FANIMECON 2002
SANTA CLARA CONVENTION CENTER
SANTA CLARA, CA.
APRIL 26 - 28, 2002
On that friday morning of April 26. I was given permission to skip school to attend my very first anime convention. Fanime.
My friend called me and asked if I was ready to go. My computer was at the convention center prepping for the E-Gaming Room. I was on staff that year. What a wonderful way to start off a series of many conventions to come. I was working with wonderful staffers who were also ready for this convention. I have never been to any convention before, I've always seen pictures of Cosplayers not knowing what they were until I was told what they were doing. It was at that time that I myself wanted to start taking pictures of cosplayers. Armed with only a dinky Disposable Camera I wanted to take as many pictures as I could of these cosplayers. From my favorite characters to the really outstanding looking costumes. I wanted to meet my favorite characters and hug them like a nerdy little fanboy. Who doesn't? I was going to be a great three days I told myself.
My friend, Chito, and I arrived at the Westin Hotel after having breakfast at a local Diner in our hometown area of San Mateo. Upon arriving at our hotel room we were called down for work. We went by the elevator and waited for it to come down. Out of the sheer randomness of my head I told him "Man I hope we get on a elevator full of cosplaying girls." He chuckled a bit saying "Yeah right." So when the elevator doors opened. It was full of "Elevator Cosplaying Girls" and we were just in total shock that our jaws dropped and we couldn't believe it. Even the cosplayers were laughing at us and we quickly dashed into the elevator and a cosplayer asked "Why did you guys drop your jaws?" Chito said "Guys, my friend here, its his first time at a Anime Convention and his wish just came true!" That day will never be forgotten and til this day, me and Chito still are still in shock that moment happened! We got down to work in the E-Gaming Department. We worked very hard with the room we had making sure everything was set up and ready to go. I did my best to work with the staffers. The job wasn't easy but we got it done! When I had the chance to leave the room and see what the convention had to offer. I took my Camera and took many pictures my heart could take! I never felt so alive in my life! I took many pictures that my camera was at a quarter full. I went to into several Video Rooms and watched some anime with the audience cheering and hollaring at the actions and characters that appeared on the screens. I loved the environment.
SATURDAY
Saturday morning, I read in the schedule program that Tenchi Muyo was playing in one of the Video Rooms, while I was working, I asked if I could watch the screening and was given permission to leave. I fell in love with the many people that were there. Later on that day, I stumbled into a Video Room that was showing Fanboy Bebop. It was my first time ever being exposed to Anime Parody and I could not ever stop laughing at the most random things that Parody showed! It was the funniest thing I ever saw. While walking around the convention center, I saw a Tenchi Cosplay Group, with Ayeka, Sasami, and Azaka and Kamadaki. They looked so wonderful I had to take their pictures!!! Unfortunately...I don't have them because they were not developed properly....tears indeed but I won't ever forget seeing them. I was also given a ticket to watch the Masquarade for the first time of my life. It was also were I saw "Dieter" who was the host of the show. His humorous jokes and gags were just to die for. I won't ever forget his assistant as well Jerry who also got many applauds for his work efforts! I enjoyed the show and enjoyed the many AMV's that were there as well.
SUNDAY
The last day came, I had came to realise that this Convention has changed my life after experience a whole new atmosphere of watching anime and hanging out with people who have a lot in common. These past three days were unforgetable and in my heart this was the best FanimeCon of them all. Deep in my heart this was the Fanime I will always cherish the most for all the wonderful memories I have experienced. Working with Chito and soon coming back the following year. This Fanime was my love for Conventions to come. After Fanime 2004, I started seeing many more great things that have changed my life. When we left the Santa Clara Convention Center, I looked back wondering what hopes and dreams may come after these days.
Today I'm now known as BART Boy, I walk around
Conventions carrying signs that I love to carry and taking many pictures that
I can. I'm apart of a popular Bay Area Anime Cosplay group known as Final
Fantasy Shiny Things and now becoming a cosplayer. On this day I celebrate
5 years of FanimeCon. Each year has a life changing experience and I hope
this Fanime will be the same. I look back on those very three days and remember
what it was all about. I love this Convention more than anything. Its what
I liked to call...
Home
These were the only pictures I could find on my computer from FanimeCon 2002. I can't find them anywhere but if I do, I will post them. Thank you very much for taking the time to read this report and "See you at the next Convention!"
Please note, I didn't ask to get picked up in this picture, I only wanted a hug but she just picked me up ^^;;;;;
- BART Boy