Now At G-FEST 2024

Above, the Hyatt Regency O'Hare. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

What seemed like a longer flight than three hours, I made it to Rosemont (outside of Chicago) for this year's G-FEST.

Above, a view of the lobby from the 8th floor. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The convention moved to the Hyatt Regency O'Hare out of necessity. It simply outgrew the Crowne Plaza Hotel.

The Hyatt, as one might expect, is a lot more luxurious with prices to match. Since G-FEST is only once a year, I'm not complaining. I saw few people I recognized. 

Above, the dealers setting up their tables in the Dealers Room. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I am up early as I went to bed early, plus my inner clock is out of whack. 

Above, having an after dinner stogie.

G-FEST officially starts today. The Dealers Room will open at 10:00 this morning.  

G-FEST XXVII A Success

Above, J. D. Lees and yours truly at G-FEST XXV1 in 2019. Photo by Reagan Lees.

From the myriad of postings on Facebook and elsewhere, it appears that G-FEST XXVII was a huge success.

One poster said that the two-year layoff due to COVID-19 "made the show stronger."

I couldn't make it this year as my former roommate, Jessica, will be coming over next week and we will be doing some traveling during her visit to Durango, Colorado and Navajo Lake State Park. The funds are rather finite these days. 

However, I am planning on attending next year's convention. I last attended in 2019. Hopefully, I won't have airline issues like the last time.

From what I have been reading, the attendees liked the new hotel, the Hyatt Regency O'Hare in Rosemont, Illinois (outside of Chicago). G-FEST simply outgrew the Crowne Plaza, necessitating a move to a much larger venue. When the numbers of attendees were smaller, the Crowne Plaza worked out just fine. But since the numbers grew to over 5,000 or so, that venue would not work out. 

The ballroom used for the Dealer's Room looked enormous. 

I found the architecture of the Hyatt Regency to be interesting, from the photos of it many have posted. Some likened it to the sets of Logan's Run. Yup, I can see that.

Anyway, I am glad that everyone had a great time. 

This Year's G-FEST Canceled

Above, a panel at G-FEST last summer. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

It is quite possible that the pandemic of the coronavirus may be over and done by July, but there are some governors who seem to like their newly-discovered power over people and businesses and, in the name of "public safety", will continue to wield it.

Such is the case with the governor of Illinois, which, unfortunately, forces the cancelation of this year's G-FEST.

J.D. Lees posted this statement (in part):

Based on the information and regulations contained in the document Restore Illinois that was released this week by the governor of Illinois, it’s become apparent that G-FEST XXVII will not be permitted to take place as scheduled. A primary goal of the G-FEST organizing committee is always to provide a safe and happy event, so it is with great disappointment and sincere regret that we announce that G-FEST XXVII will not be held this year. 

Registration payments will be refunded over the next two weeks. We are awaiting information as to whether hotel rooms reserved at the G-FEST rate at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O’Hare and the Hyatt Regency O’Hare need to be canceled, or whether the hotels can take care of it on their end. Updated information will be posted here at g-fan.com and disseminated through social media as it becomes available. Reservations at the Comfort Inn O’Hare must be canceled by the person that booked them.

To see the full statement, go here.

G-FEST Stuff

Above, toys galore in the Dealers Room. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Genre conventions usually have many things for attendees to see and do. These include panel discussions, movies, dealers room, games and other activities for people to spend their time and part with their cash.

Here's some of the things that G-FEST XXVI had:

Above, Godzilla in the Murray Bros. Caddyshack bar. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Akira Takarada in the hotel lobby. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Mothra looks different. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Dealers Room

Autograph Tables

Above, Akira Takarada. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, directors Shusuke Kaneko and Yoshikazu Ishii chat. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The Modelers Room

 History of G-FEST Room

Panel Discussions and Interviews

Above, Akira Takarada interview panel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Shusuke Kaneko interview panel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Collect All Monsters panel. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Above, Bringing Godzilla Down To Size with Steve Ryfle and Ed Godziszewski. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

American Airlines and Cancelled Flight Ordeal

Above, O'Hare Int. Airport's Terminal 3. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

When I left G-FEST XXVI Sunday afternoon to go to the airport, I was looking forward for a trouble-free flight with American Airlines to Albuquerque. Alas, that was not in the cards.

