With the change of each season, cosplayers and photographers around the Bay Area prepare themselves for the NorCal gatherings. Held four times a year, these gatherings may have started off somewhat small, but have grown to the point where hundreds of friends gather for fun times in costume.
The latest NorCal gathering was the winter one, held at Lake Elizabeth in Fremont. This time, it was winter that had to brace itself for the coming of cosplayers, as nearly 500 attendees showed up. The five dollar fee they paid was enough to cover the food and drinks that were offered everyone, and it was willingly paid for a day of cosplay and photography.
Given the time of year, many attendees went with a Christmas theme for their costumes, such as a group of Attack on Titan cosplayers with red and white cloaks and candy cane swords, or cosplayers as the cast of K-On in Santa dresses. Others went as characters from all sorts of series and shows, ranging from Pirates to Princesses, Muppets to Jedi, Hobbits to Airbenders, and everything in-between.
So, you might be wondering, what is there to do at these gatherings that draws so many attendees? There must be some amazing events or guests to draw that kind of crowd. If you are thinking that, o hypothetical reader, then I must correct you on what I think you’re thinking. For there is nothing at the gatherings but what you and the other attendees bring, and they’re all the better for it.
There’s no rushing around to get to panels, or waiting in line for hours, just good fun spent meeting new friends and hanging out with old ones. For cosplayers, there are photographers aplenty to take some photoshoots, and for photographers, there’s no shortage of cosplayers; meanwhile, both appreciate the wonderful scenery that the park provides. The gatherings are a great place for people to meet, hang out, make friends, and have a good time among fellow geeks. Bekalou did an excellent job hosting the gathering, and everything went as smoothly as possible.
Personally, I had a wonderful time catching up with people I normally don’t see outside of conventions, and being part of an awesome group of cosplayers. The NorCal cosplay gatherings are always enjoyable for me, and are recommended to any cosplayers in the area looking to relax and have fun in costume. The Spring gathering will be held on March 15th 2014, at Kelley Park in San Jose.
