Hello readers! I am back for another post about Sacramento, CA.
Sacramento happens to be home to an up and rising convention called SacAnime. If you didn't know or couldn't guess (but I bet you're all bright cookies), SacAnime is an anime convention that happens in Sacramento every year. Recently, it's gotten pretty big. Let's start with some history.
SacAnime started over 10 years ago and it was originally at a tiny little venue at the Scottish Rights Center in the downtown area. It was really small, but quickly garnered a group of loyal convention-goers. It moved from the Scottish-rights center to the Radisson for a short time because the convention had gotten bigger and more popular. All sorts of characters (literally and figuratively) started showing up decked out in their cosplays. Finally, it moved to the Sacramento Convention center, where originally it was in just one hall before expanding to take up most a good chunk of the convention center like it did the weekend of September 3rd 2016. When I attended an anime convention for the first time.
That's right, my first anime convention! But I didn't attend as a simple cosplayer checking out all the panels and buying goodies. I was actually a staff member this time! A friend of mine named Allison messaged me and asked if I had any plans and then offered the position so that we can hang out (it had been a really long time since we last saw each other) when we weren't working. Of course, I took her up on the offer and decided to stay at her place for the weekend. It was really nice seeing her family again, too.
But this post isn't about working SacAnime, it's about what you can see. SacAnime is great because it's a relatively cheap convention, but it has all the nice bells and whistles. You can pay for a weekend pass, a daily pass, or a VIP pass. All the passes get you into all the rooms, but the daily ones only get you in for the specified day (and trust me, we DO check if it's the right pass). At SacAnime, you get to sit in on panels from voice actors, animators, artists, actual actors, and so much more. You can also ask questions at these panels and interact with the guests.
The Vendor's hall is overrun with art, memorabilia, and collectibles that you can buy. Some of it can be authentic, some of it is fan-made, but none of it is sub-par. You can look around and most definitely find something you want. So remember to bring a lot of cash, because it's hard not to by anything there. Be it art, clothes, or that cute little Pokemon plush. I have a friend who does amazing artwork who I met again at the vendor's hall as she was selling her wares there! Tuyet is an amazing artist and if you're interested, here's her website: http://www.snowgemart.com/
Then there are the people. It's no secret that conventions are home to cosplayers, people who dress up as their favorite characters. When people dress for SacAnime, they dress to kill (I'm talking about that Johnny Cage I met). People pull out all the stops when they dress up because they can. It's a place where you can be yourself whether you are dressed up or whether you are dressed in your daily wear. It's all groovy. It's a good place to meet like-minded people. Here's a link to Allison's instagram to see the most imaginative cosplay we've seen: https://www.instagram.com/p/BJ8v_IkjvrO/
However, all havens have certain rules. In anime conventions, they strongly discourage any real weapons and any objectification based on cosplay choice. Also, it's best to avoid conflict wherever possible. Furthermore, do not take pictures of cosplayers or people at the panels without their permission. Some of them (definitely the panelists) may be professionals who get paid for what they do. Lastly, do not post anything without the permission f the picture's subject. Basically, don't violate anyone's human rights. We are all people and we are all equal, spread love and respect.
Anyway, SacAnime happend twice a year, once in the summer and once in the summer, usually during summer or winter break. It's easy to look up when it is online. If you are in the area when it happens, definitely stop by. You won't regret it.
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For more pictures of my adventures please check out the photo gallery. Also, for proof that I was there please check out the instagrams below (I suck at photoshop, okay?)
My instagram: Mochaventure
Allison's instagram: dareu2walk
Tuyet's instagram: snowgem.art
SacAnime's instagram: sacanimeofficial
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