When I got to O'Hare International Airport, I looked at the Departures board to check the status of my flight (which was to leave around 6:30). It said it was "on time". So, after getting a drink and snacks, I headed to the gate and waited.

The sign at the gate also said "on time". But there was chatter among fellow passengers about a lot of flight cancellations on the Departures board. I took a look, and sure enough, there were a lot of cancellations. Our flight still said "on time". Many, if not most, of the cancellations were due to Hurricane Barry that was making shore near New Orleans.

About a half hour before we were to board our flight, a fellow passenger was on his laptop and said that the plane we were supposed to board originates from Raleigh, North Carolina. But, he said it hadn't left the ground.

Oh-oh!

At about 15 to 20 minutes before our scheduled boarding time, the flight sign at our gate flickered off from "on time" for about 2 seconds and then came back on with Cancelled.

Since I had some experience with cancelled flights, I knew right away that I needed to get online a.s.a.p. to find another flight. This I did. But it was for two days later. I then went to the ticket agent and he found a flight for the next day around 6:30, but it had a stop/transfer at Dallas/Fort Worth International Airport (DFW is a main hub for American Airlines). I paid for a nonstop flight.

But since "beggars can't be choosers" with airlines, I grabbed it anyway. The ticket agent said that my luggage would be transferred to the new flight(s).

So, I spent the night at Motel 6 (just down the street from the Crowne Plaza).

Above, at Motel 6. 

The next day, after spending some time at Mitsuwa Marketplace in Arlington Heights, I went to the airport. After a while, I got a text message from American Airlines stating my flight has been delayed. Since I have a connection flight from DFW, I thought this may cause me to miss it. Then, no sooner than I thought that, I received another text indicating that I may miss my connecting flight. I then immediately headed to the Customer Service Desk.

There, they found me a direct flight to Albuquerque, but it doesn't leave for another two hours. No problem! I took it.

Above, at Mitsuwa Marketplace in Arlington Heights. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I finally reached Albuquerque International Airport at around 11:00 PM (a day late). But my suitcase didn't reach it. I received a notice that the airline would send it on another flight and deliver it. So, I headed to the airport parking lot via shuttle to pick up The Beast and headed home. I reached home at around 1:45 in the morning.

I received several messages yesterday that the baggage delivery people were trying to get my suitcase to me, but failed for a variety of reasons. They were supposed to attempt a delivery at around 9:00 last night. Nobody showed up.

Finally, at 3:30 this morning, I received a call from the delivery guy stating that he would bring it over at 5:30, two hours later. I thought it was rather "cheeky" of them to call me at 3:30 in the morning. But, they delivered the suitcase at 5:30.

Above, the gate for the flight that got me home on Monday. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Thankfully, I had nothing of extraordinary value (except for my $200 boots) in the suitcase. I had the foresight in having my medications with me in my camera bag, just in case something like this occurs.

What a trip!

Candlewood Suites O'Hare

Above, the kitchen area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Since the Crowne Plaza (where G-FEST is held) was fully booked up by the time I tried to book a room, I stayed a few miles away at the Candlewood Suites.

Above, the desk and television area. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

The price was about the same as the Crowne Plaza, but I had a suite that included a kitchen. This was a big help in saving money on meals. I had all my breakfasts there as the hotel has a small store that sold Quaker Oatmeal packets for fifty cents.

Above, a nice, comfortable bed. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

I got to & from the convention and Candlewood Suites with Uber. That was a lot cheaper than taking a taxi!

The kitchen had a microwave oven and dishware, so I was able to have my usual oatmeal (great for fighting cholesterol) breakfasts in the room. The food at the Crowne Plaza was pricey as ever, so this was a big savings for me. There's also a refrigerator in the room to keep a bottle of milk inside.

