate stepped in on Saturday. We caught him just as he was wrapping up, and even though it was technically too late, his team worked with us to make sure @MonstersNMommas got her perfect moment. This was her hero, and I stepped back to let her have it. John even shook my hand and told me to have a great weekend. I said, “I never have a bad one.” He paused, smiled, and said, “Then you are a very lucky man.”
Yeah… I really am.
But what stood out most of the entire weekend? On Saturday, just before our photo op with Mr. Carpenter, a young girl ahead of us had a panic attack. John immediately stopped everything to comfort her—genuinely. Afterward, he sent someone out to check on her again and invite her back to talk with him privately. No cameras. No PR stunt. Just kindness. From the guy who practically invented the slasher genre. Faith in humanity? Restored.
Final Thoughts GalaxyCon Richmond was more than just a convention. It was a series of unforgettable moments, genuine connections, and geeky magic—especially on Friday. Whether you’re there for the fandoms, the legends, or the nostalgia, go for the people, stay for the stories, and always keep your dice ready—you never know when you’ll need to roll for charisma.
