Dallas Fantasy Fair
The Dallas Fantasy Fair was an annual multi-genre fan convention held between 1982 and 1995 in Dallas, Texas. From 1989 until the show's demise in 1996, it was the home of the Harvey Award ceremonies. During its heyday, the show was one of the largest comics conventions in the country, third in attendance behind the San Diego Comic-Con and the Chicago Comicon.
| Dallas Fantasy Fair | |
|---|---|
| Status | Defunct |
| Genre | Comic books, movies, pop culture |
| Venue | Sheraton Park Central (1983–1989) Marriott Park Central (1986–1988) Market Hall Convention Center (1992–1995) Harvey Hotel (1995) |
| Location(s) | Dallas, Texas |
| Country | United States |
| Inaugurated | 1982 |
| Most recent | 1995 |
| Attendance | 9,000 (1995) |
| Organized by | Larry Lankford d/b/a Bulldog Productions |
Most Dallas Fantasy Fairs took place over three days, from Friday to Sunday. The convention featured a large range of pop culture elements, primarily comic books but also science fiction/fantasy, film/television, animation, anime, manga, toys, horror, and collectible card games. Along with panels, seminars, and workshops with comic book professionals, the Dallas Fantasy Fair often featured previews of upcoming films, and such evening events as a costume contest. The convention featured a large floorspace for exhibitors, including comic book dealers and collectibles merchants.
The show included an autograph area, as well as the Artists' Alley where comics artists signed autographs and sold or produced free sketches. (Despite the name, Artists' Alley could include writers and even glamour models.) Organizer Lankford was known for his generosity in regards to Artists' Alley, often giving even marginal creators free tables at the convention.