Above, since it was a smoking room, I was able to enjoy a stogie. 

I would recommend Candlewood Suites near O'Hare International Airport if one wants to save on their travel food costs.

Back From G-FEST XXVI

Above, J. D. Lees and yours truly with the "peace pipe". Photo by Reagan Lees.

A day late, but I finally got back home from G-FEST XXVI (the premiere Godzilla/kaiju convention) in Rosemont, Illinois (an outskirt of Chicago and near O'Hare International Airport) at about 1:45 this morning.

I was originally set to fly out Sunday night, but at about 20 minutes before boarding time, my flight was cancelled. So, I ended up leaving last evening. At least it was a nonstop flight to Albuquerque International Airport and The Beast was waiting for me for the 120 mile drive home.

I had a good time at G-FEST, especially for seeing many friends, some for the first time in years.

I will go into deeper detail on the experience later. My main surprise (well, not really a surprise) was seeing how big the convention had grown in 10 years. In years past, when I was involved, we averaged around 1,500 attendees. This year, that number tripled.

With some additions (restaurants, bars, etc.), the old Crowne Plaza looked about the same to me. I think the convention has outgrown the hotel.

Above, the inspiration for the top photo. Former President Gerald Ford and former Gov. Ronald Reagan in 1980.

After arriving at the Crowne Plaza (I stayed at the Candlewood Suites, which worked out great for me as I had my own kitchen to cook breakfast and save some cash), I ran into the Lees family in the Chicago Fire Oven restaurant. I was invited over and we caught up on a few things. I took the opportunity to present J.D. Lees with a Navajo pipe (sort of a peace pipe). This was inspired by a gesture by former Governor Ronald Reagan in presenting a peace pipe to former President Gerald Ford at the 1980 GOP National Convention.

I received a lot of "welcome backs" from old friends during the weekend. Yes, it was nice to be back, although the old stamina wasn't what it used to be 10 years ago. Oh, well.

Yes, it felt great to be back and it also feels good to be back home.

G-FEST XXVI

Above, The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

Updated July 6, 2019

The annual Godzilla convention. G-FEST (number XXVI), will be held from July 12th to July 14th, at the Crowne Plaza Chicago O'Hare.

This will be my first G-FEST in ten years, so I am looking forward to it.

In case anyone's wondering, I will have on hand copies of The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan available to those who would like a copy. For those who don't know me, just look for the bag (pictured below). Just tap me on the shoulder (or some such).

Above, the bag I'll be using to carry copies of The Monster
 Movie Fan's Guide To Japan. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For those who are not familiar with G-FEST (incredible as it may seem), the convention's website is here.

Sonoe Nakajima To Attend G-FEST

Above, Sonoe and Haruo Nakajima in 2008. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

For the first time since 2009, I'll be attending this year's G-FEST near Chicago O'Hare Airport at the Crowne Plaza Hotel. G-FEST will be held July 12-14.

J.D. Lees announced:

Thanks to a group of loving G-fans, Sonoe Nakajima, daughter of Mr. Godzilla Haruo Nakajima, will be joining us at G-FEST this year, to express her appreciation to her father's fans. Kudos to all involved. - J.D.

It will be good to see Sonoe again.

For details on G-FEST, go here. 

A G-FEST XXIV and G-Fans Helping G-Fans UPDATE…

The committee members of G-FEST have decided to do something special for our beloved suit actor Haruo Nakajima.

A Best wishes poster will be placed in Artist Alley for all the conventioneers to sign.

And….. Stephen Schilling, who will have an table in Artist Alley, is spearheading a free lance poster montage done by several other of the artiest in attendance. I hope to have the theme of the poster to represent Mr. Nakajima's film work. This poster will be then donated to the G-Fans helping G-Fans to be auctioned off.

So everyone… please visit Artist Alley and do something special and sign the best wishes poster.

And .......I want to thank Armand Vaquer for permission to use his photographs of Mr Nakajima from G-Fest XV to create this poster.

