The second annual ‘BAHACON’ returns to Sarnia-Lambton this month — a two-day conference hosted by the Bluewater Atheists, Humanists, Agnostics group.
The event, to be held at the Sunbridge Hotel Aug. 25-27, is designed to unite “freethinkers, atheists, humanists, and agnostics in a celebration of reason, evidence-based thinking, and community enrichment,” organizers say.
“Our mission is to nurture a community in the Sarnia-Port Huron area that values secular humanism, promotes and preserves free-thought in the public square, provides supportive fellowship, and engages in humanitarian good works,” said BAHA member Bob Barnes, adding that all proceeds from the conference are donated to local charities.
Last year’s inaugural conference raised $2,000 for St. Joseph’s Hospice and the Alzheimers Society.
The conference agenda boasts a lineup of 12 distinguished speakers from the U.S. Canada, with expertise spanning science, history, activism, and more.
The list includes:
Seth Andrews – a luminary in the realm of atheism, discussing enlightenment, realization, and hope for non-believers.
Dan Barker – co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation
Annie Laurie Gaylor – co-president of the Freedom From Religion Foundation.
Dave Warnock – founder of the non-profit Dying Out Loud, aimed at supporting those facing imminent death with dignity.
Dr. Josh Bowen – an Assyriology scholar and author of “The Atheist Guide to the Old Testament.
Aron Ra – science communicator and secular activist, who navigates the taxonomic tree of life through the Phylogeny Explorer Project and Living Science Lessons.
Matt Dillahunty – host of The Atheist Experience, who offers insights into skepticism, magic, mentalism, and effective debating.
Drew Bekius – former pastor turned humanist speaker and writer, who contributes to The Clergy Project, aiding deconverted religious leaders worldwide.
Jeremiah Camara – whose work challenges the coexistence of churches and poverty in Black communities, unearthing the religious roots of racism.
Gretta Vosper – an atheist minister who explores the subjective well-being benefits of religion for non-believers.
David Fitzgerald – award-winning writer and historical researcher, uncovers surprising discoveries about the origins of world religions.
Hemant Mehta – founder of FriendlyAtheist.com
For more information and registration details, visit [www.bahacon.com](http://www.bahacon.com).