Erie Anime-Fest Comes to the Ambassador Center
Celebrity guests, cosplay contests, and more
SATURDAY, OCT. 10
Erie's fall convention season continues this month with the return of Erie Anime-Fest, this year at the Ambassador Center. Taking place after ComiCon Erie, the event offers a variety of anime-themed activities, including celebrity guests who have voiced characters in One Piece, Naruto, and Cowboy Bebop.
"Striving to be Pennsylvania's best and truest anime convention featuring fandoms of multiple genres, this show is not one to miss," the Erie Anime-Fest says on their website. "A roster of anime industry professionals and fandom-related celebrities are expected to be in attendance for fans to meet and greet."
A compilation of anime openings and endings lets visitors bask in nostalgia or discover something new, followed by panels featuring anime trivia, anime music videos, and a lip-sync battle. Video game tournaments run in a separate gaming area for an entry fee. Celebrity autographs and photo ops can be purchased on-site only, with pricing varying by guest. Festival attendees can also bring their own items from home for guests to autograph. Alongside manga and anime-based products, exhibitors will have video games, apparel, toys, and candy for sale. Erie-based artists focused on manga and comic illustration will also be selling their products in the Artist's Alley.
Cosplayers of all skill levels can look forward to the cosplay contest, with competition for Best in Show, Best Craftsmanship, Best Group, Best Performance, and Best Youth Cosplay. Contest registration and prejudging will take place during the convention. Judging criteria for the contest put a heavy emphasis on craftsmanship, so "build books" and in-progress photos will be taken into consideration. On-stage recognition will be given to both the person wearing the cosplay and the maker, if present. Registration runs from 10:30 a.m. to 3 p.m., and the contest begins at 4 p.m.
Guests for Erie Anime-Fest include voice actors Catero Colbert, Tiffany Grant, and Wendee Lee. Colbert is best known for his work in Naruto Shippuden as Killer Bee and Darui from the Cloud Village, as well as roles in Bleach: Thousand-Year Blood War and Superman vs. The Elite. Grant's work on the ADV Films dub of Neon Genesis Evangelion as Asuka Langley Soryu continued for more than 20 years, with additional roles in One Piece and Fullmetal Alchemist. Lee's roles include Faye Valentine in Cowboy Bebop and Kei in Akira, along with roles in Dragon Ball and Kiki's Delivery Service.
10 a.m. to 5 p.m. // Ambassador Center, 7794 Peach St. // $20 for adults // For tickets and info: erieanimefest.com
