Less than a month after Chattacon, Chattanooga's longest-running fandom convention, the Choo Choo once again will open its doors to the costumed masses this weekend for the return of Con Nooga.

Like Chattacon, Con Nooga programming targets fans of a variety of pop-culture subgenres, including Japanese animation, horror movies and science-fiction TV series, but there also are event tracks catering to literary fans.

Among this year's guests of honor is M.B. Weston, the author of The Elysian Chronicles fantasy trilogy, former radio-show host and frequent guest speaker at writing conferences.

EVENT HIGHLIGHTS

* Star Wars Younglings, 2-3 p.m. today, American Car: Star Wars activity with a kid-friendly bent.

* Costume contest, 6-8 p.m. Saturday, Imperial Ballroom.

* Dr. Shock presents George Romero's horror classic "Night of the Living Dead," 8-10 p.m. Saturday, Finley Lecture Hall.

* The Dungeon, gothic, alternative and industrial dance music, 9 p.m.-midnight Saturday, Imperial Ballroom.

* Battle of the Makeup, team competition to achieve the best makeup effects on a model, 11 a.m.-1 p.m. Sunday, Imperial Ballroom.

* Big Wheel Racing, "Ben Hur's chariot race substituting plastic toddler toys for horse-drawn chariots, 12:30-2 p.m. Sunday, outside the Exhibitor Hall.