Founded by Jen Hilton in 2006, The Raleigh NC Browncoats have sold out their 200 capacity theatre in advance for 5 years running. They will be hoping to do the same again for this year’s event which will be on Sunday 24th July at Raleighwood Cinema Grill – doors open at 6pm and the movie starts at 8pm.
5 years ago Jim Shires took over as local coordinator along with his small but mighty crew of helpers and sponsors.
Jim explains “At the very first Raleigh CSTS in 2006 I met then local coordinator and founder Jen Hilton. We had e-mailed each other about the possibility of an after party after the event. The CSTS itself was a great success but only myself, Jen and one other attendee showed up at the after party.
During that time though I really had a chance to connect with Jen and feel like I was a part of the local movement and group. Browncoats are at the very core good people. This is why when Jen decided after a few more years she needed a co- captain I was happy to help and when she ultimately was ready to step away I felt compelled to do what I could to keep the ship flying. I love our local Raleigh / NC Browncoats and am proud to be a part of the crew.”
When asked about why he became involved in the Serenity fan community, Jim responded “In 2008 (having been a Browncoat for 3 years) I came to find out about a Convention being held in Burbank California to celebrate Firefly & Serenity. I had never in my life been to a Con of any kind. Several of the cast were guests, Jewel, Sean, Summer, Adam & Ron. I tried to get a few folks from around here to go but for various reasons no one could take the trip. I decided that this kid (me) was gonna hop on a plane and go to California. My reasoning? Well they were all Browncoats, this was a Con for Firefly fans. I figured this was a trip I had to take.
I am so glad I did. The Con was great. I got to meet the cast and interact with them. Much more importantly though I met people in the community and fandom. 4 of them are some of my dearest friends to this day. Folks from all over the world. That is when I realized that from that day forward I was and will always be in a great community of the very best fans around. It has been and will remain an extremely positive aspect of my life.
Jim and his team will be donating 75% of profits from their event to Equality Now & 25% to Kids Need To Read.
For more information on the screening, raffle and costume competition being held that night, check out their Facebook event
They have also sent this sponsor video which gives some information on the crew (thanked at the end).
Sponsors video
