AnimeIowa facts for kids

Quick facts for kids Anime Iowa
AnimeIowa's mascot, Buu-Chan
Status	Active
Venue	Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center
Location(s)	Coralville, Iowa
Country	United States
Inaugurated	1997
Attendance	3,000
Organized by	Mindbridge Foundation
Website	http://www.animeiowa.com

AnimeIowa is a super fun, three-day event held every July in Coralville, Iowa. It's a big gathering for fans of anime (Japanese animation) and manga (Japanese comics). The event takes place at the Coralville Marriott Hotel & Conference Center.

What's really cool is that AnimeIowa is put on by volunteers! A non-profit group called the Mindbridge Foundation organizes everything.

What Happens at AnimeIowa?

AnimeIowa is packed with exciting activities for everyone who loves anime and manga. You'll find lots to do, from creative contests to special shops.

Fun Activities to Explore

• Artist Alley: This is where talented artists show off and sell their amazing artwork. You can find unique drawings, prints, and crafts.
• Cosplay Contests: Many attendees dress up as their favorite anime or video game characters. These contests let cosplayers show off their incredible costumes and acting skills.
• Dealers Room: Here, you can buy all sorts of cool merchandise. Think action figures, manga, DVDs, and other collectibles.
• Maid Café: This is a special themed café where servers dress up in cute maid or butler outfits. It's a fun place to relax and grab a snack.
• Masquerade: Similar to cosplay contests, the masquerade is a big stage show. Participants perform skits and show off their costumes.
• Gaming Zones: You can play all kinds of games, from classic board games to the latest video games. There are often tournaments too!
• Video Rooms: These rooms play anime movies and TV shows throughout the convention. It's a great spot to discover new series or rewatch old favorites.

In 2011, the Maid Café helped raise money for a charity called We Heart Japan. This charity supported victims of a big earthquake and tsunami in Japan. In 2014, AnimeIowa also held a fundraiser to help Swisher's Miracles in Motion.

AnimeIowa's Journey Through Time

AnimeIowa started a long time ago, in 1997. It has grown a lot since then, becoming a popular event for anime fans in the Midwest.

How it All Began

The very first AnimeIowa in 1997 was organized by a group called SFLIS Wing of Anime and Manga People (SWAMP). It was a smaller event back then, but it set the stage for what it is today.

Memorable Moments

In 2008, there were some small issues during the masquerade show. Also, because of a big flood in Iowa that year, some hotel rooms for attendees had to be moved.

In 2011, the convention happened at the same time as RAGBRAI. This is a huge bicycle ride across Iowa. In 2015, both events used the Iowa River Landing area.

Sadly, AnimeIowa 2020 had to be cancelled because of the COVID-19 pandemic. But the organizers quickly set up a virtual event online instead, so fans could still connect!

Past Events and Guests

Here's a look at some of AnimeIowa's past events, showing where they were held and some of the special guests who attended. Guests are often voice actors, artists, or creators from the anime world.