Natsu Con will be celebrating anime, comics, gaming, and more on Saturday, July 23, beginning at 10 AM at Bowman Library at this all-day event. 

The program is returning this year brought to you by the Teen Advisory Board and Natsu Con Committee.

Hear engaging speakers, participate in character panels, meet Andrew Joseph White author of Hell Followed with Us, show off your talent in our masquerade, and compete in our cosplay contest!

Registration is only required for the Character Panel and the Masquerade.  The Cosplay contest sign-up (ages 13-18) will begin at 11 AM on the day of the conference.

SCHEDULE OF EVENTS

10:00 Artist Alley Opens: Artists are being sought for the Artist Alley, and interested artists should contact Donna Hughes at 540-869-9000 x215 or dhughes@handleyregional.org.

Rina Riggs, sensei and Japanese instructor of language and origami.

10:00-12:30 Just Dance in the Children’s Room

11:00 Opening Speakers in the Meeting Room

Andrew Joseph White, author, shares about his writing. It has been said of his debut novel (now a NY Times Bestseller), Hell Followed With Us, that it is a “book with teeth, with fire, and with a bloody, beating heart.”

Andrew Joseph White grew up falling in love with monsters and wishing he could be one too. He received his MFA in Creative Writing from George Mason University in 2022 and has a habit of cuddling random street cats.

Book signing by the author will follow the presentation courtesy of the Winchester Book Gallery. His website is www.andrewjosephwhite.com.

LaTasha Do’zia of Selah Theater leads us with acting and cosplay techniques and developing a character’s voice.

12:30 Character Panels: Ouran High School Host Club

1:30 Character Panels (open for registration)

Registration for the 1:30 PM Character Panels can be found here!

Character Panel participants must be in middle or high school and at least 13 years old. Register in advance with character information and genre (anime, comic, or uniquely created characters welcome.)

Participants are to move to the Meeting Room to prepare for the cosplay contest.

All middle and high school youth are welcome to attend. Contest and masquerade participants should be over 13 and abide by the guidelines listed below for cosplay and weapons allowed.

2:30 Cosplay Contest: Multiple categories and prizes. Registrations for the contest will be on the day of the event, beginning at 10 AM. Ages 13-18 welcome. Details and time are subject to change.

3:30 Masquerade: Registration for the Masquerade can be found here! Register your group and prepare your skit or music act for your 5 minutes of fame! Please register in advance for one 5-minute slot per group. One group per participant.

4:00 Artist Alley closes

4:30 Cosplay Contest Winners and Closing Remarks

*Cosplay guidelines: Because of the family nature of our library, all cosplay outfits should be family-friendly. Library staff reserves the right to request alterations or clothing changes

For all programs, go to www.handleyregional.org/events

For more information, contact Cheryl Nakagawa, Public Relations and Outreach Manager at cnakagawa@handleyregional.org or visit www.handleyregional.org.

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