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Dragon Con is even bigger this year

Dragon Con is even bigger and better this year. The festival has taken over downtown Atlanta a day early this year, with a full schedule of events on Thursday.

ATLANTA -- Dragon Con is even bigger and better this year. The festival has taken over downtown Atlanta a day early this year, with a full schedule of events on Thursday.

"The costumes, the people you meet, the energy. So positive. People are so welcoming," said Judge Dredd, er, Jo Colton.

She says Dragon Con is a must.

"Every year, I will never miss this con," said Colton.

This year, the celebration is kicking off early.

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Featured Guests at DragonCon 2016

Organizers added a full day of events on Thursday because the festival is so popular -- they're expecting an addition 5,000 people this year.

"We come together to celebrate the entertainment we enjoy, but also to be part of a family that welcomes everyone. We like to say that Dragon Con is safe, fun, and inclusive," said Dan Carroll, Dragon Con Executive Director.

He said the event will draw in $67 million for the city of Atlanta over the next five days. That's if everyone can make it.

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Hurricane Hermine is threatening the coastline, and could make travel difficult, though it may make the parade more manageable.

"It's going to miss Atlanta, but it's going to lower our temperatures, so it's going to be the most comfortable Dragon Con parade we've had," said Carroll.

The cooler parade will kick off Saturday morning at 9:30 and head down Peachtree Street, across international Boulevard, and end at Peachtree Center at noon. Colton is hoping everyone can make it.

"I'd make it, I don't care, I'd make it, I'd drive through the storm. Or I would find a detour, be safe, and I would make it," she said.

The hotels have not reported any cancelations due to weather so far, and organizers are hoping everyone can make it to Dragon Con before the storm hits.

DragonCon 2016

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