Once upon a time, when I was younger, I stumbled upon a wonderful show known as "Doctor Who." I had heard about it before, but I had never really watched it. I was no stranger to BBC (British Broadcasting Corporation) shows. I grew up enjoying "Monty Python" everything, and even the hit comedy "Absolutely Fabulous." There was even the amazing "Robin Hood" series with Richard Armitage that I saw every episode of. Sci-fi didn't frighten me, either. At a young age (very, very young), I was subjected to repeat showings of "Star Wars," so much so that I fell in love. So one day, when I caught "Doctor Who" on BBCA, I stopped to watch.

I was at my grandmother's house in Cullman and I was sitting in the guest room. I remember the episode clearly because it had Charles Dickens as a character. And most importantly, Christopher Eccleston as the 9th Doctor. As the saying goes, you never forget your first.

Fast-forward, years later, I am now a seasoned fan of "Doctor Who." I have seen every episode of the reboot and I have even made my way into some of the Classic Who (looking at you 4th Doctor). I am torn, however, between choosing a favorite Doctor because they are all so amazing and fantastic, but I will say that Matt Smith's run was adorable and fun.

Last weekend, I had the privilege to attend Con Kasterborous for the fourth year in a row. Just like previous years, it was incredibly fun, as well it should be. It's a "Doctor Who" themed convention. How can it not be?

I have been going to Con K since it started back in 2012. I used to think I was alone in watching it because none of my friends did. My parents knew how much I loved it (I may have talked about it all the time) and surprised me with tickets for my birthday. I remember telling my dad that I was going to sign up for the June ACT (I had just gotten out of the April one), and he told me I wasn't. Of course, I asked why, and he told me it was a birthday surprise. I kept bugging him and bugging him, and he finally told me. Needless to say, it was the best surprise ever.

In the previous years, there have been a multitude of wonderful guests with amazing talents like Kelly Yates, a "Doctor Who" comic book artist, and even the 7th Doctor himself, Sylvester McCoy. Not to mention, one of my personal favorite guests of all time, Gareth David-Lloyd, actor of Ianto Jones from the BBC show, "Torchwood."

And that was just last year.

This year's convention was just as fabulous. I even had a stroke of inspiration and decided to try my hand at cosplaying after discovering I had a perfectly good blue dress that screamed TARDIS.

Like last year, it was held at the Westin Hotel at Bridge Street. People from all over the country came to hang out, enjoy panels, and enjoy the magnificence that is "Doctor Who." Of course, they also came to see guests. This year, we were treated to the cast of the "Doctor Who" movie: Paul McGann (8th Doctor), Eric Roberts (The Master), and his wife Eliza Roberts (Miranda, the Master's Wife).

(In order) Eric Roberts, Eliza Roberts, and Paul McGann

Fan favorite, Kelly Yates, joined us once again. Newcomers were Ellie Collins, an actress, novelist, and costume designer; and Jason Haigh-Ellery, founder and producer of Big Finish Productions, home of the "Doctor Who" audio dramas.

(In order) Ellie Collins, Kelly Yates, Jason Haigh-Ellery

Honestly, with a guest list like this, how can it not be awesome? Every panel I went to was wonderfully moderated. All the guests were incredibly nice and open about their work as well. From all accounts, everybody loved them.

But panels with fantastic guests aren't the only draw for this convention. I personally enjoy seeing the wonderful art and creations in the aptly named Artist's Alley and the Vendor's Room. Coincidentally, that is also where I spend the bulk of my money. Every year, artists and crafters from all over inhabit the aptly named Artist's Alley where they sell everything "from a thimble to a horse", in the words of Con Chair Bonnie Auten. Hands down, one of my favorite parts of this convention.

While most items revolve around "Doctor Who", you will find everything from "Game of Thrones" to "Captain America." The art that is produced is out of the world. There are shirts, wood works, and even jewelry. All of it equally amazing, and all of it equally draining on my wallet.

I also love all the cosplayers. They work so hard to put together incredibly detailed costumes, and I know from (newfound) experience that it is incredibly difficult. All I did was essentially add more fabric to a dress and it took me a tedious five hours. I wasn't able to attend the Cosplay Contest this year, but I did enjoy what I saw simply walking around. As a part of the festivities, there was even a wedding held in the main room. All cosplayers were invited to attend, as the bride and groom were both Whovians.

Cosplayer Amanda Porter

Every year, it is evident how much work the convention chairs put in. They work year around to bring us nothing but the best and, honestly, it shows. I want to take a moment and tell them thank you. All the staff and volunteers go above and beyond to make everyone, including the guests, feel extremely welcome. Sure, Con K is relatively small, but during those two days, it feels like you are a part of the biggest family in the world. All of that because of the love and devotion that the convention chairs show everyone.

This is also equally evident in the fact that Con Kasterborous is a non-profit organization. They donate a portion of the proceeds to a charity of their choosing every year. This year's charity was Friends of Rescue, a local organization devoted to helping animals find homes. Over $2000 was raised for the group, including important items like leashes, collars, and food.

So thank you Bonnie Auten, Lori Brown, Melinda Kyzer, Matthew Kresal, Judson Hudson, and all the volunteers and anyone else who assisted in making Con Kasterborous wonderful. All of your hard work is noticed and appreciated.

This is what I look forward to in the summer. I always buy my tickets early, and I start getting excited once June rolls around because it means that the convention is not that far away. There is something for everyone here, even children. You literally cannot go wrong when you make the decision to join in.

And it is not just "Doctor Who" exclusive, though the bulk of everything is "Doctor Who" themed. Other sci-fi genres, and pretty much everything else, are welcomed. I couldn't hide my delight when I walked in Sunday and noticed the R2-D2 in the hotel lobby, which moves and plays music. Owned by Wayne Neumaier, he is also responsible for Dalek Braun, the resident fully-mobile Dalek who can be seen at the convention (and the cover photo) every year.

This weekend is one that I will be talking about for months to come, or at least till June when it all happens again.

So do you want to experience the fun? Do you want to hang out with the coolest people in the universe? Join me, and probably everyone else, at Con Kasterborous next year on June 25 and June 26. Just like previous years, it's going to be fun and wonderful. Allonsy!

(Photos courtesy of Juliana Teixeira, Jennifer Ryan, and Jean Boles Knox)