********

G-FEST will be held this coming weekend (July 14-16) at the Crown Plaza O'Hare Hotel in Rosemont, Illinois (outside of Chicago). For more information, go here.

What Do People Want Most In Hotel Perks?

Above, the Hotel Asia Center of Japan in Tokyo. Photo by Armand Vaquer.

What are the most sought-after perks people look for when choosing a hotel to stay at?

Condé Nast Traveler has an article on just this subject.

They found:

As it turns out, good food—namely, a complimentary breakfast—is the No. 1 perk travelers want from a hotel, with an in-hotel restaurant coming in at No. 2. (Free Wi-Fi, of course, wasn’t far behind, because how else will you post all those beach pics to Facebook?).

If I remember correctly, the only hotel I stayed at that had a complimentary breakfast was the Washington Hotel in Nagasaki, Japan (I checked their website and it appears this is no longer offered, but they do have free wired Internet). Most hotels also had an in-hotel restaurant and free Wi-Fi (the Tsukuba Hotel in Ueno has free Wi-Fi and the Hotel Asia Center of Japan has free wired Internet and a restaurant). I have not yet stayed at a Japanese hotel with a swimming pool (pools must be a rarity in Japan).

I've stayed at very few hotels in the U.S. since the advent of the Internet and Wi-Fi. The only ones that immediately come to mind pertaining to Wi-Fi are the Crowne Plaza O'Hare in Rosemont, Illinois and the Blake Hotel in Charlotte, North Carolina. Both charge guests for Wi-Fi. If this is any indication, it appears Japan's hotels are more generous when it comes to Wi-Fi. Both of these hotels do have swimming pools and restaurants (although pricey).

To read the full Condé Nast article, go here.

Discussion With Monsterland Toys

I got off the phone a little while ago with Kevin Ratliff of Monsterland Toys and we commiserated over a few things.

He gave me the G-FEST XVII sales figures for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan and told me of some particular people who bought a copy. I was both surprised and not-surprised at the same time. I understand some "interesting" photos will be posted in the days ahead. Regardless, thanks to all for buying a copy!

He was able to discuss the current state-of-affairs (for lack of a better term) between myself and J. D. Lees with J.D. at the convention. I told him my feelings on the matter. Frankly, I think the whole matter between J. D. and me could be resolved in a single phone call. Unfortunately, both J. D. and I can be pretty stubborn chaps (maybe we both have Swedish blood). But anything's possible.

I also learned that some folks who've been at odds patched things up. That's good to hear.

It is great that Akira Takarada was so warmly received. Japanese actors generally have no idea how appreciated their work is outside of Japan. They tend to be pleasantly shocked over how popular they are in the states.

We also discussed the problems of having the convention at the convention center. Although I have misgivings over the Crowne Plaza (particularly their food prices), their facilities are best-suited for the convention it would be a wise move to return there next year. I am glad that everyone had a great time.

I was surprised to hear that the dealers room didn't draw as many people in as in past years. More than one source told me that it was "dead" in comparison. Could the never-ending recession be part of the problem?

Finally, Monsterland Toys will continue to have The Guide available through their website. I guess you can call them "an official dealer for The Monster Movie Fan's Guide To Japan."

"Hope and Change" Didn't Help The Wyndham O'Hare

No doubt you've read the news at the Monster Zero message board and in the media that the Wyndham O'Hare is shutting its doors on January 1. This was to be the 2010 hotel for G-FEST. According to the article below, the cause was the rotten economy.

The Daily Herald wrote:

The suburban hotel industry took another major hit Tuesday as the Wyndham O'Hare Hotel in Rosemont prepares to close by Jan. 1.

The quick shutdown surprised the Unite Here Local 450 union, which received written notice that its 107 workers will be out of a job due to a lack of financing, said Bill Biggerstaff, secretary/treasurer for the union that represents workers at the Rosemont hotel and two others that have or will close in Arlington Heights and Oak Brook.

