The boys are back in town.
Or at least they will be next weekend when Jensen Ackles and Jared Padalecki attend the official Supernatural convention, which returns to Vancouver Oct. 19 to 21.
And just in case you’re not familiar with the dark fantasy TV series, Supernatural follows the story of the fictional Winchester Brothers as they travel the U.S. in search of demons and other creatures of the paranormal, all the while cruising in their 1967 vintage Impala.
The fact much of the series has been filmed in B.C. during the past 14 season has created a large fan base of local supporters, besides its worldwide followers, making the Vancouver convention an extremely popular one.
And while those fans are drawn to the action and gore of the series, it’s appearances by Ackles and Padalecki that really draw the crowds, especially in Vancouver.
But having a photo taken with the “Winchester Brothers” is just part of the fun. Other celebrity guests scheduled to take part in the Supernatural convention include Kim Rhodes (Sheriff Jody Mills), Briana Buckmaster (Sheriff Donna Hanscum), Rachel Miner (Meg), Misha Collins (Castiel), Ruth Connell (Rowena), Matt Cohen (Young John Winchester), Alexander Calvert (Jack), and Mark Pellegrino (Lucifer/Nick).
The MC for the entire convention weekend is Rob Benedict who plays Chuck Shurley/Carver on the series, along with co-host Richard Speight, Jr. who plays the Trickster and Archangel Gabriel.
Evening events include a Friday night karaoke party with hosts “Karaoke Kings” Speight, Jr. and Matt Cohen, which is free for all.
On Saturday night, the Celebrity Cabaret features Louden Swain with Supernatural’s own Rob Benedict as lead singer. Guest performers include Ruth Connell, Jason Manns, Kim Rhodes, Briana Buckmaster, Mark Pellegrino, Speight Jr., and Cohen.
In addition to celebrity appearances, the non-stop auditorium show includes behind-the- scenes presentations, costume and trivia contests, no minimum bid auctions of unique collectibles and one-of-a-kind items, and special salute videos and previews of upcoming sci-fi TV shows and movies.
Another reason the show is beloved locally, is its commitment to giving back to the community. The production team at Supernatural just won the Reel Thanksgiving Challenge, by raising more than $40,000 for the Greater Vancouver Food Bank. The challenge is supported by the Directors Guild of Canada, B.C., along with other industry partners.
For raising $32,518.75 by Oct. 5, the team also won $1,000 contributions each from Martini Film Studios and Sunbelt Rentals. The International Alliance of Theatrical Stage Employees also contributed $5,000 for raising the most funds in one day over the course of the challenge.
The three-day Supernatural conference take places Oct. 19 to 21 at the Westin Bayshore Hotel, 1601 Bayshore Dr.
sthomas@vancourier
@sthomas10
