Exploding Goat Games Forums

I've updated the calendar to include both Cold Wars and Historicon '09. These two conventions are some of the largest on the east coast of the US and draw thousands of participants and hundreds of game clubs each year. The vendor hall isn't quite as large as those provided by GenCon and their ilk, but it is the best of them in which to find obscure minis, terrain, and products dedicated solely to miniature wargaming.

There's also a Hobby University (on which I'm a staff painting instructor...usually the 'Unit Painting' class). The 'U' runs various classes throughout the entire con and most provide minis to the 'students' which are donated by the various H-Con vendors. The classes run from terrain making and painting to pro-level technique and Jim Stanton's (GnomeWars) 'Painting the 2-Footer' class and my own unit painting class. They also host several competitions. Just a note, painting competitions at these cons only award prizes to historical figures, not fantasy and sci-fi. HMGS is determined (rightfully so) to keep historical gaming as their main focus.

Some of the tables for events are the best you'll find in the U.S. convention circuit. This is a miniature gaming convention at heart and it shows on the tables. The offer a variety of historical games, sci-fi, fantasy, and pulp games...enough variety to satisfy any type of gamer desire.

They are held in the Lancaster Host Convention Center in historical and picturesque Lancaster, PA. The main HMGS website (www.hmgs.org) offers information on the games (PEL or Preliminary Events List), vendors, accomodations, and more. Be sure to reserve your rooms early, the hotels in this area fill up fast.  There is a tremendous variety of eats in the immediate area. In addition to the restaurant and food booths at the Lancaster, there are several top-notch restaurants within walking distance. For the mature gamers, there is a nice pub inside of the Lancaster and you're free to take your beverages right to the gaming table.

These conventions also offer a wide variety of speakers and clinics that are typically packed full. Several years ago they even had Colonel Winters (CO of the 101st Screaming Eagles in WWII) presenting. They draw some military experts which bring home the realities of life on the battlefield and offer a unique insight into military tactics.

We here at the Goat have been going to both Cold Wars and Historicon (and sometimes Fall In [HMGS East's con in Gettysburg in November]) for many years now. We started going as gamers and this past July travelled for the first time to Historicon as vendors and game masters. It was a huge step for us and we're thankful for our growing relationship with Mongoose Publishing, as we co-vend with them at their booth.

We certainly hope you can attend one or more of these great conventions and visit with us from some gaming or at least a brew.

Jay