Being my first ToyCon and my second visit to an event in Burlington, (the first was ConBravo) this was a real treat for me and a break from the drudgery of living in London. Early Sunday I headed for my pickup at Neo Tokyo the Anime Store taking the first bus of the day. Stopping first for much needed Timmies. Walking back Derekrika was already parked in front of the store. The trip started with slight snowfall which gave way to clear skies as we reached Royal Botantical Gardens in Burlington.
The place was already hopping as we got there at 11. People could and had come earlier and pay for early access. The major change for this event was including guests, artist alley and cosplay. In short, a micro-con with the emphesis on toys, toys and more toys. Given this was St. Patty’s Day as well as last day of spring break for some, this place was packed. The hallways fo both floors as well auditorium had countless tables.
Cosplay has taken on a new sheen as older extablish cosplayers go pro with photography, buttons, cupcakes and charity. Cosplay for A Cure was there raising money for Breast Cancer research. Nerd Girl Burlesque hosted a panel forum on costuming. Long time cosplayer, Shantel Knight, had a table with prints and her own website ZombieBit.me. Also there was Star Wars 501 as well as Toronto X-Men as well as the Ontario Ghostbusters. Individual cosplayers like Dr.Stevil and Roxy Darknight.
Still the best wasn’t adults dressed in costumes…
The Lego Dracula has to be the best made kid’s costume I have ever seen. Right up there with one 13 year old girl playing Sailor Moon in 1998 Anime North.
Over all, ToyCon Burlington had all the makings of con with just enough to entertain anyone without being too big. If anything, all the people made things cramp for Royal Botantical Gardens which I saw little of. Well except for giant Jade Plant.
This plant stood out just sitting by doorway. My mother had these plants and only once in 20 years did one ever bloomed. It brought back memories even if hers never grew to this size. Photos from ToyCon can be found in our cosplay section through this link.