From the makers of Garden State Comic Fest comes an all-new anime fan convention: Garden State Anime Fest! The inaugural event took place on April 20 & 21 at the Sussex County Fairgrounds in Augusta, NJ and featured special guest voice actors, Itasha (anime cars), artists, gaming, cosplay, food trucks… and, of course, tons of exhibitors selling all of the best anime-related memorabilia:
For $30 Saturday & $25 Sunday General Admission (or an amazing $25 for the whole weekend), you’ll gain access to over 50 vendors of statues, plushies, posters, prop weapons, books, video games, Funko Pops, enamel pins & keychains, trading cards, Japanese snacks, and so much more! And what better way to hold your haul than with the Garden State Anime Fest VIP bag which is included in the $75 premium pass, along with early access each day, an exclusive art print, coupons, and preferred seating at exciting programs like naginata demos, anime trivia panels, and the very first Garden State Anime Fest Cosplay Contest:
It’s the perfect convention to cosplay as your favorite character and, who knows, maybe that character’s voice actor will be there! To kick off Garden State Anime Fest were four voice actors who need no introduction: Erica Schroeder (below), Alyson Leigh Rosenfeld, Barrett Leddy, and Jen Silverman. Feel free to choose from a selection of table prints or bring your favorite collectibles like Blu-rays, action figures, or cards to get signed (for a fee)!
You’ll also be able to discover new anime art like OCs (Original Characters) & different takes on fan-favorite classics, especially with featured creators Nick Caponi and GSAF badge artist Ava Schrager who brought her latest prints, stickers, and keychains for sale. Fans just couldn’t wait to get their badges signed by her, too:
And there were plenty of ways to unwind and relax while at the con: multiple food trucks, an Akihabara maid cafe experience, a video game lounge, TCG & tabletop games, and getting up close & personal with the Itasha cars… including the AE86 Trueno from Initial D!
Garden State Anime Fest is an affordable & fantastic celebration of all things anime! If you missed the debut, stay tuned because it’ll be back bigger & better! In the meantime, check out more photos in our album as well as a jam-packed recap video below:
LesDudis 