Polk County s Original SyFy Festival Returns: The 2nd Annual SyFy Saturday

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1 For Immediate Release Media Contact: Laura Simpson, Executive Director Phone: Polk County s Original SyFy Festival Returns: The 2nd Annual SyFy Saturday Bartow, FL (January 12, 2015) -- Bartow is ready to bring about Polk County s original Science Fiction Festival, the Second Annual SyFy Saturday. Main Street Bartow, Inc. s event will be held Saturday, February 21, from 11:00 am to 9:00pm. This free family event will feature a street festival featuring science fiction make-up artists, music and entertainment by Professor Sean Khan, and special exhibits. In keeping with the 2015 Time Travel theme, on display will be not one, but two, life-size replicas of Doctor Who s time machine, the TARDIS, along with a life-size replica of the H.G. Wells time machine and Cylon Raider from Battlestar Galictica. A novice to all things science fiction, Main Street Bartow s Executive Director is looking forward to showcasing the downtown business district, The energy is truly beginning to build throughout the community about what is sure to be our largest SyFy Saturday yet. Hotels are starting to receive room reservations, downtown restaurants are developing their themed menus, and the Cookie Jar on Main Street creates themed cookie shapes, added Simpson. We are ready to welcome you to Bartow! Other activities and showcases will include: Costume contests Panel discussions Trivia games Klingon Karaoke (a crowd favorite from the 2014 event) Science fiction props Book signings with science fiction authors Briar Lee Mitchell and Bill Hatfield King of the B Movies, Joel D. Wynkoop NASA scientist and Orion Mission team member, Brian Young, to discuss space exploration and how it relates to Start Trek. Cos-players such as the world famous Clair Davis, the well known Wonder Woman cos-player that makes appearance at conventions nationwide. Vendors featuring various selections of science fiction collectibles, steampunk and other science fiction jewelry, and other themed items. Special appearances by the 501st Star Wars fan club and the USS Haven Star Trek Fan Club, traveling with an army of Storm Troopers. A Doctor Who Look-a-like contest

2 Iconic TV/Movie car show: Herbie The Love Bug, Dukes of Hazzard General Lee, Agents of SHEILD, Zombie attack vehicle and a few more surprises Live radio with WWBF and pod cast HAPPY HOUR with Johnny and Duce all day and more! The day culminates with a movie on the lawn, featuring the cult-classic, Star Trek 4: The Voyage Home shown on the lawn at the corner of Main Street and Wilson Ave. Sean Serdynski, the event s volunteer coordinator, states that although our theme is time travel, we encourage all types of science fiction costumes. That includes anime, Star Trek, Star Wars, steampunk, superheroes, Doctor Who, and any other type of costuming is welcome. The event, presented by Main Street Bartow, is sponsored by SLS Entertainment, Stingray Chevrolet, Simply Storage and Pyramid Fasteners. Space remains available for vendors and sponsors. Those interested can contact program coordinator, Sean Serdynski, at or Main Street Bartow, Inc. at Event details are also shared on the Main Street Bartow Facebook page ( or at ( The syfy weekend will kick-off on Friday, February 20th, with Bartow s monthly Friday Fest Street Party, featuring a live band from 6-9pm along East Main Street and Central Avenue in downtown Bartow. There will be special appearances from a few characters from the SyFy Saturday line-up. ### PHOTOS: Photos of various props and characters mentioned are available. Main Street Bartow is also able to arrange media opportunities with the characters and props in the days leading up to the event for feature stories. Contact Laura Simpson to arrange these media availabilities (lsimpson@mainstreetbartowfl.com or ).

3 Replica HG Wells Time Machine

4 SyFy Saturday promotion

5 Clair Davis, the well known Wonder Woman cos-player that makes appearance at conventions nationwide, will be in attendance.

6 USS Haven Star Trek Fan Club confirmed to attend the 2015 event.

7 Volunteer Program Coordinator, Sean Serdynski, and his wife Lori.

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9 Family friendly event, with activities for children. Photos from 2014 Event: Klingon Karaoke

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11 Replica Dr. Who TARDIS was a great photo opportunity. Costuming is encouraged, but not required.

12 Cyclon Raider at the 2014 SyFy Saturday Event