New Kensington residents Zoe Hawk (left) and Vix Dinit shop for items during a cosplay exchange at the Setsucon anime convention Friday night at the Blair County Convention Center. The event continues through the weekend.Mirror photo: Patrick Waksmunski
The Blair County Convention Center is hosting an anime and gaming festival this weekend, drawing travelers from Maryland, Virginia, New York, New Jersey and Delaware to have fun and shop at Setsucon's vendor booths. I'm doing it.
The competition began at the state university in 2007 by the Penn State Animation Organization, a group of students and alumni working together with the goal of sharing their love of Japanese culture.
Kevin Lawler, who lives in the Baltimore area, said he was part of an anime club when the convention was first held. In addition to fun activities like meeting cosplayers and exploring the video game room, I look forward to my annual trip to Blair County for Setsucon and see my college friends who have been there since the beginning. he said.
“We meet here once a year. Some may meet elsewhere throughout the year, but this is the most common,” Lawler said.
Many who attended Friday's opening night, like Rachel Breitenbach of Williamsburg, are looking forward to the exhibitor hall opening this weekend, preparing to host cosplay and gaming events. He said that it has been completed.
Asher Bullock Rabinowitz, 10, of Hollidaysburg, and his parents, Matt Rabinowitz and Kristen Bullock, play games during a cosplay swap at the Setsucon anime convention Friday night at the Blair County Convention Center. Checking out the miniatures. The event continues through the weekend.Mirror photo: Patrick Waksmunski
Breitenbach said she loves seeing new vendors at the convention, but she also enjoys seeing new products brought in by vendors she's seen at the venue before.
Proceeds from the convention each year are used to attract new guests and vendors, said Zach Foltz, press director.
This year's featured guests include voice actors Chris Hackney and Ann Yatko, who will be at the convention Saturday and Sunday to interact with fans.
Cresson brothers Rebecca and Nathan Norris enjoy watching others dress up, but they also enjoy spending time together in Artist Alley and the video game room playing old multiplayer games together. he said.
Altoona sisters Natalie and Kylie LoSasso attended Setsucon for the second time this year. They were both looking forward to the drag queen show. But Natalie said she's nervous because she'll be participating in a cosplay event this year.
Indiana's Lane Butler (Marionette), Dubois' Scarlett Carl (Chica) and Latrobe's Ellie Wadding (Glamrod Chica) (from left) attend the anime convention “Setsucon” held Friday at the Blair County Convention Center. ' walking between attractions.Mirror photo: Patrick Waksmunski
“I'm a novice when it comes to things like sewing, so it probably takes me longer than most people,” she said, adding that it took her more than six hours to make the costume for the game “Project” from scratch. Sekai. ”
Kylie said she enjoys Setsucon because of the community feel that other conventions don't have. “Everyone here is friendly and helpful,” she said.
Ray Smith of Altoona said he has been participating in Setsucon for about five years.
“I like being around people who understand me,” she said of what keeps her coming back year after year. “Everyone is interested in this anime culture. I love being a part of this community.”
Philipsburg resident Hector Ortiz and his daughter Trinity said they had never been to an anime convention before attending Friday's Setsucon. However, since the tournament was held locally and I saw the promotion, I decided to experience the excitement of the tournament during Trinity's birthday month.
Tabletop gamers play Friday night at Setsucon, an anime convention at the Blair County Convention Center.Mirror photo: Patrick Waksmunski
“It's really great to be around people who are interested in the same things as me,” Trinity said, adding that she has enjoyed everything the convention has offered so far.
Jack Likens of Altoona said he enjoys not having to travel far to have fun, adding that Setsucon has “everything you're looking for” in a tournament.
Setsucon opens at 9am on Saturdays and Sundays. Ticket information and a complete schedule of events can be found on the convention website, www.setsucon.com.
Mirror Staff writer Matt Churella can be reached at 814-946-7520.
