ColossalCon returns to Kalahari

HURON TWP. — Anime is still new in the grand span of the history of entertainment in the U.S. A style of Japanese animation, anime first appeared in American entertainment in the 1960s but was scarce until the 1980s and didn't really explode in mainstream popularity until the 1990s. By the turn of the millennium, a growing number of people had become unapologetic anime nerds and there were countless conventions popping up across the nation to celebrate that. One such gathering was the original ColossalCon, which was a one-day event that took place in Strongsville, Ohio in 2002. Over the course of the next seven years, it grew in popularity, expanded and moved around northern Ohio until in 2009. That's when it settled into its current home at the Sandusky-area Kalahari Resorts & Conventions. Today ColossalCon is more than just an anime convention. Although that is still its core basis, the event has evolved into a five-day, pop-culture extravaganza that attracts tens of thousands of attendees to the local area, selling out area hotels and kicking off the tourism season with a culturally diverse boom. What to do? ColossalCon kicked off Wednesday night and continues through Sunday. Boasting the entire convention center as well as the resort water park, ColossalCon offers a wide variety of entertainment opportunities for anime fanatics and con novices alike. Such instances include: • Infotainment panels and meet-and-greets with celebrities and industry influencers • Art galleries and interactive visual experiences • Cosplay gatherings, photoshoots and contests • Game shows, arcades and video game rooms • Live music concerts, raves, karaoke and pro wrestling • Themed dances and a formal ball • Flea market-style vendors • After-hour access to the acclaimed water park. More information — including a full schedule of events; list of special guests; ticket prices; general facts, questions and answers — can be found on colossalcon.com. The context of cosplaying For many people across the nation, attending ColossalCon has become a staple of their summer. One such person is local resident Amanda Swanson, of Sandusky, who has been attending the event since it moved here. "I used to go to Ohayoncon and finding out a convention was going to be in town was way more convenient," Swanson said. Like many who attend, Swanson greatly enjoys participating in the cosplay element of attending. Of all the years, her favorite to do was Harley Quinn, which to many is considered a con classic. "Cosplaying can get pretty pricey and time-consuming. Making cosplays can save you a lot of money, but it can take you weeks or months to make whatever you're doing," Swanson said. "Finishing a cosplay can make you feel accomplished, and you feel overjoyed when you're dressed as one of your favorite characters." Her thoughts were mirrored by fellow cosplayer and longtime con-goer Heather LaTendresse, of Sheffield Lake. LaTendresse elaborated on how ColossalCon gives sanctuary to those wishing to be expressive. "It allows anime lovers to be their authentic selves with no judgment and hate," said LaTendresse, who is looking forward to making new friends and more memories to go along with those she cherishes, such as getting an autograph by voice actress Cynthua Cranz of "Dragon Ball Z." In addition to helping facilitate friendships and safe spaces for those within the anime fandom, ColossalCon gives outsiders the chance to experience the cultural diversity and dispel misconceptions surrounding it. Another positive of the con's presence is attracting a different wave of visitors to the Lake Erie shores and island area. "It brings a whole new variety of people (to Sandusky) and lets us be known for more than just Cedar Point," said Sandusky native Skyler Nemitz, who has worked in the local tourism hospitality industry for a decade. Like many locals, Nemitz originally only began attending ColossalCon at the persuasion of friends but continues to return for the unforgettable and unique experiences, like playing a live game of chess as a knight and partaking in water park parties after dark.