It was a relief to see that the con was still small enough that they were able to continue the "Cosplay in the Round" tradition.

While this type format can make it difficult to get good photos (sometimes the contestants face the judges and sometimes they face the audience), it is a rare treat that everyone, and I mean everyone, gets a good seat. It also gives the contestants an opportunity to really play to the audience, something that is just not possible with a stage presentation.

About 6:30 PM, the cosplayers start showing up in preparation for the contest. Unfortunately, due to technical troubles, the Anime Music Video presentation that took place after the Select Start concert ran over, so the contest started about an hour late.

Josh and his friends showed up right before the delayed contest started, but were still able to get good seats. Select Start took their place on stage and would provide the judging for the contest.

One last photo from Maboroshi of Rising Sun fame and we were finally ready to start.