BayouCon: A Nostalgic Look Back at a Beloved Event in Sulphur, Louisiana

For years, BayouCon was a cherished gathering for nerdy families and fandom enthusiasts in Sulphur, Louisiana. It brought together fans of all ages to celebrate pop culture, creativity, and community in an intimate and welcoming setting. While BayouCon is no longer held, its impact on the local fandom scene is undeniable, and its legacy lives on in the hearts of those who attended.

---

BayouCon: A Small Con with a Big Heart

BayouCon was hosted at the West Cal Event Center in Sulphur, Louisiana, which was perfectly suited for its size. While smaller than the mega-cons held in larger cities, BayouCon offered an intimate experience that allowed fans to connect, interact with guests, and immerse themselves in their favorite fandoms. It was the kind of convention where you could spend hours chatting with local vendors, meeting authors, or participating in panels without feeling rushed.

---

Star Wars and Star Trek Highlights

One of the highlights of BayouCon 2016 was the appearance of Taylor Gray, the voice of Ezra Bridger from Star Wars Rebels. His panel was a treat for Star Wars fans, offering behind-the-scenes insights into the series. Being a very small con we really got a chance to talk to Mr. Gray longer than we normally would and he was amazing. Alongside him, legendary stuntman Bobby Clark, best known for his role as the Gorn in Star Trek, brought a touch of nostalgia to the event.

Another standout guest was Robert Axelrod, a prolific voice actor whose work in animation and video games left a lasting impression on fans. These guests made BayouCon a must-visit for anyone passionate about sci-fi and pop culture.

---

Authors and Vendors: Local Talent on Display

BayouCon was also a platform for local authors and artists to showcase their work. Two standout authors from BayouCon 2016 were:

1. Henry Melton: Known for his young adult science fiction series Small Towns, Big Ideas. His novel Emperor Dad blended science fiction with autobiographical elements, offering a unique perspective on small-town life.
2. Blake M. Petit: A Louisiana native and host of the long-running podcast All New Showcase. His book Opening Night of the Dead thrilled readers with its zombie-themed plot set during a monster movie shoot.

The vendor area was a treasure trove of unique finds, from handmade jewelry and magnets by The Inkling Girl to cosplay props, steampunk accessories, and tabletop gaming gear. It was the perfect place to pick up one-of-a-kind items and support local creators.

---

Panels, Gaming, and Cosplay

BayouCon’s panels were another highlight, offering fans the chance to learn from industry professionals and dive deeper into their favorite fandoms. One memorable panel featured Aaron Roberts, a voice actor known for his work in anime. His Q&A session provided fascinating insights into the world of voice acting, from preparation techniques to recording tips.

The gaming area was always buzzing, with tabletop games, live-action role-playing (LARP) sessions, and plenty of opportunities to connect with fellow fans. Cosplay was also a major part of the event, with attendees showcasing their creativity through impressive costumes.

---

Tips for Making the Most of Smaller Conventions

If you’re planning to attend a smaller convention like BayouCon, here are some tips to enhance your experience:

1. Engage with panels and guests: Smaller cons often provide closer interactions with guests, making for more personal and memorable experiences.
2. Support local vendors: Take the time to browse the vendor area and support independent artists and creators. You’ll often find unique items you won’t see anywhere else.
3. Bring a game: If the convention includes a gaming area, consider bringing one of your favorite tabletop games to share with others.
4. Connect with the community: Use the opportunity to meet fellow fans and make new friends. Smaller cons are perfect for building connections.

See more of our tips for these events at our Comic Con 101!

---

A New Era: CYPHACON in Southwest Louisiana

While BayouCon is no longer held, the convention scene in Southwest Louisiana is thriving thanks to CYPHACON. Held annually at the Lake Charles Civic Center, CYPHACON has grown to become the largest pop culture convention in the region. With celebrity guests, cosplay contests, gaming tournaments, and a wide range of programming, CYPHACON continues the tradition of bringing fans together to celebrate their shared passions.

---

Final Thoughts

BayouCon may no longer exist, but its legacy lives on in the memories of those who attended. It was an event that encapsulated the best parts of fandom: community, creativity, and connection. At Nola Nerd Couple, we’ll always remember BayouCon for its welcoming atmosphere, engaging panels, local talent, and the joy it brought to fans of all ages.

For those looking to experience the current pop culture convention scene in Southwest Louisiana, CYPHACON offers a new opportunity to connect with fandom, meet celebrity guests, and explore the world of cosplay and gaming. Whether it’s reminiscing about BayouCon or looking ahead to future conventions, the spirit of fandom in Louisiana is alive and well.

---

Why We Loved BayouCon

• Intimate and welcoming atmosphere.
• Engaging panels with talented guests like Taylor Gray and Aaron Roberts.
• A diverse vendor area offering unique handmade items.
• A strong sense of community and inclusivity.

About The Author