At BronyCan...

Last weekend, I was at BronyCan in Richmond, Greater Vancouver Regional District, British Columbia. I came in not knowing what to expect, but the convention blew me away, and I even daresay that I had fun.

(Fun?) (Fun!) (Fun) (Fun?) (Fun!) <-- Can't believe con-goers spontaneously decided to make this a thing

The organizers claimed an attendence of 820, but I doubt it. If I were to guess, it felt like maybe 450 or 500 in total, but then, they have the numbers, and I don't. Perhaps, people register then don't show up, in the typical Vancouver spirit.

As somebody said in the feedback, everything was late. Everything Was Late. Everything. Was. Late. I'm inclined to agree; there's the usual laid-back Vancouver, and then there's this, or what they called "Jay time". So all of the major events started late, including the opening ceremonies.

I couldn't believe the energy present in the opening ceremonies, and can't believe in particular one Pinkie Pie whose energy and enthusiasm were as boundless as the true Pinkie Pie. What is she on? How does she do it? How do her parents keep her under control? The world may never know, but thanks for making me smile!

During the fanfiction panel, I got to look at an listen to some amazing authors: Soundslikeponies, Gary_oak, and Horse Voice. Great people, great panel. What else could I expect?

The concert was nice, although the volume in the beginning was painful. The crowd was really small; maybe 100 or so people on or near the dance floor. So I hopped like a diseased ferret along with other Bronies. I have to give it to the Shining Armour mountie and the Luna cosplayers, they can really dance. Like, straight out of a choreographed movie. And (from what I could tell) they didn't know each other before the con. Kudos to you two, if you ever see this!

The next morning, I found out that we had CBC news coverage, neutral to positive in stance. I actually laughed at a quote someone interviewed gave; although I don't know what the exact words were, they were something like this: "Before I discovered MLP, I always thought to myself, 'What am I doing with my life?' Now, my heart and spirit are calmer and content." I don't know about you guys, but watching MLP made me question even more what I'm doing with my life -- although I love every single moment of it.

The vendor's hall was unexpectedly small, but well attended. I dropped way more loonies than I should have there, but I consider it well spent. I'd like to give a special mention to Madame Pinkie's Fortunes by Pixel Prism. Those are amazing, and I have the one I bought tucked in my wallet where a normal person's picture of their kid would go. Already, it's been a source of inspiration. Thank you, Pixel. (by the way, anyone know where I can get more of them?)

Also, the musician's table was awesome.

I liked how, as noted during the feedback panel, the special guests were more involved with events of their own than just sitting in panels. They had a great sense of humour, some of it probably scripted, but the bulk of it not. Shame that there was a really, really long lineup at all times for autographs, lest I'd have gotten one.

Next time, though, I want to see some writers at the con.

I witnessed random acts of kindness, in the true Brony spirit, and had some done unto me. So, near the end, I was inspired to contribute with an act of my own. I had a $5 gift certificate lying around, so I decided to give it to a random somepony. Kindness is contagious, guys. Never forget.

So, all in all, I had a great time at BronyCan. Hope to see you all there next year!

--Bulbasaur