ExtravaCon reunites cast of 'Hey Arnold' in Melville

If you are a guest at the Hilton Long Island/Huntington in Melville this weekend and happen to run into Hordak from "Masters of the Universe" or Springtrap from "Five Nights at Freddy’s" on the check-in line, don’t fret. It’s just the second annual ExtravaCon taking over the hotel.

"ExtravaCon is a pop culture convention that encompasses movies, TV, anime and video games. There is a genuine passion among the fans at this event," says founder/event director Rebecca Seepersad, who is a full-time chemistry teacher in the Baldwin School District. "This year we are focusing on ’90s and early 2000s cartoons."

Shows like "Hey Arnold!" "Dexter’s Laboratory," "Darkwing Duck" and "Dora the Explorer" will be celebrated for the millennial heavy crowd. In fact, celebrity voice-over actors are scheduled to make appearances for the occasion.

SPECIAL GUESTS

This year marks the 30th anniversary of Nickelodeon’s animated sitcom, "Hey Arnold!" A reunion is being held at ExtravaCon including creator Craig Bartlett along with six of the actors who played the iconic characters of Arnold Shortman (actor Lane Toran), Phoebe Heyerdahl (actress Anndi McAfee), Harold Berman (actor Justin Shenkarow), Gerald Johanssen (actor Jamil Walker Smith), Rhonda Wellington Lloyd (actress Olivia Hack) and Stoop Kid (actor Danny Cooksey).

"This is such a gift to be able to come together and see each other while interacting with the fans," Shenkarow, 46, says. "It’s something that’s never been done before."

Shenkarow feels "Hey Arnold!" felt authentic because real kid actors were used instead of adults.

"We used to come after school and record at a Burbank studio in a room altogether. All of us were allowed to improvise some of our own lines on top of what was in the script," Shenkarow says. "Being able to bounce off each other and make eye contact, I think elevated our performances."

ExtravaCon will serve as a homecoming for Kathleen Herles, who was the original voice actress who portrayed Dora Márquez in "Dora the Explorer," because she grew up in Deer Park.

"I do have one rule ... So if I have you close your eyes and you hear the voice, a memory will come up or a picture of Dora will come up or it’ll trigger something else. And that's usually my goal for kids and adults," she recently said on "The Joe Vulpis Podcast." "I have them close their eyes, and I say [in the Dora voice]: ‘Hola, I’m Dora the Explorer! If you see Swiper, say Swiper no swiping!’ "

Other voice actors appearing will be Candi Milo (Dexter) and Allison Moore (Dee Dee) from Cartoon Network’s "Dexter’s Laboratory." Plus, legendary voice actors Bill Farmer (Goofy, Pluto, Sylvester the Cat, Yosemite Sam), Jim Cummings (Winnie the Pooh, Tigger, Darkwing Duck, Ed the Hyenas from Disney’s "The Lion King") and Terry McGovern (Launchpad McQuack for Disney’s "Ducktales" and "Darkwing Duck").

Panels will be held on both Saturday and Sunday showcasing Q&As with all of the talent.

ADDITIONAL ACTIVITIES

A Cosplay Contest takes place on Saturday at 4:30 p.m. meanwhile the 501st Legion holds its "Blast-A-Trooper" where for a donation guests can shoot a Stormtrooper with Nerf bullets. Play retro video games in the Classic Console Corner, courtesy of the Long Island Retro Gaming Expo, featuring 20 home console setups with original Mario Brothers and Pokémon games. Have an interactive combat robotics experience by creating your own battle robot at Build n’ Bash. Learn the ways of the Jedi with light-saber training from the Endor Temple Saber Guild. Take part in a Tamagotchi meet up by the Long Island Tamagotchi Club where participants can connect with fellow virtual pet enthusiasts. Relax and watch classic Disney, Nickelodeon and Cartoon Network cartoons from the ’90s and early 2000s at the Toon Zone.

Shop at the vendor marketplace containing 100 tables of pop culture merchandise ranging from trading cards, games, plush toys and T-shirts to posters, buttons, statues and books. Additionally, an artist alley featuring more than 20 in-person artists, who will be on tap to take commission drawings.

By David J. Criblez

david.criblez@newsday.comDavidJCriblez

David J. Criblez is a reporter for Newsday's exploreLI, covering entertainment-related events from local music to stand-up comedy to festivals.