BoilerCon 2021: Anime, Board Games, and Cosplay Take Over Purdue Campus
The annual BoilerCon at Purdue University drew in fans of anime, board games, and cosplay for a weekend of fun and excitement. Hosted by the Purdue Student Memorial Union Board, the convention featured a variety of activities including vendors, club booths, escape rooms, cosplay competitions, and gaming.
Attendees were seen exploring the Purdue Memorial Union and parts of the Stewart Center, participating in different events spread across multiple floors. Themed escape rooms like “Five Nights at Freddy’s” and “Scooby-Doo” were set up in classrooms in the Stewart Center, adding to the immersive experience.
Rachel Bellah, director of entertainment for PSUB, highlighted the importance of hosting events like BoilerCon for the campus community. She mentioned that they wanted to provide a free and accessible experience for fans who may not be able to attend larger conventions due to cost constraints.
Although guest speaker Grey DeLisle had to cancel, the convention was still bustling with activity. Vendors, artists, and club booths filled the South Ballroom, offering a wide range of products and services. One vendor, Jaedyn Dordel, shared her positive experience at BoilerCon, expressing her love for the Purdue community and the warm reception she received.
The Furdue booth, representing the furry club at Purdue, showcased their artistic expression and pro-LGBT artistry. Members, including club president Alex Sinelli and Andres Uzcategui in his fursuit, promoted their events and engaged with attendees.
Outside the ballroom, the board games club displayed a fraction of their collection, while attendees enjoyed playing “Super Smash Bros.” on computers. Cosplayers roamed the convention, dressed as their favorite fictional characters, adding to the vibrant atmosphere.
Overall, BoilerCon provided a platform for fans to come together, share their interests, and celebrate their love for anime, board games, and cosplay. The sense of community and camaraderie was evident throughout the event, with attendees expressing their excitement and enjoyment of the convention.