They Are Real

Aside from Ron Paul supporters and professional wrestling fans, it’s difficult to imagine a more hardened group of believers than those who accept the idea that extraterrestrials make regular visits to Earth. For what UFO enthusiasts lack in definitive evidence, the reticence of the U.S. government to say anything about secretive Area 51 or whether an alien aircraft crashed in Roswell, New Mexico, 51 years ago is enough to keep the cottage industry of UFO followers alive and thriving.A convention devoted to UFOs and other paranormal subjects takes place between 8:30 a.m. and 9:30 p.m. at the Intrigue Park Place Hotel (1601 Universal Avenue). Among agenda items for the daylong event is a lecture by Stanton Friedman, a nuclear physicist and proponent of various pro-UFO theories, titled “Debunking UFO Debunkers.” Topics to be discussed at what’s being billed as the largest UFO and paranormal conference in Kansas City history include ghosts, near-death experiences and NASA’s apparent secretive agenda with Mars. Admission is $69. For more information, see ufokc.4mg.com, or call 816-833-1602.

Sat., June 7, 8:30 a.m.-9:30 p.m., 2008