#146 for 2021
If you get here early enough, you might be able to get parking on the premises for $10. Parking lot C is mainly used for the exhibitors while parking lot A is used for handicap, special vendors who are displaying outside the main doors of the con. There is parking across the street but i notice many parking on the street close by. Beats having to pay and the walk is not bad about 20minutes.
Face masks were required. They may check this at the door but inside there were people not wearing so this was not enforced. Your vac card is needed to be shown you had both shots completed or a negative test result within 72 hours prior to your entry. For $40 you could get the test on the spot. Not sure how that works because by the time you get the results the con is over.
Best way to get your tickets is online months before the show. Barring any issues these will be mailed to you avoiding the line to get actual badges. You still have to stand in line for covid check and the line to get inside the building itself. You are patted down to make sure you are not carrying anything illegal or not allowed per their policy. Outside food is not allowed except water.
The main hall is where most people spend their time. Many vendors selling their wares of comics, clothing, toys, weapon replicas of fantasy and custom craft items. There's a special section called Artist Alley where many creatives for comics were there including artists, writers and colorist. It was nice to talk to them like the creator of Hero Bear, a 2 time Eisner Award Winner. That's like the emmy for comics. Matt Hawkins was also there, CEO for Top Cow Studios under Image Comics spoke of their plans to revive several flagship titles that started their company up. Famous writers included Timothy Zahn popular for his Star Wars novels. Also Chris Claremont who brought the X-Men to the fore front of pop culture back in the 70s and have remained there to this day. Although he has retired his position he attends many comic cons across the country. He is still considered the best writer of the X-Men.
Cosplayers were all over the place and if you asked nicely you could get a picture of them. I managed to get a few. The event had a cosplay contestet. Many awards were given but the winner also took $500. I wish I could have watched that but it was too crowded to get in. The most popular event during the show hands down. There was one for little kids too. No cash prize but awards were many.
I was surprised not to see any food trucks this year as they had in the past. That left the concession stands inside. I wasn't looking forward to waiting in those lines moving slowly. It took about a 20 minute. When I placed my order I was having issues making the payment with the credit card. They didn't accept cash which I had. The cashier was getting frustrated as I was trying to understand her and her me. She eventually walked out. Its tough to hear when your mouth is covered with a mask in an area that has a noise level higher than average. Another lady saw my frustration and we were able to complete the transaction. Best to just stay cool in the situation.
Maybe next time I'll be able to catch one of the cosplay contests. I did enjoy my time at the event and hope to one day return. read more