Anime North is an anime convention that happens every year made for fans and ran by fans. I've heard much of it when I was younger, but I was not allowed to go until last year. Let me introduce some of the features before talking about what I thought of it.
Anime North runs for 3 consecutive days in May. Each day contains different activities - such as photoshoots, anime show times, meet & greet with real live voice actresses/actors, famous manga artists, and that is only the beginning. Every year I visit the "Artist Alley" - it is a place where anime artists get together and get a chance to sell their art - and show off their wonderful artistic abilities! It is a truly amazing sight if you love art. They also do commisions if you like that kind of thing. I always make a point to purchase at least SOMETHING because I am a bit of a lover of art and an artists myself. I truly love the feeling of being my art appreciate and I was pretty sure a lot of the artists felt that way too. But of course, I don't buy it unless it extremely catches my attention!
They also have the "Dealer's Room" right across from the artist alley. That is a place where merchants can come and sell their anime goodies. I bought so many posters last year! The prices are NOT that great - over higher than what they should be. However keep in mind some people come up from the states and around the world so those people are bound to purchase something. Sometimes they have pretty cool deals - "If your costume has pink hair, you get 50% off!"
I really love anime conventions because you get to see all these cosplayers dress up. They're absolutely fantastic - and if their costume isn't THAT good - well it gives you something to talk about.
We stayed at the hotel that is right across from the convention, called Doubletree Hotel. If you want to get a booking, you need to do it by MARCH. The rooms fill up so fast - we almost missed our booking last year.
They also have all these cool events such as "J-idol". There's an audition usually by late March. The final candidates get to go on stage and sing their favourite japanese songs. The winner gets a prize of course. :) I admired their bravery to go on stage so much. I decided that I would at least give it a try next year.
All in all, a wonderful, wonderful experience. Some people tend to think anime conventions are silly. I used to think that too until I went to one. It is a great feeling - knowing the fans have so much passion - enough passion to host an international wide event. That is no easy feat.