Wonderfest 2022 wrap up

Posted on June 14, 2022June 14, 2022 by Steve Iverson

Another Wonderfest has come and gone. Much like all the others, we survived the Wonderfest blur. The “blur” is the feeling that happens when you arrive on Thursday and suddenly it is Monday and we are all going home. Where did the weekend go? Wonderfest is a place where friends and fellow modelers come together every year. We are here because we like to build spaceships and monsters and everything in between. The contest features the most incredible build ups, while the dealers room allows you to take all your favorite kits home. Who knows, you may even find that rare kit you have always wanted. There are demos and presentations where you can learn from your fellow modelers and go away thinking, “I can do that,”

Beyond the models, there are many other aspects to the show. Wonderfest brings in many guests that you don’t find at other science fiction conventions. This year, Nicholas Meyer was the featured guest, and he had a wonderful presentation. Another panel featured Star Trek alumni Rick Sternbach, John Eaves, Kirk Thatcher, and Daren Dochterman The B9 Robot Builders had a large display of replica Robots and the Jupiter 2 control room, complete with Marta Kristen – Judy Robinson herself. And that is still just part of the story.

At the CultTVman booth, we had the Lost in Space Chariot on display for the first time. This is the 1:35 scale model being produced by Doll & Hobby GA (my company) and should be out later this year. We are still working on the packaging and instructions.

The classic Guillotine was on display for the first time with the new backdrop illustrated by Christopher Doll. He has expanded upon the original box art to create this epic diorama display. The Guillotine will feature the same deluxe style ArtBox packaging we did for the Hunchback. It will be coming from Doll & Hobby GA later this year.

We also announced a reissue of the classic Sealab III kit which will be produced by Doll & Hobby GA in 2023. This will be a retooling of the original kit as the molds no longer exist. The model was only produced in 1970 before disappearing from hobby shops. Most interesting is that parts from this kit were utilized to detail may of the Star Wars miniatures including the Blockade Runner and Millennium Falcon. The model is highly sought after among both collectors and modelers wanting to recreate the studio miniatures.

Appreciation Award to me from Wonderfest.

I was totally unprepared for the recognition from the Wonderfest team at the Sunday wrap party. Two years ago we experienced the year without Wonderfest, due to the Covid pandemic. That year’s cancellation had a huge impact on the organization. At that time, we were not aware of how bad it was, but George Stephenson from Black Heart models contacted me and a few others to help run “Want-A-Fest.” The idea was to tap into the Wonderfest community, keep the spirit of Wonderfest going, support the hobby, and most importantly, help support Wonderfest. The money raised from the event helped the organization recover and bring back Wondefest in 2021. For all of us involved, it was a labor of love. George was also recognized at the event. I want to thank the team at the event for all their love and all the effort they put forth for the hobby.

I have to thank the group that helps out every year at Wonderfest, setting up and running the CultTVman booth, as well as the Cult Suite over the weekend. In no particular order, Kirk Schermerhorn, Jim James, Scott Copeland, Dave Metzner, Dave Bengel, Lou Dalmaso. More thanks to my wife Connie for putting up with me durring the insanity before and after the show, as well as keeping the lights on in the Cult warehouse while I am at the show. Thanks to Nicholas Meyer for joining the show this year and Steve Smith for helping with that. So many others help make Wonderfest special. I am sure I will leave someone out, but here is a start: Paul Bodensiek, Rick Sternbach, Eric Chu, Marta Kristen, Ron Gross, Cass Swenson, Danya Linehan, Terry Webb, Timi Webb, John Struck, Larry Johnson, Jimmy Flintstone, Anthony Taylor, Mark Maddox, George Stephenson, Jamie Hood and the team from Round 2, Frank Dietz, Daren Dochterman, Kirk Thatcher, Belmo, Bill Stout, Clif Dopson (fleetingly), Mike Stutleberg (also fleetingly), Ross Waddell and the Canadian Embassy, Trevor and Britny Ylisaari (fixtures!), Tom Grossman, Rob Schmidt. Courtenay Wang (thanks for the picture), Scott Johanson, Mark and Shanna Warthling, Glen Swanson, Randy Cooper (briefly), Michael Griffith, Kyle Clark, Jim Brooks. I’ll add more as I remember.

More than anything, my hat is off to the staff at Wonderfest – Dave Hodge, Melinda Angstrom, Lee and Barbara Staton, Dave Conover, Breau Kaelin, Brian Ludden, Crazy Joe, George and Marci Seletas, Drew Roberts, Tony Hardy. And I am sure I am leaving someone out. My apologies. You guys put your heart and lives into this show and it is a reflection of your love for the hobby and the people that attend. You have made Wonderfest a home away from the workshop. It is a special family reunion. It is a community.