Who says you need the Internet to get the word out? Anime Iowa is proving that's a myth. Of course this is a convention that deals in Japanese animation... My boys used to watch Japanese animation with eyes like saucers while they were growing up. Is it really such a surprise that these guys don't need the Internet to keep going strong?
Anyway, here's the lowdown. I live in Coralville and I had no idea that the Anime Iowa Convention is taking place in my little town this weekend. And I research this stuff folks!!! I found out today purely by accident. (So much for your local area expert, right?) It seems every hotel room between here and Cedar Rapids is booked. Who knew? I certainly didn't.
So what is Anime Iowa anyway? Considering my lack of knowledge thus far I may not be the right person to ask, but as I often tell folks who I help to buy homes. I may not know everything about everything, but I sure as heck know how to figure it out!
My first stop was the Anime Iowa website. Gotta say. It wasn't quite as much help as I would have hoped. They assumed I knew what they were talking about. I didn't, so I had to check out that oh so reliable source Wikipedia for more info on the subject to give me more background. (If there's one thing I am it is thorough). Here's what I got:
"Anime Iowa is an anime convention run by the not-for-profit Mindbridge Foundation and is held annually. The convention offers anime screening, videogames, an art auction, guest panels, cosplay, and many of the other events typically found at an anime convention."
And now for you neophytes like myself who have no idea what a cosplay is. Further research on the world wide web provided me with the definition of cosplay. 
It is short for "costume roleplay." The Marriott Hotel where the convention is being held is going to be chock a block with fans dressed up as their favorite Japanese character as they compete in the cosplay competition.
Okay, so this is a convention. If you want to take part you probably need to have done something about it by now. They have a registration cap of 3000 (!!) Here's the link with info about how to avoid being disappointed at the door.
For the rest of us there are a couple of important points. The convention is running from July 30 to August 1 at the Marriott Hotel & Conference Center. Every hotel room between here and Cedar Rapids is booked. All those folks have cars and they are all either coming or leaving the Marriott. There will be a lot of traffic on the roads this weekend. 1st Avenue to 5th St is one big road work. (And the Marriott is off 1st Avenue on E 9th St). If you want to get anywhere on a deadline you probably want to try and avoid that area...
Me, I'm kind of hoping I run into someone in their Cosplay outfit. I would just love to have a photo to show off here for you guys!
Originally posted @ ichomesforsale.com