"Talk about a kick in the stomach," Biggerstaff said. "We had about 250 members out of work in just a blink of an eye."

The property is independently owned and operated under a franchise agreement with Wyndham Hotels and Resorts in Parsippany, N.J., said Wyndham spokeswoman Evy Apostolatos.

While this is not good news for G-FEST, it is not so bad that we are left without alternatives. We can go back to the Crowne Plaza if we choose. But we are looking at other area hotels who have facilities comparable to the Crowne Plaza or Wyndham O'Hare. I just got off the phone with J. D. and he's on top of the situation.

There's no need for panic. The show will go on. One way or another. Any announcements will be from J. D. Lees. The next issue of G-FAN will contain news about our special guest. It is going into the mails this coming week.

Final G-FEST XVI Comments

G-FEST XVI is now in the history books.

I am writing this in the terminal at Lambert St. Louis International Airport in St. Louis (naturally), Missouri. I have a two-hour layover here before I head back to Los Angeles.

This G-FEST had to be one of the smoothest ones in memory. Sure there were some snags, but they were very minor.

It was good to see the warm welcome the fans gave Kenji Sahara. I asked his translator, Yutaka Ichimura, if Mr. Sahara enjoyed himself. He said he did. According to J.D., the convention also gave inspiration to Mr. Sahara to get more active.

It was good to see old friends and meeting some new ones. It was also good to meet professionals in the industry, such as Matt Greenfield of ADV Films.

One of the nice things about attending G-FEST is being approached by fans with compliments on articles I've written. I can speak for the other contributors by saying that we do appreciate your feedback and well-wishes and we all will strive to produce articles that you will enjoy.

Of course, another nice dividend of G-FEST is actually meeting the stars, directors, special-effects directors and others connected with spfx films from Japan.

We are looking forward to the change in convention venues next year. We will be moving to the Wyndham O'Hare next year. They have an experienced convention catering staff (they originally signed us up at the Crowne Plaza) and know what our needs are. The hotel's website is here.

Additionally, according to Jeff Horne, "Within walking distance from the Wyndham is a McDonalds and the Pine Grove (a family restaurant) to the south. To the north is a Target, Panda Express, Pot Belly subs, iHop, Steak and Shake, Longhorn Steak House and other franchise eateries." That's good news! We'll no longer have to be at the mercy of the hotel's food and prices.

In the meantime, thanks to all who've made G-FEST XVI a fun event and I am looking forward to seeing you all in our new home.

Made It To G-FEST!

Above, O'Hare International Airport's hotel shuttle pick-up area.

I made it into the Chicago area for G-FEST XVI today. The flight in had to be the smoothest (and we arrived early) I've had in a while. The plane seemed to taxi forever after landing. A couple of ladies near me thought they could skip getting a cab into downtown as it appeared the plane would take them directly to their hotel.

The weather here was overcast and in the 60s. This sure is more pleasant than the oven I left (i.e., the San Fernando Valley) back home.

On other oddity, my suitcase was one of the first to come out on the turnstyle in the baggage claims at O'Hare. I had about a 20 minute wait for the courtesy shuttle from the Crowne Plaza. Speaking of which, after departing the hotel courtesy shuttle pick-up area, we drove down a street a bit and suddenly stopped to pick up a passenger who flagged the shuttle. It was August Ragone.

The usual gang was at the hotel including Randy Giesey, Lenell Bridges, J. D. Lees, Robert Scott Field and others. I saw Kenji Sahara going into the hotel while outside having a smoke with August Ragone.

My weekend roommate, Stan Hyde made it in just long enough to unpack and then head over to Bill Gudmundson's for a dinner.



As I had been up since 3:00 AM after only 4 hours of sleep, I conked out on the sofa (above) in our room for a nap that lasted five hours. That was refreshing!

On the issue of the remodeling of the hotel, the ballrooms looked untouched, but several people have reported the rooms being smaller, but they didn't complain about it. In fact, they provided positive feedback on them. The rooms seem to have flat-screen plasma television sets mounted on the walls. In our suite, there's one in the living room area (I am staying in this room and sleeping on the convertible sofa) and one in the bedroom where Stan is sleeping. The suite also has a bar (below).



