Last weekend the Public Library of Anniston – Calhoun County held the 6th annual Annicon. This event held at the Anniston City Meeting Center is free and is a diverse celebration of all things Asian including music, costuming, manga, anime, food, history, and cultures presented by the library. But don’t worry, plenty of other geeky and nerdy things ranging from comics, gaming, cosplay, TV shows – movies, and more were also represented!
Before I get started, the local newspaper in Anniston did a small article and a few pictures. What you are about to see blows away the coverage they did! Yep, for someone like me who the newspaper does not like and deletes any comments I make on their social media, I think I did a good job! And it does not require paying because I would never charge to access my pictures, video, and articles! Being an Aspie rocks!
Yes, the folks who put together Annicon can use my pictures and video!
So, when I arrived I went to the event table where Hanrong Wang, who works as a librarian at Jacksonville State University, was painting people’s first names in Chinese writing! So, here is what Nathan is like in Chinese!
Next, I took some shots of Chef Bob from Isshin Asian Cafe in Jacksonville where he showed how to make and roll and Asian favorite, Sushi!
Next, I took some shots of the Judo demonstration done by JSU Judo.
Next, I took some pictures and a short video from The College of Phoenix Rising. An educational society focused on learning about and recreating pre 17th century European Culture.
Next, here are a few pictures from Dina Lawson who did a bellydance performance!
Next, it was time for the Annicon Cosplay Contest! Here is a video and a lot of photos!
Next, here are some pictures featuring Asian artifacts from the Berman Museum of World History.
Next, here is photos and one song on video from the local band Guardian of Troy.
Next, I have video and lots of pictures of guest Caleb Hyles. Caleb does cover songs of just about anything on YouTube. In the video, I ask him a question about Facebook video and using other social media to promote your YouTube channel. Also in the video, Caleb does cover songs from My Little Pony and Steven Universe!
Annicon also had a gaming area where you could play board games or take part in tournaments like the Super Smash Bros. tourney.
To wrap things up, Annicon also had the Tommy J’s J-Pop Dance Party!
And here are some general photos I took throughout the day!
Overall, the people at Annicon really had a good time. The volunteers estimate around 2,000-3,000 people arrived for this free event! Other guests such as John Swasey, Hillary Wilson, Veenacos, and more were great as well! So, I will be back in 2018 to cover the next Annicon event. Maybe I can hold a panel or speak in 2018? We will see!
Learn more about Annicon at: http://www.annicon.com/
You can also find photos on the Geek Alabama Facebook page, Google Photos, and on Flickr too!
Videos can be found on the Nathan Young (Geek Alabama) YouTube channel and most videos can be found on the Geek Alabama Facebook page too!
