August 2005

ORLANDO WEEKLY

Elf: A Weekendo of Wonder

By OW Staff

As the sun sears this subtropical latitude, it's no wonder that thoughts of digging down to Middle Earth dance in our delirious heads. The fantasy comes closer to reality this weekend on International Drive (don't they all?) when The Wyndham Orlando Resort becomes home to the first-ever "Elf: A Weekend of Wonder" event, a collaboration between TheOneRing.net (a ruling LOTR fan club) and Creation Entertainment (the folks behind cookie-cutter events for followers of Buffy, Star Trek, Xena and so on). The formula calls for a costume contest, an art show, panel discussions and the all-important celebrities – on the marquee are Sean Astin (aka Sam) who's stumping for his new book; Elijah Wood (aka Frodo) who's launched a record label; and John Rhys-Davies (aka Gimli), the oldest (and hairiest) of the bunch of shorties. Contrary to original plans, Billy Boyd (Pippin) won't be there, but there will be a celebration of his birthday. Helping to set the sonic scene is a performance by the grizzly guys in north Georgia Celtic band Emerald Rose as well as a special presentation by the creators of the film The Dork of the Rings. As stated on the home page of the Dork website: "Who invited you? Either A) You were given the address or B) You googled one of the following words: throbbit, dork, parody, nosedrool, menthol thong, Lord of the Rings, Pooping Pony, satire or Scrottum. You're a sick, sick individual."