The 55th World Science Fiction Convention (Worldcon), was LoneStarCon 2, also known as "The Second Occasional LoneStarCon Science Fiction Convention & Chili Cook-off". The convention was held August 28–September 1, 1997, at the Marriott Rivercenter, Marriott Riverwalk, and the Henry B. Gonzalez Convention Center in San Antonio, Texas, USA. The first LoneStarCon, held in Austin, Texas, had been the North American Science Fiction Convention (NASFiC) in 1985, when the 43rd Worldcon was held in Australia.
The supporting organization was the Austin Literary Arts Maintenance Organization (ALAMO). The chairman was Karen Meschke. The Guests of Honor were Algis Budrys (pro), Michael Moorcock (pro), Don Maitz (artist), and Roy Tackett (fan). The toastmaster was Neal Barrett, Jr. Total attendance was 4,634, of 5,614 paid memberships.
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—Henry David Thoreau (1817–1862)
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