Hot Springs Spa-Con adds celebrity guests Rodger Bumpass and Joey Lauren Adams, both with Arkansas ties

HOT SPRINGS, Ark. – The Hot Springs Spa-Con guest list grew with the addition of two Arkansas celebrities on Monday.

A Spa-Con Infinity—Version 8 representative said Natural State natives Rodger Bumpass and Joey Lauren Adams will join the Hot Springs Convention Center event’s roster of headliners. The comic and pop-culture convention runs from Sept. 20-22 at the Hot Springs Convention Center.

Bumpass is the voice of Squidward on the animated television series SpongeBob SquarePants and has a history as a Spa-Con favorite.

“Spa-Con loves Rodger Bumpass,” Visit Hot Springs special events manager Alexis Hampo said. “He’s been attending this convention for the past few years, and it is always such a joy having him.”

Bumpass will be in the expo hall on Saturday and Sunday, including for the 2 p.m. VIP meet and greets. He will also hold a Q&A at 11 a.m. Sunday.

Adams, a North Little Rock native, is known for her on-screen movie roles and, more recently, as a Sundance award-winning film director. Her most recent film, “Betrayed by My Bridesmaid,” was shot entirely in Hot Springs.

“And what a treat that Joey Lauren Adams will be joining us at Spa-Con this year,” Harpo said.

Adams will be on hand Saturday from 11 a.m. to 5 p.m., including during the 2 p.m. VIP meet and greet.

Having Bumpass and Adams on hand for the event is “a really big deal,” Harpo said.

Previously announced guests for the comics and pop-culture convention include “Teenage Mutant Ninja Turtles” stars Tohoru Masamune and Minae Noji. Also on hand will be Erin Macdonald, an astrophysicist who served as a science adviser for the “Star Trek” franchise.

Seth Gilliam, best known for his role as Father Gabriel Stokes in the “Walking Dead” TV series will also be on hand, as will nerdcore rapper MC Lars, who is putting on the opening concert Friday night.

Information on the convention or to register is available at Spa-Con.org .

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