The air within the Bartow Civic Center this past Saturday, November 15th, was not merely the recycled climate of a standard event hall. It was thick with something far more potent—a palpable, collective wave of nostalgia that transcended generations. For the third consecutive year, Bartow Con transformed the civic center into a vibrant nexus where the cherished icons of yesterday stepped off the television screen and into the hearts of their adoring fans, creating a day of unforgettable connections and shared memories.
From the moment the doors opened, a steady stream of attendees, from wide-eyed children clutching vintage toys to adults beaming with the excitement of revisiting their youth, flooded into the venue. The event, perfectly pitched as a celebration of retro culture from the 1970s through the 2000s, lived up to its promise, offering a meticulously curated lineup of guest celebrities that felt less like a random assortment and more like a family reunion for pop culture itself.
A Lineup For the Ages
The star power was undeniable, creating a buzz that hummed from one end of the convention floor to the other. At the heart of this energy was the diverse roster of guests, each representing a different chapter in television history.
Parker Stevenson, ever the charming presence, greeted fans who remembered him both as the intrepid Frank Hardy in “The Hardy Boys/Nancy Drew Mysteries” and the iconic lifeguard from “Baywatch.” Smiles and stories were exchanged, with many bringing well-loved Hardy Boys books for a signature, bridging the gap between literary and screen hero.
Nearby, Marc Price held court, his familiar grin evoking immediate memories of his role as Skippy Handleman on the seminal sitcom “Family Ties.” But for a dedicated contingent of horror fans, he was also the star of the cult classic “Trick or Treat,” a dual fame that showcased the event’s ability to cater to diverse fanbases.
A particularly emotional corner was dedicated to the Marshall family from the Saturday morning classic, “Land of the Lost.” Wesley Eure (Will) and Kathy Coleman (Holly) reunited, their camaraderie as warm as if they had just stepped out of the Sleestak-inhabited jungle. Fans of the show, a landmark in sci-fi children’s programming, waited patiently for a chance to thank the stars for the adventures that fueled their childhood imaginations.
The bridge from classic retro to modern phenomena was brilliantly crossed with the appearance of Kevin Kedgley and Joe Davidson from the global phenomenon “Stranger Things.” Their presence demonstrated the convention’s clever understanding that today’s hit shows are tomorrow’s nostalgia, and fans eagerly lined up to engage with stars from Hawkins, Indiana.
The world of animation was lovingly represented by the voices of the “Peanuts” gang. Duncan Watson (the voice of Charlie Brown) and Patricia Patts (the voice of Peppermint Patty) offered a unique and intimate connection to a cartoon world that has defined childhood for decades. Hearing the voices behind these beloved characters was a surreal and magical experience for many.
And in a move that delighted attendees, the event featured a surprise appearance from K.I.T.T., the sentient, talking car from the 80s action series “Knight Rider.” The sleek, black Pontiac Trans Am, with its iconic red scanning light, was a photo opportunity magnet, its silent presence speaking volumes to fans of David Hasselhoff’s iconic partner.
More Than Just Autographs: The Convention Pulse
While the celebrity guests were the main draw, Bartow Con’s soul was found in its bustling, energetic atmosphere. The floor was a labyrinth of unique vendors, their tables overflowing with rare comics, vintage action figures, handcrafted art, and retro video games. It was a treasure hunter’s paradise, where a mint-condition G.I. Joe could be found next to a Stranger Things-themed t-shirt.
The gaming room provided a sanctuary of constant, free-play entertainment, its symphony of 8-bit bleeps and bloops a siren call for those who grew up with an NES controller in their hands. Meanwhile, the cosplay contest brought a splash of vibrant color and incredible creativity, with attendees paying homage to everything from anime warriors to superheroes, their homemade costumes a testament to their passion.
The air was filled with the enticing aroma of concession food, and the constant hum of conversation and laughter created a soundtrack of pure, unadulterated fun. It was a true family affair, with children under 10 admitted free, allowing a new generation to be introduced to the pop culture touchstones of their parents and grandparents.
The Magic Before the Storm
The excitement for Bartow Con had been building throughout the week in the city of Bartow itself. The event’s social media buzzed with a thrilling encounter when organizers “just ran into two celebrities in Ruby Tuesday – Bartow,” posting a photo with Wesley Eure and Kathy Coleman. This sparked a wave of anticipation and a delightful rumor mill, suggesting that other TV personalities were making stops in town, allowing for the chance of a surprise run-in with a movie star at a local restaurant or shop. This clever pre-event engagement made the convention feel less like a isolated happening and more like a community-wide festival.
This local integration was further emphasized by the special thank you extended to Ruby Tuesday’s of Bartow for sponsoring Marc Price’s appearance. This partnership between a national chain’s local franchise and a homegrown convention highlighted the community spirit that underpinned the entire event.
A Resounding Success
As the day drew to a close and the final attendees filed out, clutching their autographed photos, vintage finds, and cherished memories, the consensus was clear: Bartow Con’s third year was its most successful yet. It was more than just a “comic con”; it was a heartfelt celebration of the stories and characters that shape our lives. It provided a rare space where a fan could thank Charlie Brown for his resilience, get survival tips from the Land of the Lost, discuss the Upside Down with a Hawkins local, and reminisce about sunny days on the beach with Baywatch, all under one roof.
The event proved that in an age of digital streaming and fragmented media, the human desire for connection—to the art we love and to the fellow fans who love it with us—is stronger than ever. Bartow Con didn’t just host an event; it wove a tapestry of nostalgia, thread by colorful thread, creating a Saturday in November that thousands will fondly remember until the doors of the Bartow Civic Center open once again for year four. For individual photos click https://flic.kr/s/aHBqjCAVYT .
NocedoPhoto Media Group
NocedoPhoto Media Group is an innovative and creative consortium that unites photographers, writers, cosplayers, event promoters, vendors, costume and prop makers, and other creatives under one roof to use their collective skills to maximize their distribution and presence on digital media platforms. Their goal is to create a well-rounded and successful network for all involved.
