Anifest 2019 is the second year that they hosted their event out in Torrance, CA on March 23rd. AniFest is organized by JCEG, Inc. a 501(3)c Non-profit organization involved in promoting cultural groups and events. The fact that this small group hosted this event, made it a more enjoyable experience. It had all that you could think of when you think of cons: artists, vendors, cosplays, performances and more!
Here is an idea of how the event went down.
After you park your car, you got to enter the line. The line went out for days…just kidding, but it was a pretty long line. This is where you could find some of the food trucks, such as Okomoto Kitchen and Great Balls of Fire. After you are welcomed by the banner, you enter into the first area, Artist Alley.
This artist alley was more than just Artist Alley. This area also included some of the sponsors of the event. You were able to check out all the great artists that pulled through for the event, and even some delicious ramen, by the famous Iron Chef, Masaharu Morimoto.
After you go through all the rows of artists, you would walk into the big open space.
The Torino Plaza is where they showed off the Itasha Alliance cars, the outdoor stage, some food, and where you can enjoy some of the activities and performances. In addition, if you walk past it, there is the Japanese Gardens.
There were plenty of performances at the Torino Plaza Stage. There was the Taiko Collegiate Showcase, Manatsu Project, Cali Crisis, The Corps Dance Crew, Kirigami Dancers, and more. In addition to that stage, there was the Arcane Cafe Stage. This is where there were different musical performances, such as Hikari Dolls, PhEiri, DJ Revolution Boi, Idol Academy, and even Roli Angels (all the way from Japan). There was always something to check out throughout the day, so don’t worry! You will be thoroughly entertained.
Once you’re done checking out the performances, you can head back into the two different vendor halls.
In the vendor halls, you were able to check out all the different anime merchandise, clothing brands, and even the special guests booth. You were able to meet people, such as VampyBitMe, MisoToki, LilyPichu, and more!
To end it off, there was a fashion show. This fashion show was organized by Megan Yee, a fellow cosplayer who has experience in the fashion industry. It showcased all sorts of clothing brands that were at Anifest, such as Geek Lord, Homage to Wasabi, and more. Check out some of the different clothes that were featured during the walk:
WHAT ELSE WAS AT THE EVENT
After the fashion show, unfortunately, I had to leave. There were more things that were there, such as the premiere of Trinity Seven: Heavens Library & Crimson Lord Screening, Arcane Maids Senbatsu, and the DJ Appare x AniParty!
Anifest 2019 was such a fun event for being the 2nd year, and I can’t wait to see what they have in store for next year. I just want to say thank you to the Anifest Team for having me! š
SOCIAL MEDIA
Website: anifest.org
Instagram: @anifestorg
Facebook: facebook.com/anifestival
Twitter: @anifestcon
