RALEIGH, N.C. — It's not just the start of the new year that inspires people to raise new hopes and dreams.
The minds behind GalaxyCon are bringing a new event to Raleigh: Animate!
The three-day event kicked off Friday at the Raleigh Convention Center.
The event presents voice actorsprofessional creators, games, costume contests, panels and more.
Whether it's your favorite cartoon or anime, or you love cosplay, there will be something for almost everyone at the event.
“(It’s) a really big welcome party, where everyone is very excited about what they’re passionate about and wants to share it with everyone here,” Siena Fallon said.
Before fandom ensued, preparations had to be completed. Fallon was one of several exhibitors who made sure their table was ready for use as the crowd eagerly waited to enter the main floor of the event.
Fallon, 27, is the chief operating officer and co-partner of Ultimate Comics.
“I grew up reading this,” Fallon said, pointing to manga, a style of comic book or graphic novel that originated in Japan. “The cool thing about comics and manga is that there isn’t just one type of story.”
The number of conventions of this type has continued to grow in recent years in Raleigh. Visit Raleighan event promoter, reported that the main summer GalaxyCon brought nearly $9 million in economic revenue to the city.
The convention center has become a true home for fantasy world experience.
“There are all ages. You have families with young, well-dressed children,” Fallon said.
This embrace of nerd culture also represents a shift toward pop culture.
Carmen Errato, floor manager at Animated in Raleigh, helped set up a booth before the event.
Errato, 23, hopes the new initiative will catch fire and attract colorful characters to the main store.
“It’s kind of a nervous excitement, but overall it’s going to work,” Errato said.
A three-day VIP pass costs $275. To find more pricing information, click here.