Anyway, we made it in and it is almost one in the morning here. So I am going to bed. Ciao!

UPDATE (7/3/09): After a good night's sleep, I headed down to the food court. I purchased a small coffee (the stupid coffee-maker in the room doesn't want to work) and a fresh-baked cinnamon roll. The tab: $9.12. The cinnamon roll was $4.95 and the coffee was $3.25. Those prices are bad enough, but the tax was $.92! That's what you get in a city run by liberals.

Crowne Plaza O'Hare Issues Presented

Last year at G-FEST XV, we were told that the Crowne Plaza O'Hare Hotel would be undergoing remodeling during the year before G-FEST XVI. We were told that it is possible the ballrooms may be reconfigured, etc.

At one of the Godzilla Yahoo! Groups, this was posted (I did some editing to make it more readable):

Hey all. Just wanted to make you aware of some bad things at the hotel this year so you can be ready and/or prepared.

My family got here Tuesday and tried to check in. First of all, they screwed up our room. This was remedied after 3/4 of an hour but that doesn't have too much to do with this post.

But this does.

They have a new policy concerning check-in. Last year they had a policy where they put a $100 dollar hold on your credit card for 'incidentals' for things you may use in your room (phone calls, drinking $8.00 bottles of water, etc). This year their policy is $50 A DAY! This will be a hold on your credit card and money you can't use at the Fest. If you don't use this 'incidental money', it will be held on your card and won't clear for 7-10 days after checkout. So this is (for us) $350 we can't use at the Fest. They never made us aware of this policy until we tried to check in and it was too late for us to do anything about it. [$8.00 for bottled water?! This is amusing since the Tokyo hotel I generally stay at (Hotel Asia Center of Japan) has free bottled water in the lobby. - A.]

Secondly, the hotel is under extreme remodeling -worse than last year. It seems that possibly the 4th floor and maybe the whole 5th is under reconstruction.

AND at least half of the parking lot is off limits for us (it is reserved for the construction people). So when you all get here, you'll probably end up having to park in the parking garage next door which is a far walk to the hotel.

Also, the rooms have 'undergone a beautiful renovation' as the lady at the desk kept telling us. The rooms are now smaller, they have no place to store your clothes (the big armoire-type tv stands are gone). The lady said we can hang our clothes in the closet(!!!) or there are 2 drawers next to our bed to put clothes in. These drawers are part of the bedside tables. Not condusive to clothes storage, bright-desk person. We are in a suite and those rooms have been drastically reduced in size also so be warned suite renters.

That is just a few of the issues here. I really just wanted to warn you all of these issues and especially the new hold policy on your credit cards.

In this day and age where the economy is screwed up, this hold really can screw a lot of people over (like us). The hotel should at least told us of this when reservations were made so we (you) could have saved extra money for it. I mean, we thought we had all this money FOR the Fest but now we are screwed out of $350. I'm glad this is the last year at the Crowne O'Hare. This place has gone downhill since we got here. Every year it is some new Bullsh#t.

I really hope J.D. finds a new place and doesn't subject us to another year of Hell in this place (nothing against you, J.D). This place just sucks. G-Fest needs to find a new home. You've been warned, G-Festers Lets try to have a good Fest despite where we are and lets look forward to someplace new (hopefully) next year.

Kaiju Bros Zero 3

I will be arriving at the Crowne Plaza tomorrow afternoon, so it will be interesting to see what changes there are and if the above complaints actually come to pass.

Most convention-goers don't usually just stay in their rooms. So the size of them shouldn't really be an issue. Unless, you pack in several people in them.

If I can handle the tiny rooms found at Japanese business hotels (one was about the size of my work cubicle), then this should be no problem (at least for me).

I can understand the gripes over the $50/day deposit. I never indulge in the overpriced water and other items. Having that money held is an inconvenience, especially if one finds that special toy in the dealers room.

