Post by Kelsey Butler from Calhoun County Insight / Plus additions by Geek Alabama
Anniston’s Asian culture convention returns. AnniCon 2019 will be held at the Anniston City Meeting Center Saturday, March 2, between 10:00 am and 10:00 pm. AnniCon drew a crowd of nearly 2,500 people last year including visitors from across the Southeast. AnniCon Event Coordinator and Founder, Kim Westbrooks, says she hopes to break last year’s record. “We are always striving to bring this event to new people, both local and statewide.”
Special guest Luci Christian is the spotlight speaker for AnniCon 2019. Christian is a highly-acclaimed voice actress known for roles such as Ochaco Uraraka in My Hero Academia and Touko Nanami in Bloom into You. Con-goers will have the chance to meet Luci and learn about her life as a voice actor.
Westbrooks says Annicon offers “truly authentic Asian experiences to Anniston,” something she says “can help expand the understanding of the things people may see in their favorite games and movies originating from Asian cultures.”
Vendors play a big role bridging what we see and experiencing it in real life. “They also offer a fantastic selection of art and memorabilia that can’t typically be easily found,” Westbrooks says.
You will find attractions like a Chinese writing event, yoga, origami, Asian artifacts from the Berman Museum, and a sushi demo from a variety of vendors.
Con-goer favorites like the cosplay contest and the viewing room are also on the AnniCon agenda this year. One important change to the cosplay contest: there is a limit of 50 participants. There will be a total of 15 pre-registered slots available for those that want to guarantee a judged entry into the Cosplay Contest. The remaining slots will be on a first-come, first-serve basis during AnniCon. “Anyone who missed the contest sign up can join in the parade too,” Westbrooks explains. “They will just be entered into a special exhibition section of the Cosplay Parade!”
PRE-REGISTER for the cosplay contest or download and print the on-site registration form at annicon.com.
In order to keep AnniCon a free event, volunteers are vital. Westbrooks says volunteers are “one of AnniCon’s single greatest needs during the day of the event.” You can sign up to volunteer at annicon.com.
According to Westbrooks, AnniCon operates under the umbrella of the non-profit organization, Spirit of Anniston. “It is great to partner with such amazingly talented people who are passionate about bringing vibrant events to downtown Anniston.”
“Young or old, there is something new to be discovered at AnniCon!” What will you discover?
Annicon 2019 Schedules
