Cosplay event - I NEED HELP D:

[Sabaku No Akaiame]

Title says the essentials. I'm organizing a cosplay event and I need help D:

Basically, Imma organize a cosplay pincic, where there'll be games, activities, photoshoots, and prizes.

First of all, I don't think any of you have done this before, but do you think you have any advice to give me? If you've ever supervised an event, or even staffed or volunteered in one, anything will do. This is my first time doing something big like this, so I need all the advice I can get ):

So the event will take place in March/April 2011. The date is still undecided, but I'm gonna wait for the snow to melt and the weather to calm down a bit. Last thing I'd want is rain. I mean, we're gonna be outside in a public park, so we can't have any rain, now can we?

Anyways, my organizator comitee and I are gonna get together in October to discuss this, but until then, I want to give them something presentable. I'd like it if you guys helped me through this ):

So basically, I have a couple of ideas for activities and mini-games already. There's gonna be a small masquerade, too, for sure, to show off cosplays. The best ones will win something. There'll be a drawing competition, and some general trivia.

But I need more. We won't get anywhere with just about 4-5 activities.

So please, if you would know of ANY games that I could set up, or ANY activity I could add to the schedule, tell me D: The games have to be easy to play, and anime related, though not single-anime-centric, because not everyone watches the same animes.

Also, I need ideas for prizes that don't cost a lot. I'm 15, and I can't work yet, so my budget is about 20$ xD Please help me find prizes that everyone could enjoy, and that don't cost a lot. I've thought of Pocky Assortment Packs, but it sounds a little dull and will be given to the runner-ups only. What about first and second prize, for, say, the cosplay contest?

And a name for my event. Can't have a nameless event, now can we? (:

And so, yeah. I humbly request help for this crusade I'm embarking on, so this thread will be given to brainstorming. ANYTHING WILL DO, REALLY.[/size] An incomplete idea for a minigame, a vague idea for a prize, a date and time, ANYTHING.

Also, does anyone know a good, popular site on which I can set up a forum for my event? Thanks, I really appreciate even the time you give to read this~

~Sabaku no Akaiame

[2gamers]

Hmm...I always thought it would be funny if cosplayers played Twister. That, and a crazy sword fight.

I hope $20 is just for prizes; you need to think about food too. Anywho, I like giftcards, but that's just me.

You may want to consider a secondary location, in case of inclement weather.

That's all I got right now.

[Moonlight]

Hehe, you had the same thought I did, 2gamers. Twister in costumes would be hilarious. And if you had DiamondGirl there to orchestrate said Twister matches, you'd remember them for years to come. (And that is a promise. I can testify to that. Ask anyone that has been in a Twister match against me, with her calling the shots. *Grin.*)

As for the prizes ... I'm not sure what you can manage with a $20 budget ...

However, you may be able to use a local Recreation Center for a backup location just in case of bad weather. Also, have you considered art as a prize? I know it may not be much to some people, but its the thought that counts. ^_^

[Sabaku No Akaiame]

Guys, that's AMAZING O: Cosplay TWISTER, THAT'S PURE GENIUS! Thank you so much~

As for th ebudget, I established a system that requires all the members to cooperate. They each ask 25 cents from every person they know, and then we all bring everything together and trade the cents in for bills. We'll have lots of money in no time and we won't even have to spend a lot for the prizes.

Soo... say 40$? Would that be enough? ): I mean, prizes usually cost 7-10$, if we want something small "

I can't draw to save my life, much less colour, so art is kinda... meh xD

Also, 2G, I don't need a budget for food because I'm not allowed to sell food without a permit, and I'm not ready to go through all the legal procedures to get one just for this event. I'll just ask everyone to bring hteir own lunch, and it'll be a picnic.

As for the backup location, there is a relatively small building in the middle of the park where we could take cover if it rains, but it'll be a pain to pack everything up and go inside "

But yeah, once again, thanks guys, those are some amazing ideas O: I hope I don't sound rude, but keep 'em coming xD

[Diamond]

Cosplay dance off? Where everyone must dance as who they're cosplaying would? Or if there character doesn't dance, stand there stubbornly? Best actor wins?

[Sabaku No Akaiame]

hahaha good idea ^^ Cosplay dance-off, added to the list~ Thanks, DLG! ^^

[2gamers]

Need another event? Two words Flash Mob. Totally wierd people out when a bunch of costumed characters suddenly appear and break out into a coordinated dance/fight/freeze in place.

[Sabaku No Akaiame]

that's a pretty good idea O: Thanks~ random Caramell FTW! ^^

[Admiral Titus]

You can get a copy of Battletoads for like... $10

It would be an epic prize to get