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Anime-zing weekend: Setsucon convention brings revenue, fun

Setsucon, a local Japanese animation convention, is expected to bring in more than 2,000 festival goers this weekend at the Blair County Convention Center.

Now in its 16th year, the event is run by the Penn State Anime Organization.

Zach Foltz, one of Setsucon's organizers, is actually hoping for a larger turnout and new visitors, now that the COVID-19 pandemic has eased.

"We want even those who have never been to an anime convention to come in and experience everything we have to offer," he said.

As a first-time attendee, Logan Powell said he always wanted to attend Setsucon and finally this year he had the opportunity.

"I'm looking forward to the different panels and stuff to do," he said.

In that mix of "stuff to do," local business owners hope attendees will take some time to shop and eat at local establishments, too.

As one of the larger events to book the convention center, Setsucon has a positive impact on the community, especially coming in the winter months, business owners said.

Patrick Schurr, area director of sales and marketing for Lion Country Lodging, which operates the Courtyard Marriott, Microtel and Wingate, said Setsucon is always one of the most successful events in terms of filling rooms.

"The Courtyard always sells out, and we are sold out again for this weekend. It is always No. 1 or 2 in terms of occupancy," he said.

Other hotels in the area have bookings for people attending Setsucon, too, and Schurr said the guests are always great.

"They are really a great group, and it is fun to see them all dressed up in their costumes," he said.

Sci-Fi Valley Con, held at the same venue, is neck and neck with Setsucon in terms of bringing in people to the area, Schurr added.

Washington, D.C., native Stephanie Cahill, operating the Elysium vendor booth, said she likes "seeing everyone being in a cheery mood," while Kasey Currie of Pixel Led Shadows, Maryland, said she's excited to see all the people and "how creative they get with their cosplays."

Foltz said the Blair County community is a factor in what drives people to attend Setsucon.

"It is a fun and inviting community that draws people in," he said.

Community is what it's all about, said Kalin Davidson of Bellefonte, who was attending Friday's festivities with her husband.

"I really enjoy the community, sharing common interests with people and seeing the creative cosplays," she said.

George Rainey of Morrisdale agrees.

"I enjoy meeting new people and getting to know the others in the anime convention," said Rainey, who operates the Otaku Underground booth featuring anime-themed merchandise such as T-shirts, blankets, towels and plushies.

Local energy attractive

Among those who traveled from out of state was Virginia resident Gerald Hogan and his team with the Trilogy Shop in Virginia Beach.

Hogan, who offers manga and artbooks among other items, said he attends 25 conventions a year, including Setsucon.

"This is the smallest show I do," he said.

While Setsucon is a smaller crowd as compared to the 15,000 people who attend Katsucon at the National Harbor, Maryland, Hogan said he enjoys the energy of the Blair County event.

Ash Slack, returning to the convention after several years of absence, said she came back "because of the environment, to have fun and make more memories."

Making memories is music to the ears of those who promote the county and events.

Mark Ickes, executive director of Explore Altoona, said Setsucon and other special events, festivals and gatherings hosted at area venues contribute immensely to the local economy, as they provide another reason for people to visit the area.

"Especially in the case of Setsucon, during the winter season, events like these create opportunities to add to the $374 million in annual travel spending which benefits the county's business community," Ickes said.

DelGrosso Park, Lakemont's Lights on the Lake and the park's summer lumberjack show, along with Altoona Curve games, the famous Horseshoe Curve and the history found at Baker Mansion, the Railroaders Memorial Museum and Fort Roberdeau all combine to benefit area businesses through the tourism aspect, Schurr said.

Events held at the convention center have pulled in a wide variety of visitors during the past year, including a large number of sheriffs during the Pennsylvania Sheriffs Association Conference. Other events included dance competitions, a two-week wrestling camp, a state county controllers conference and a conference held for the state domestic relations association.

"During those events, we had local people showing off Blair County and showing them what this area has to offer," Ickes said.

Celebrates Japanese culture

For those interested in anime and Japanese culture, though, Setsucon is the place to be this weekend, Foltz said, as the event is packed with fan and guest panels, anime viewings, game shows, musical events, cosplay workshops and contests. The artists' valley and vendors will also be returning this year, he said.

Voice actors Aaron Dismuke and Sarah Wiedenheft, dance group Fake Idol Project, panelist Lex Winter, convention emcee Silver Sheep and cosplay judges Corwynte, Riyuski, AeonisPi, Minomotu and Risuruu will all be on hand for the weekend.

Among the entertainment options are gaming events, cosplay contests, an anime music video contest and a Magic The Gathering draft.

There will also be an Itasha car show and fashion area, and a showcase of the Laura Rayman Memorial Library presented by the Penn State Anime Organization.

It's not all fun and games, though, as Setsucon also helps those in need in the community.

Attendees are invited to drop off gifts, toys and activities for the Jared Box program, where those items are gathered and given to children in hospitals and emergency rooms. In addition, a silent auction will support the Colon Cancer Coalition, in memory of late voice actor and Pennsylvania native, Billy Kametz.

Setsucon began Friday and will continue through Sunday. Badges can be purchased at the door for $45 for a weekend badge or $25 for a Sunday-only badge.

More information can be found at www.setsucon.com.

Mirror Staff Writer Cati Keith is at 814-946-7535.