StarFest 2014 - Shae's Recap

StarFest kicked off this year a bit early for me. Despite having to work Thursday May 1st, Mattie and I packed up and checked into the Marriott! This year was different right from the start. We stayed up to finish a banner for out balcony, hung it, and then kicked back to relax a bit with some amazing friends. 

Friday we got up bright and early and hit MediaFest! I've only been one other time a few years ago, and I have to say, this thing was awesome. There were a decent amount of people and some pretty fun games to be played. Star Wars trivia was, of course, the most fun to watch! It was a lot harder than I thought! Trying to answer questions before the contestants did, only to find out I was wrong, was a bit sad, but it happens! The important thing is, everyone had a good fun time. They brought in donuts, and for the first time, I got to eat a Voodoo Donut. I've never had them before, and they were utterly astounding. I need to find more of those. The rest of the day was taken easy. I might have to admit to some naps, but as soon as that was over, we hit the con full force! Artist's Alley and ComicFest. Here, John found some wonderful things he's been looking for, and I made a new friend! After that, it was time to hit the Dealer's room just before a fun, random, meet up for Dinner! If you live in Colorado, if you have access to the Denver Marriott Tech Center, then you should try Garcia's. It's the most delicious food I've ever had. We ended up eating there twice this weekend…in a row…and I'm not even sorry. I won't ever steer you wrong with food. I managed to buy myself a Phaser and a Tricorder! I have no regrets.

Saturday, my sister decided to join us and it was time for some serious cosplaying. Mattie, Jadyn, and myself, got into our Star Fleet dresses. Of course we covered all three colors, and boy did we look amazing! I let Jadyn borrow my Phaser and I grabbed a Tribble my friend Kendra made me, and we explored all that StarFest had to offer. Byt the end of the day, I bought an Iron Man comic, a Winter Soldier shirt, and might have had just a little too much fun with the Tribble. Later, we made it to the costume contest and I've never been so amazed at the costume entries. The kids, especially, were my favorite. I love cosplay, but I especially love seeing kids in cosplay! It's something that only happened on Halloween when I was growing up. But, here, at cons? It's something that happens all the time and I love every minute of it. The little Nightwing was my favorite! I'm totally not biased...

Sunday brought some sad feels. Unfortunately, the con was coming to a close. We all gathered for one last lunch, made another pass in the dealers room, and we went with Mattie to get her autograph by Nichelle Nichols. That was a moment I will never forget. The guests were all amazing and nice. The atmosphere of the con was that of what I love most about conventions. There's a laid back, familial, feel about being at StarFest. This year was no exception. The crowds came in waves, but everyone had an amazing time. 

My favorite moments were those spent with friends in the environment we love most. With an Atrium view room, we stood on the balcony and danced as we watched the Federation Ball down below. Good people, amazing events, and wonderful guests. StarFest is everything a con should be and more. 

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