The 2024 San Antonio meetup was located at Thirsty Horse Saloon/Ricky Bobby’s Sports Bar, indeed the perfect venue for such a gathering of loyal nerds, with vast space to roam and not feel too crammed into one area. The back patio was my personal favorite and where I spent most of my time helping sell merch at the G+G booth—many thanks to those who bought shirts, hoodies, stickers, and the like!
Kicking off the night, there was a special appearance by none other than Grandma Betty (Krista Novva’s grandmother and NUMBER ONE fan of Dan Vasc), who stunned the crowds with her dance moves despite her great age. She was determined to seek out Dan, asking after the highly flamboyant metal singer to anyone patient enough to listen only to learn that he was, unfortunately, unable to attend, being that he is in the impoverished country of Brazil. Someone, anyone, please get this sweet old lady a plane ticket to South America so Grandma Betty can have Dan’s grandchildren.
BETTY HAD AN AMAZING TIME TONIGHT!
She had a blast getting her freak on.
Thank you to everyone who came out— BEEP (@kristanovva) October 24, 2024
Oh yes, and our beloved simp, MCU Fan, got his hug from Krista, too.
However, the very best moment of the entire meetup came shortly after Gary (Nerdrotic) and our CEO, Jeremy Prime (DDayCobra), the Fig of the 199, took the stage to say a few words. The tune that blared through the speakers was “Livin’ on a Prayer” by Bon Jovi, Gary’s “favorite” band ever; he loves them as much as Jeremy loves Beyonce. Many crowded around Gary to sing with such reckless abandon that he had to bow his head as grand emotions stirred in his heart. It was a gloriously hilarious moment.
@Nerdrotics didn’t like the fact that bon Jovi was being played at the meet up. I wonder why @agentbssyboots @kristanovva @FearTheBeardo @KinelRyan @DDayCobra pic.twitter.com/m8jAIekHqk
— Smu The DJ (@DJSmu) October 24, 2024
All silliness aside, the event was a great success and a fantastic night overall. Whenever there was a moment of reprieve, seeing everyone get together, regardless of how much time has passed since the previous meetup, was very much reminiscent of family gatherings or reunions—it’s like we never left at all. That is one of the crowning jewels of this Fellowship/199, where everyone is practically family. Friends are people one can go to for the things one cannot confide in family because there are those matters where only a true friend can provide advice or simply be a sounding board for whatever may be bothering someone. Whatever the case, having friends like these only helps to make one a better person, as we all uplift each other and bask in the achievements made, becoming inspired to create by the successes of others.
There is no other group like this Fellowship/199, filled with absolutely wonderful, authentic people who share the same great affection for beloved fandoms/franchises and even people who seek to create their own works, from making content on YouTube to comic books/graphic novels, novels, etc. Speaking of graphic novels, a special shoutout to Jay (Drunk3PO) for the official launch of Achromatic Chronicles: Green the very day after this meetup! With that said, never feel afraid to start that project or take a chance on something you once thought impossible. You never know where it may lead, regardless of the outcome, for the experiences along the way will only assist in reaching that dream, that goal, faster.
In closing, there are so many people I met and was able to chat with that I will remember with great fondness forever, both old and new. Let us all continue to make this Fellowship/199 the very best, with all the laughs, love of fandoms, camaraderie, and even pranks (We still love you, Beardo).
If you were at the Geeks + Gamers San Antonio meetup, let us know what you thought in the comments! And if you weren’t there, we hope to see you next time!
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