Minnesota Weekends: Anime Detour

In Minnesota, there is a lot of cultural diversity especially near the Twin Cities. A specific group of these people are part of the anime watching community. Anime is a reference to Japanese handdrawn animation or computer animation. Popular animes include Sailor Moon, Dragonball Z, Attack on Titan, and Astro Boy.

Navi and the different Links from The Legend of Zelda: Four Swords

Last weekend, I atttended a convention sponsored by Anime Twin Cities, called Anime Detour. Anime Detour is a three day, annual event where detour go-ers can cosplay their favorite characters, enter costume competitions, sit in on guest panels, experience millenial and ancient Japanese customs, and take classes on how to make your own costumes. There are also two vendor hall where local and out of state artists can sell their unique art. Art includes jewelry, posters, fabrics, accesories, swords, and more.
This was the first time I attended Detour. It was a huge culture shock from the moment I stepped into the DoubleTree Hotel in Bloomington, MN. Every single person attending cosplayed an anime, videogame, or pop culture icons such as John Cena and Daft Punk. Strangers gathered together to take pictures with one another and exchanged ideas on how to improve each other's costume.
The staff at Anime Detour were fans volunteering to make sure everyone was safe, didn't block any fire exits, or hosted panels and events. The staff was efficient and passionate about their job. They all dressed up as well and provided helpful tips on where to go or what to see.

Anime Detour doesn't only celebrate the community of anime fans, but also gives back to the community by hosting charity auctions and donating a portion of its' earnings to global causes. In 2011, Anime Detour donated over $35,000 for tsunami relief in countries affected by the natural disasters. This year, the charity auction fundraised $22,947 for the American Red Cross. The convention also has a community fund for going through tough medical conditions and don't have suffiecent fund to pay their medical expenses. The first five thousand dollars raised is matched by Anime Twin cities for that fund. After the cap of fifty thousand dollars are reached, the excess is donated to a chosen charity.
Anime Detour was an unforgettable experience and something I look forward to attending in the future. I recommend that anyone who has seen anime, attend and learn more about Japanese animation, fan base, and vocalist of certain characters.