AnimeFest 2011

Con-Fever. No, it's not a disease. It's that adrenaline rush you get right before an anime convention. The only cure is to be surrounded by costumes, fan art and the intoxicating smell of sweat and body odor.

Ok, maybe not the last part.

Con-stench aside, AnimeFest had the cure for anyone itching to see some good costumes, play some video games and meet some awesome people.

A non-profit organization, A-Fest hosts the convention annually during Labor Day Weekend. For the past few years, the convention has been held at the Hyatt Regency Dallas at Reunion Tower downtown.

The final attendance this year was 5,717, which included 4,867 paid members and 850 staff members, volunteers, guests and panelists.

The number of guests has grown exponentially since their first convention in 1992, which had an attendance of 102. Pop culture phenomenons like anime and video games are pulling in larger audiences, ultimately giving conventions more attention.

While smaller than A-Kon, an annual Dallas anime convention with an attendance over 18,000, A-Fest's smaller amount is what draws a number of its attendees.

"AnimeFest is more family friendly, protective and reasonable," A-Fest member Ryan Branch said. "Everyone's nice and knows each other. For a small convention, that's big."

While cosplaying is usually the first thing that pops into mind when thinking about an anime convention, A-Fest isn't just for those dressing up. Actually, the majority of people are just in everyday clothes.  The main focus of the convention is Japanese culture and just having a good time.

If you're not familiar with cosplaying be prepared to open yourself up to a whole new world.

According to a definition in Urban Dictionary, "cosplaying is literally ‘costume play.' Dressing up and pretending to be a fictional character (usually a sci-fi, comic book, or anime character)." In short, this is accurate, but there is a lot more that goes into cosplay.

A lot of work goes into making a good costume. It isn't something that just happens overnight; unless you buy from eBay and choose overnight shipping, which is kind of beside the point.

Cosplayers take pride in their work leading A-Fest to create a Cosplay Runway. The event allows attendees to strut their stuff down the cat walk and let others ogle at their masterpieces.

"If you do [cosplay] I would advise that you start working on your cosplay at least a year before the con so that you can perfect it," student and Hit-Girl cosplayer Abbey Stryk said.

It's also highly suggested that you pick a character than has a similar body type as yours, otherwise things just get awkward.

The Dealer's Room wasn't just for buying fun merchandise this year. Carter Blood Care returned and set up a station for blood donations. Those who donated got an exclusive shirt to flaunt their bravery and generosity.

Another good cause and new to the convention was The Crane Project, set up by Trimble Tech High School from Fort Worth. Anime club students created the group to raise money for the Japanese Red Cross, aiming to aid in relief efforts for those impacted by the earthquake and tsunami disaster earlier this year.

The most amusing thing at A-Fest, other than the costumes, were the reactions from unexpecting Oregon and Louisiana State University football fans and hotel staff. Confused looks and cell phone pictures were the most common reactions, but some visitors took the liberty to explore the convention.

Musical guest Bowling for Soup nerded out with the crowd playing their hits, new songs and the theme song to the Disney show "Phineas and Ferb."

When AnimeFest first announced on their Facebook page that BFS was going to be the musical guest, con-attendees weren't so thrilled. Most were concerned what BFS' tie to anime was, while others were worried the band wouldn't fit in with the convention crowd. Although there was initial concern, it all faded once the band took the stage.

Loud cheers and applause filled the room as attendees filed in. Animal ears, wigs and other costume oddities silhouetted the stage. It was apparent that it wasn't only BFS fans who came to see the band, as even those who didn't know the lyrics moved to the music and stayed for the set. 

Even after the lights came back up after the show and the crowd disappeared, the night was far from over.

For the night owls, and more avid partiers who ventured out of their hotel rooms, a dance was thrown where DJ Beat Chemistry and other guest DJs pumped up the bass. Hopeful ravers scurried back to their rooms to change into neon outfits with glitter, stockings, fluffy boot covers and mass amounts of glow sticks before the lights went back out and the music began.

Guests of Honor included voice actors Spike Spencer, Carrie Keranen and Greg Ayers.

"I went to a Q&A with voice actor Greg Ayers. He was telling stories on how he started, some of his favorite acting, and giving advice on how to help people who want to get into his line of work," avid cosplayer Tyler Puryear said. "[Ayers is] a really nice and funny guy. Celebrities like him make these conventions worthwhile."