TAMPA, Fla. -- More than 40 years ago, Steven Spielberg's Jaws made everyone afraid to go back in the water.
At Tampa Bay's SharkCon, going on this weekend, fans can meet the stars of the classic summer thriller as well as stars from the campy cultural phenomenon Sharknado.
Cast members Richard Dreyfuss (Matt Hooper), Carl Gottlieb (Meadows), Jeffrey Kramer (Deputy Hendricks) and Susan Backlinie (Chrissie Watkins) will be part of a Jaws panel on Sunday afternoon to talk about their time in the quintessential shark movie.
RELATED: Schedule of events today
SharkCon aims to combine valuable marine life education with the fun of a geeky comic con for a weekend of interactive exhibits, special speakers and activities. The convention is designed to "raise awareness for ocean conservation" and to "inspire a love of the ocean."
Along with film stars, Busch Gardens and The Clearwater Aquarium will bring touch tanks, games, a shark slide, a pirate ship bounce house and conservation exhibits.
Event sponsor The Florida Aquarium will bring games, trivia and a shark tooth sand dig.
Water sports enthusiasts can try out scuba diving with the Go Dive Now Pool experience, and mermaid-lovers can catch take photos with the sea sirens swimming in a pool.
Tickets for SharkCon are $14.95 for a single day pass and $19.95 for a weekend pass. Children ages 13 and under are $4.95 for a single day, $7.95 for two days. Proceeds benefit The Florida Aquarium, coral rehabilitation programs and OCEARCH Shark Expedition Research.
The event continues today from 10 a.m. until 5 p.m. at the Florida State Fairgrounds, 4800 US 301, Tampa.
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