It's time to preview this summer's conventions, and it looks as if we've locked up the honors for first out of the chute! Of course I'm refering to DEWCON II, the second annual Down East Wargame Convention right here in beautiful downtown Belfast (well, would you believe the outskirts of Belfast?). This event will be held the weekend of 29-30 June (not 22-23 as previously announced) at the Belfast Curling Club, site of last year's successful event. We plan two 2-day miniatures campaigns - one Napoleonic and one American Civil War - using Pete Bennett's AUX ARMES rules (modified) Published in PF #61. Also featured will be 1/76 scale WWII games, a sailing ship battle, an auction, possibly DIPLOMACY, maybe a STALINGRAD tournament - depending on what is desired by those preregistering. Lots of prizes!! For details send a stamped, self-addressed envelope to DEWCON II, PO Box C, Belfast, ME 04914.

The next event we have knowledge of will be the 1974 CINCINNATI GAMES CONVENTION. July 13-14 at the Xavier University Armory. The last I heard a wide range of miniatures games was being discussed but the final line-up had not been worked out. A $250 cash-prize board-came tournament is planned featuring AFRIKA KORPS and other games, not defined the last I heard. Also planned is a DIPLOMACY tournament wherein players bid for the country they play, all this money going to prizes, and a Play-Money Tournament wherein each player gets $10,000 to spend in economic games like ACQUIRE, STOCK MARKET, etc. Entry to the convention, both davs is $2.50 if you prerenister. Dormatory rooms are available at $6.00 for single occupancy or $4.00 each for double. To register, or for more info, write lack Hesselbrock, 311 Miami Valley Dr., Loveland, 011 45140 - (513) 831-5343.

The Aerican Wargaming Association and the New England Wargamers Association have announced plans to hold NOREASTER III (formerly Last Coast II) either the first or second weekend of August, somewhere in southern New Enriland (how about that, a floating wargame convention!) For more details contact Lee Atwood, Box 837, Les. Sta., Hiddletown, CT 06457.

Then, from August 1o to 18 comes DIPCON VII, the seventh annual DIPLOMACY CONVENTION, to be held at the La Salle Hotel in Chicago. There will be a 3-round, open, seeded DIPLOMACY tournament (a S7.50 entry fee for all three days) with a scoring system that is being worked out with the aid of the games' inventor, Allan B. Calhamer (see DIPLOMACY WORLD #2). Generous Prizes will be given. There will also be a miniatures, Fletcher Pratt and WWII armor tournament with a $35 entry fee for 6-man teams. Hotel rooms are available for $22 single or $25 double and 4-man dormatory rooms for $8 a day. Write Gordon Anderson, c/o Viking Systems, Suite #834, 24 N. Wabash Ave., Chicago, TL 60602.

Last, but certainly not least, comes GENCON VII, the seventh annual Lake Geneva Wargames Convention. The convention will be held three days, instead of the traditional two. The site will remain unchanged. All wargamers are invited to the Horticultural Hall, 330 Broad Street, Lake Geneva, NT, Friday, Saturday, and Sunday, August 23-25. Ooors open at noon Friday. The events scheduled include miniatures competition in the WWII, Napoleonic, Fantasy, English Civil War and just about every popular period. There will also be a 4-5-6 STALINGRAD tournament. Inquiries should be sent to E. Gary Gygax, Secretary LGTSA, 330 Center Street, Lake Geneva, WI 53147.