Editor’s Note: The following was submitted to The Renton Reporter by a staff writer for The Arrow, Renton High School’s school newspaper.
By Emma Austin (RHS Arrow staff writer)
Anglicon 2017, The Day of the Doctors, is a British media convention that took place over the weekend of Dec. 8-10 in Seattle.
This was an event where individuals gathered to celebrate the Doctors and experience interactive festivities. This year’s guest list included Peter Davison, the fifth Doctor, and Sylvester McCoy, the seventh Doctor.
From Q&A’s to dance nights to craft rooms, Anglicon appealed to every age group. Fans were able to scope out unique souvenirs in the dealers’ room, as well as purchase anything from books and jewelry to handmade weapons and herbal teas.
Con events are about connecting with people. It is not always the topic of the event that entices the attendees, but often it is the contests and activities that allow fans to have intellectual and personal conversations.
This event could not have been executed without volunteers from community members to local students, including many students from Renton High School.
“It has been complicated, but it has also been rewarding to see everyone,” said Rhianna Bennett, director of operations.
Eddy Peng, a volunteer from Renton High School, shared a similar experience.
“I enjoyed meeting all of the fans that went to the convention,” Peng said.
Not only were the scheduled events well thought out and put together, but the creative, unique costumes and cosplays the fans came up with were mind blowing.
For example, the cat cosplay display where an owner brought out his feline friend dressed as one of the Doctors from the show was a popular attracti with the public. The cat even had its own display and greeting table. Attendees were also able to take selfies with the cat doctor, as the owner gave the kitty treats and enticed him to look up. This allowed fans to meet the cat and talk with the owner about the cosplay, all the while learning a thing or two about the show.
Seeing the massive smiles on the faces of kids and adults alike was spectacular. Tristan Ryng, one of the volunteers, agreed.
“My favorite part of Anglicon is seeing people smiling, you don’t usually get to see people happy like this,” Ryng said.
The craft room was another way attendees had the chance to meet and connect with one another. One of the activities included making Frankenstuffies. People cut up stuffed animals and reattached their limbs, creating a new and improved toy. This gave fans the opportunity to be creative and resourceful, while also creating something unique they could keep.
Events like these are important; it gives people with the same interests a chance to connect and reach out with one another. It also gives people the chance to dress up and portray any characters they want, be creative and, just maybe, make a new friend or two.
