Anime enthusiasts from around state gather this weekend for Nagu Con

July 26--Anime enthusiasts from around Montana have arrived at Helena'sRed Lion Colonial Hotel for the fourth annual Nagu Con, which started Thursday and will continue through Sunday.

Nagu Con is Montana's only anime-based convention, Rachal Flewellen, the convention's chairperson, said. It features events such as a ninja tournament, cosplay contest and ramen-eating contest.

Normally, the conference receives a boost of about 20 new participants each year, but this year's attendance is soaring past previous numbers.

"It basically quadrupled in one year," Flewellen said.

About 100 people were there on Friday, but Flewellen said that most people's favorite events will take place today.

Madelyne Dawson, 14, came from Billings to attend the conference.

"It's really just fun to mess around with your friends and not worry about being judged because you're so much different from the 'normal people,'" Dawson said.

Dawson came to the conference dressed as Madokakaname, a character from the anime show "Madomagica," but she said she normally doesn't display her interests too much for the fear of being bullied.

Jayden Glassco, a 17-year-old from Helena, is attending the conference to support her friend Dawson.

"We're just going to hang out and go to whatever looks fun at the time," Glassco said.

There will be an auction tonight with all proceeds going to the Alex Foundation. The foundation was started by a local family whose son has autism, and it helps families pay medical bills that aren't covered by insurance.

"This is our first year partnering with them, and we're really excited to work with someone local," Flewellen said.

Many of the people involved know someone who has autism, so it is a natural cause to donate money to, Flewellen said.

The attendance cost for adults is $35 for the whole conference or $15 a day.

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