Hallmark Channel’s upcoming film ‘Field Day’ held its world premiere at ChristmasCon Kansas City. (Photo property of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar)
By: Jacob Elyachar, jakes-take.com
The Overland Park Convention Center experienced the magic of Christmas…six months early!
That’s4Entertainment brought the original ChristmasCon for the first time to Kansas City. Fans of the popular Hallmark Channel holiday films gathered to celebrate the holiday season’s joy, which allowed fans to meet their favorite actors, take photos with Summertime Santa, and start their holiday shopping.
Many actors that spoke exclusively with Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar stated that several of their ChristmasCon highlights included meeting the fans.
Cameron Mathison also previewed an upcoming General Hospital storyline in addition to attending ChristmasCon. (Selfie photo property of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar)
“Seeing all the people that came out is the whole reason why we all do this is for that interaction,” said actor Cameron Mathison. “Getting firsthand feedback from the viewers is special.”
“Everyone has been so positive; you can just feel the support of the attendees,” said actress and author Danica McKellar. “Our panel was packed with fun and very supportive fans.”
ChristmasCon’s festivities began on Friday, June 9, with a Tree Lighting Ceremony that featured convention host Jonathan Bennett and special guests Kimberley Sustad and Paul Campbell. Saturday, June 10’s festivities included an Ugly Sweater Showdown that Bennett hosted and featured guest judges, including Hallmark Channel fan-favorites Taylor Cole, Cindy Busby, and Benjamin Ayres.
“I love how fun this convention. Just the fact that I got to host an ugly sweater contest shows how much fun we are having,” said actress Taylor Cole. “I was very inspired by the sweaters; there was a lot of time and energy spent by these great contestants and a lot of love.”
In addition to meeting their fans, the actors also revealed several personal highlights, including a tour of Hallmark Cards.
Actress Erin Cahill also reflected her time on Power Rangers at ChristmasCon. (Photo property of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar)
“It was a dream come true,” said actress Erin Cahill. “I will always love Kansas City because of Hallmark headquarters.”
“The tour of Hallmark headquarters was unbelievable,” said actor Andrew Walker. “Don Hall, Jr. (Executive Chairman of the Hallmark Cards, Inc. Board of Directors) gave us the tour, which was really special.”
Actor Benjamin Ayres spoke with me before the Field Day screening. (Photo property of Jake’s Take with Jacob Elyachar)
However, the upcoming 2023 film Field Day premiere was a significant convention highlight. Field Day, which is expected to premiere on the Hallmark Channel this fall, focuses on three moms, Jen (Rachel Boston), Marissa (Carmel Amit), and Kelly (Shannon Chan-Kent), from different backgrounds who are thrown together to plan the annual Field Day at their kids’ school. Along the way, the trio faces many obstacles, including an unsupportive head of the PTO. While Jen is new in town and struggling to move on after losing her husband, she is thankful to have the encouragement of Dan (Ayres), the school’s PE Teacher.
“I could not be happier to share this movie with everyone. I really wish Rachel was here, but I got a fun treat for the audience; I will patch Rachel in and talk about the film.” Said actor Benjamin Ayres.
Before Field Day’s screening, Ayres had a Q&A session with People Magazine’s Breanne Heldman. In addition to Boston’s promised FaceTime appearance, the actor had an impromptu gathering of Romance University Alumni on the ChristmasCon stage. Romance University is a clothing brand that Benjamin Ayres designed and intended to be worn with love, with proceeds of every purchase donated to Women’s and Children’s charities.
For more information about ChristmasCon and That’s 4 Entertainment, visit their website.
