Wanted to go to Comic-Con in San Diego but couldn’t get tickets?
Or don’t feel like leaving town this summer to attend the Anime Expo in Los Angeles?
There’s a more convenient option for those in the central San Joaquin Valley, and it’s about to go down this weekend.
Ani-Me Con 14.0 will take place Saturday and Sunday at the Fresno Fairgrounds.
Though not nearly as grandiose as those premier events, Ani-Me 14.0 has grown significantly since its inception in 2011 when it was held at Manchester Mall.
This weekend is expected to draw more than 9,000 people, along with 240-plus different vendors scheduled to set up shop as fans come together to celebrate Japanese pop culture.
Dress up like your favorite anime character.
Meet some people who played or provided the voice of some of your favorite Japanese cartoon characters.
Or check out the various items for sale — from Pokemon cards to comics to plushies.
“We are the biggest anime/gaming/sci-fi convention in the Central Valley,” said event organizer Thor Phoeung. “Cosplay has always been a wonderful escape and wonderful hobby for all to enjoy.”
Actors scheduled to attend:
Ryan Bartley — voice of Sage from Sonic the HedgehogBill Rogers — voice of Brock from PokemonSean Chiplock — voice of Subaru Natsuki from Re:Zero – Starting Life in Another World
Online tickets are sold out.
But tickets at the door are still available ($15 for Saturday, $10 on Sunday, $20 for weekend pass). Children 9 years old and under are free with an accompanying adult ticket.
Gates open at 10 a.m. Saturday and Sunday. VIP admission is 9:30 a.m.
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Bryant-Jon Anteola is a multimedia reporter for The Fresno Bee, writing stories and producing videos about sports, news and random topics relatable to those in the Fresno area. He’s won a McClatchy President’s Award and received honorable mention by the Associated Press Sports Editors. He enjoys sports because of the competition, camaraderie and energy, and views sports as a microcosm of society.