Many of us complained over the years about the overpriced restaurant food, etc. Maybe it is time for a change. If time permits, perhaps we can scout other hotels in the area for future G-FESTs. But the bottom line is that J. D. Lees has to make the decisions. Your input would be a big help.

NOTE: I forwarded this to the Crowne Plaza O'Hare and invited them to comment or clarify their changes and policies.

Giant Advertising Balloons Not Welcome In Fort Worth

The City of Fort Worth, Texas is considering whether or not to regulate those giant balloons that you frequently see outside of businesses. They are concerned that they may become permanent fixtures and many people consider them "eyesores."

I've seen some Godzilla ones in Los Angeles and some of them are a pretty good representation of the King of the Monsters.

CBS Channel 11 reported:

You may have driven by them – a big Godzilla, pink gorilla, or sumo wrestler, flapping on the rooftop of a business. "All they do is use up a bunch of electricity to keep the air plugged into them," said driver Kim Keiser. "And they flop around. And half the time they don't work."

Now the city council is focusing on inflatables that many feel have become permanent fixtures.

Mayor Mike Moncrief and some council members want to look at ways to keep the inflatable's 'air time' limited to particular events, or to a limited time. They feel the balloons are eyesores and as a semi-permanent part of the business are subject to regulation.

We had considered obtaining a Godzilla balloon to put on the roof of the Radisson Hotel for G-FEST when we held the conventions there, but since we moved to the Crowne Plaza O'Hare, it really wouldn't be practical. As the Crowne Plaza is within close proximity to O'Hare International Airport, all we need is one of the "Windy City's" high gusts to blow the balloon off the hotel roof and carry it over to the airport's runways. Can you just imagine a plane about to take off or one landing being attacked by a Godzilla balloon?

Robert Scott Field To Join Kenji Sahara At G-FEST XVI

Robert Scott Field To Join Kenji Sahara At G-FEST XVI

Robert Scott Field, our favorite android M-11 from Godzilla vs. King Ghidorah (1991) will be returning for his tenth consecutive G-FEST this summer at G-FEST XVI in Chicago. G-FEST XVI will be held July 3-5.



Scott (as we call him) will be doing his usual double-duties as a celebrity guest and as Japanese translator for our special guest, Kenji Sahara.

G-FEST XVI will be held at the Crowne Plaza O'Hare with movie screenings to be held at the Pickwick Theater. The movie line-up is still being formulated at this time. As soon as they are finalized, an announcement will be made.

WEEKEND ADMISSION
Adult – $40.00
Youth (15 and under) – $20.00
Child (5 and under) – FREE!

DAILY ADMISSION – Daily admission is all on-site, no pre-registration.
Adult – $25.00 per day
Youth (15 and under) – $10.00 per day
Child (5 and under) – FREE!

AWARDS LUNCHEON
Adult – $22.00
Youth and Child – $15.00

Films at the Pickwick Theater are $7.00 at the box office and cannot be pre-ordered. Room charges and parking are the responsibility of the attendees. (Parking for G-FEST attendees is $10.00 per 24-hour period.)

The hotel is 1.5 miles from the Chicago O’Hare Airport and offers to/from complimentary shuttle service. The train station to the City of Chicago is within walking distance.

The hotel contains a casual dining restaurant, deli/café, and a sports bar. Facilities include an indoor pool, sundeck, fitness center, sauna, whirlpool, game room, business center, and gift shop. The rooms feature work stations, AM/FM clock radios (some with CD players), hair dryers, coffee maker, iron and board, color television with free premium channels, and many other amenities.

Book your room anytime before June 16th, 2009 for the special G-FEST rate: Up to four person occupancy for $99.00 per night. Call the hotel directly at (888) 642-7344 and use the G-FEST ID code: GF9. Reservations can also be made on-line. Go to the Hotel’s reservation page. Enter your Check-In/Check-Out Dates, Number of Rooms and Guests, and click “Search Rooms”.

Come join the oldest and only North American Japanese giant monster convention!