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Whinny City Pony Con is back for its third year with some new attractions and guests, as well as some beloved familiar faces. This year’s theme, “Old Chicago,” celebrates the eras of the Roaring ‘20s and the Dirty ‘30s. Playing off the theme, the conference will offer two ticketed special events. Thursday evening features a Barrel Run Gangster Tour, where attendees will ride aboard a beer-barrel shaped bus. Riders will see of some of Chicago’s most infamous gangster haunts before landing at a speakeasy for drinks. Friday night’s Grand Galloping Gala offers a swing dance lesson, rather than the usual waltz lesson, followed by dancing, with plenty of swing music. Both events are ticketed.
This annual My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic convention features panels and activities for fans of all ages. Joining the Guest of Honor panel, for his first Pony Con ever, is Ian Hanlin, voice of Starburst. Fittingly, he will be joined by Kelly Sheridan, voice of Starlight Glimmer, his childhood friend on the show. Rounding out the guest of honor roster is writer M.A. Larson, whose episodes sometimes spur controversy among the Pony fandom. He brings the fun, too, because Larson is known for signing anything fans put in front of him. “He has autographed babies, police officers, and pies, which then people have turned around and eaten,” said Con Chair Charlie Worthley. “He’s such a character.”
Among the community guests returning for WCPC 2018 are You Tube personality AC Racebest and smart-alecky cosplay group Fire Team Harmony. Also joining the lineup are Original Character creators Alto and Pastel, who got engaged at Whinny City’s sister con, Ponyville Ciderfest, in 2017.
For beer enthusiasts, Whinny City has you covered with two more special events. Con Chair and Beer Connoisseur Charlie Worthley will hold a Craft Beer Chat on Friday night, and on Saturday, local brewery Solemn Oath will host a beer tasting. Both are ticketed events.
But it’s not all beer and ponies! The con will wrap up with its annual charity auction to benefit Generations Against Bullying, an anti-bullying organization. GAB was the partner charity of Ponyville Ciderfest, also chaired by Worthley. “We’re excited to work with them again, and we’re looking forward to seeing what the charity auction will raise this year,” he said.
Whinny City Pony Con takes place April 13-15, 2018 at the Hyatt Regency Schaumburg.
