It’s that time again and Conan fans from all over will gather in the town of Cross Plains, Texas June 10-11 to honor Robert E. Howard’s works and life.
Robert E. Howard Days 2011 will be held Friday and Saturday, June 10-11th. Howard History will be the theme, celebrating four anniversaries: 100 years of Cross Plains, 75 Years honoring the legacy of Robert E. Howard, 50th Anniversary of the 1st publication of Glenn Lord’s seminal REH Publication: The Howard Collector, and the 25th Anniversary of the first REH Days.
Howard is the creator of Conan, Kull, Red Sonja, Bran Mak Morn, Solomon Kane, Steve Costigan, Westerns, boxing, horror, and more titles that were published in Weird Tales during the 1920’s and 1930’s. For fans of Howard, this summer marks another great event, the Conan movie is coming out in August 2011 with Jason Mamao (of Stargate Atlantis) playing Conan under the direction of Marcus Nispel who also directed Friday the 13th.
This year also marks the 40th year since Marvel Comics brought Conan to life in comic form and also the 45th anniversary of the mass marketing of Conan by means of the Lancer Publication of Conan the Adventurer.
Reflecting the history angle of Robert E. Howard (1906-1936) and Cross Plains, event organizers are planning to host panels and events. According to organizers, “History was an important part of Howard’s make-up, and that is reflected in his prose and poetry. And this year, it’s the make-up of REH Days.”
According to organizers, “There’s going to be a who’s who of writers and authors signing books and other Robert E. Howard memorabilia and events.”
Activities celebrating the100 year anniversary of Cross Plains are an ongoing event throughout the town during the year 2011. Those who have connections to Cross Plains and want to join in the celebration can follow these activities by visiting the Cross Plains Facebook page. (http://www.facebook.com/pages/Cross-Plains-Exes/361828592384?sk=wall).
Below is the schedule of activities in Cross Plains for Howard Days 2011:
Friday, June 10
- 8:30 – 9 am Coffee and donuts at the Pavilion, compliments of Project Pride
- 9 am – 4 pm Robert E. Howard House Museum opens to the public.
- 9 am – 4 pm REH Postal Cancellation at Cross Plains Post Office
- 9 am – 11 am “Trailer” Tour of Cross Plains
- 10 am – 5 pm Cross Plains Public Library open
- 11:00 PANEL: Howard Days History
- Noon: Lunch hosted by Project Pride. Donations Welcome.
- 11:00 am – 4 pm Pavilion available for REH items Swap Meet
- 1:00 pm PANEL: History of REH fanzines
- 2:15 pm PANEL: Howard’s Historicals
- 3:30 pm PANEL: Conan 2011 Movie Trailers & More
- 5:30 – 6:30 Silent Auction items available for viewing & bidding at Banquet site
- 6:30 Robert E. Howard Celebration Banquet & Silent Auction at the Cross Plains Community Center
- Following the Banquet & Silent Auction: The Second Annual Robert E. Howard Foundation Awards at the Cross Plains Community Center
- Afterward there will be some extemporaneous REH Poetry Reading at the Pavilion.
Saturday, June 11
- 9 am – 4 pm Robert E. Howard House Museum opens to the public.
- 9 am – 4 pm Barbarian Festival held this year at Tread way Park, 3 blocks west of REH House
- 10 am – 3 pm Cross Plains Public Library open
- 10 am PANEL: Conan Movie History
- Noon to 4 pm Pavilion available for REH items Swap Meet
- 11:30 am The Robert E. Howard Foundation Legacy Circle Members Luncheon at Jean’s Feed Barn.
- Lunch & Festival Activities at your leisure during the day
- 1:00 pm PANEL: Damon Sasser/Dennis McHaney
- 2:15 pm PANEL: REH Historical Poetry
- 3:30 pm PANEL: What’s Up with REH? at the Pavilion
- 5 pm: Sunset BBQ at the Caddo Peak Ranch
In addition to the above schedule, the Howard House & Museum will be open to the public from 2:00 to 4:00 pm on Thursday afternoon, June 9th.
Robert E. Howard grave site: A visit to the site at the Greenleaf Cemetery in Brownwood is not an “official” activity of REH Days, but those interested may visit there at any time. Directions are available at the Howard House, as are directions to Novalyne Price Ellis’ grave site between Brownwood and Bangs.
Pre-registration is not necessary to participate in the weekend’s festivities. All are welcome to attend, visit the House, and enjoy all of the activities free of charge. Project Pride likes to pre-register people primarily to get a head count of how many will be attending the banquet on Friday night. All the panels, tours, Swap Meet, Pavilion activities, etc. are presented at no cost. Registration fee covers coffee & donuts Friday morning, lunch at the Pavilion Friday noon, the Friday Banquet and the Saturday BBQ.
The cost for pre-registration this year is $15 per person. Please send your name(s) & address with a check or money order or NOW register via PayPal: ProjPride@yahoo.com.
Project Pride: Attn: REH Days 2011 Pre-registration, PO Box 534, Cross Plains, TX 76443
Pictured above is Robert E. Howard.
