Thousands flock to downtown Atlanta for Dragon Con

ATLANTA — Dragon Con is back in downtown Atlanta and bringing with it some 60,000 pop culture fans.

Channel 2′s Berndt Petersen was in the middle of the cast of thousands who came back in full force for the first time since the COVID-19 pandemic.

Ruby Fallin, or shall we call her She-Hulk, loves the convention.

“Because it’s like a huge con!  I’ve never been to a five-day con like this,” Ruby said.

The annual pop culture, superhero, supervillain, sci-fi, gamer gathering known around the world is back.

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“We always say Dragon Con is family, but it’s a family anybody can join,” Dragon Con Director Dan Carroll said.

Five major hotels, all within walking distance are packed.

“This group is like family to us. Been with us for 36 years,” Hyatt General Manager Derrick Morrow said.

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The last couple of years have been a bit of a challenge. 

The 2020 convention had to go virtual because of COVID-19. 

In 2021, there were strict virus rules to keep everyone safe. The crowd was limited to 40,000 that year. 

This year, 60,000 are expected. You’ll still have to wear a surgical mask when you’re inside any of the venues, but fans say they are okay with it. 

Ernesto Yanec donned a Superman outfit, and travelled far. 

“This is my holiday. I’m from Chile,” Ernesto said.

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Two members of the original Star Trek television series, William Shatner and Walter Koenig, lead a long list of celebrity guests who will appear at this year’s convention. Joining them are Emmy-nominated actor Morena Baccarin; Once Upon a Time’s Jennifer Morrison; Lauren Ridloff, Tony-nominated deaf actress from Marvel’s Eternals; and David Ramsey and Emily Bett Rickards at the head of a long list of actors representing the Arrowverse.

Dragon Con 2022 runs from Thursday, Sept. 1 to Monday, Sept. 5.

Restaurants hoping to cash in on UGA game, Dragon Con and Atlanta pride events

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