Students turned out to celebrate pop culture, anime, comics, and gaming at CampusCon last week, hosted by Durham College Student Association (DCSA).
However, with about half as many vendors on site as expected, some students suggest there’s room for improvement.
CampusCon took place on Oct. 1 in the South Wing of the Oshawa Campus.
A few attendees cosplayed as their favourite anime character, some lined up for free popcorn offered by DCSA, and some bought items offered by vendors.
There was excitement that one attendee even handmade she costume.
Donna Broadbent, dressed as Mega LoPunny from Pokémon, gave a detailed description of how she made it.
“Ears are tights filled with stuffing from Michaels, with yarn holding them together to look like scruchies. Inside is three headbands duct-taped together, two cardboard bins with a piece of wood in it so they won’t fold,” said Broadbent.
However, she was slightly disappointed. She said some vendors cancelled and the event space could have been bigger.
“Maybe have it in a more open space. I know that a lot of the vendors cancelled, so that’s not exactly their fault,” she said. “But maybe getting more vendors onboard to begin with.”
Grant Law, supervisor of the event, acknowledged vendors cancelled but it was out of DCSA’s control.
“I know a couple of them have no-showed, and the no-shows, I’m really not too sure,” he said. “I feel as though there might be a slight impact from the strike on campus, but I could mention a couple of vendors having issues getting on campus.”
Law added the event was rescheduled from the end of September, which may be the reason for vendors cancelling.
“We initially were supposed to be on the 31st 30th or last day of September, but because of scheduling conflicts we had to reschedule for the first of October,” he said.
Some students pointed to other challenges with event.
Zo Rahmanyar, president of the Anime United Club and a vendor at the event, said the DCSA was accommodating but should have allowed props or propped (fake) weapons as part of cosplay, something that was not allowed.
“They say we’re not allowed to have props or propped weapons, which I understand could be a hazard, but I feel like – especially with cosplay culture – a lot of people will bring their props,” he said. “I feel like having a little leeway for them to bring their props should be allowed.”
Law said DCSA may use a QR codes to collect feedback to improve the next CampusCon.