Costumes prepared, wigs styled and travel bags packed, Manhattan High School’s Anime Club attended Kansas City’s anime convention: Naka-kon 2017.
After nearly six months of planning, Anime Club was able to raise the money in order to take all eligible members on the trip. In order to raise the funds, the club participated in several events such as volunteer work with Kansas State University, fundraisers and MHS concession stands at home games.
“Primarily, we got the money through the coffee sales,” Vice President Faithlynn Hoofard, senior, said. “We made a lot of money from that which definitely helped fund our trip.”
Naka-kon’s main appeal to the Anime Club — as well as anime and comic fans from all over the region — was the fact that it is a place for people with similar interests and passions to come together and socialize. Through panels and events, a dealers and merchandise room, cosplay contests and photoshoots, all fans can find something they enjoy. Naka-kon also aims to be a family-friendly event that appeals to everyone of all ages.
For many Anime Club members, this trip was their first-ever experience with an anime convention. For others, this was their second, third or even fourth time attending. Members were excited for a variety of different aspects, from cosplaying and meeting new people to buying merchandise and enjoying the overall environment.
“[A pro] was meeting a lot of people from animes that I watch,” senior Dakota Oxendine said. “As for cons, I can’t really think of anything.”
Over the years, Naka-kon has grown to be a rather well-known convention across the nation, drawing in crowds from all over the midwest. Their first convention took place in 2005 with only about 300 guests in attendance, and no special guests. Their numbers have grown significantly over the years, with nearly 8,800 attendees and well over a dozen special guests as of the 2014 convention. Their numbers continue to grow with every year.
“We had an amazing turnout,” Hoofard said. “Our bus was completely full, and it made me happy to see all those students, full of dedication.”
