Cosplay: You do not need to cosplay to join in the activities, though, if you DO decide to cosplay, don't come with a rose between your legs, saying your France. You get the point, nothing too flashy or revieling please, and if you wish to dress as someone from the 2010 April Fools day event, please wear a shirt. If not, we are not responsible if you are taken away by the policeses. (lol)
- Character items: Plastic weapons such as swords or lances are alright to bring, as long as the blade isnt real, and won't easily be mistaken for a weapon.
- GUNS, PLASTIC OR OTHERWISE ARE NOT ALLOWED. EVEN IF YOU HAVE A PLASTIC TIP, DO NOT BRING ANYTHING RESEMBLING A GUN.
Because we are in a park, please refrain from picking fights, being over loud or just plain being stupid. Its alright to talk about the event, just make sure not to pick fights with anyone in the park.
[This blog has been edited 9/17/11 because it seemed a little too strict
^ ^; ]
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Gestures: We don't care where you are from. Don't make any gang related gestures, as this puts fellow guests on edge. Just don't do it. If we see you making any gestures such as 'the bird' or "Sieg Heil" you will be given a warning and mark near your name. If you continue, you will be asked to leave without further notice. Cosplay included, we ask that you refrain from wearing any red nzi or communist armbands. Others at the park may not know about the show, and people don't take too kindly to such attire. If you have anything like this, you will be asked to leave.
Harrasment: Keep your hands to your self. Do not touch any fellow cosplayers unless you know them personally, or they are alright with it. It doesn't matter who you are cosplaying, or how in character it may seem to glomp or grope other members, just dont do it. Especially if they are underage. You will be asked to leave the event if we see you doing this, so keep that in mind.
Respect: Cosplaying is bound to draw attention. If someone askes what you are up to, politely inform them, don't be rude about it. We don't want anyone reporting us for the rude behaviours of a few people. On another note, we wouldn't like any cosplayers crowding the playground area. If there are children playing, let them play in peace, don't invade their space. Not many children know about cosplay, the cost or the practice - we wouldn't want anyone arguing with a child because they were rude or got your cosplay dirty.
Keep the park clean!: In order to be allowed to continue activities next year, please remember to clean up after yourself! We wouldnt want the park staff to have to clean up our mess, so if you see trash on the ground, please pick it up and throw it away, even if its not yours. It is important to clean up after yourself, and littering is against the law. You may be asked to leave if someone sees you litter and you refuse to pick it up. YOU HAVE BEEN WARNED.
Parents and Non-Fandom Individuals: Hetalia has fans of all ages, so we're fairly certain some of our younger fans will join us for the day. We have quite a few high school aged friends and acquaintances due to the nature of anime and cosplay, and we know that their parents are VERY concerned about safety at events. There is also a high likelihood that "normal people" will ask us what we're up to. Rather than being rude to them, here are a few suggestions for attendees that easily soothe the worried parental unit and spark the interest of the average Joe.
1. Encourage your parents to come along! - Even in other fandoms, we love it when the parent of a fan seems interested. Heritage is a really good conversation starter for older fans, so if you're well-informed of your family tree, definitely play that up!
2. Have a positive attitude! - Smiles go for miles, so if a little kid says something to you, smile. If people cheer and wave and holler because they like your gigantic Spanish flag, smile and wave back. If someone asks what kind of party we're throwing, tell them we're celebrating World Peace! After all, when the whole world comes together for something as amazing as Hetalia Day, there's no way you can get away with being sad for too long.
3. Have fun! - This is the most important guideline of all. We're here to have fun, and if you're not having fun people will notice. Have a good time, make new friends and talk about the fandom. We're all friends here. <3 (Copy and pasted from http://www.cosplay.com/showthread.php?t=213023)
The Pocky game:
Okay, so alot of Hetalia and other fans enjoy playing the pocky game. If you MUST play this, do so with someone you are familiar with ONLY. Don't go asking random cosplayers to play with you. Also, for safety reasons, only do so with someone in your SAME age group. We don't want to see 30 year old France cosplayer pocky-gaming a 15 year old Latvia cosplayer. JUST DONT!
Photos: Near the end of the Hetalia day events, we will gather together for a group photo to take and post to the official 2011 website, and youtube. If you have a flag, feel free to hold it up during the group photo, and if you would rather have your identity concealed, feel free to hide your face. You do not HAVE to take a group photo if you dont want to.
Taking pictures: Some people may not want to have their picture taken, so always make sure to ASK before you do so.
People attending the event, or people out in the park MAY ask for your photo. If you don't want your picture taken, say so NICELY, be polite, but make sure your point gets across that you don't want to be photographed.
If you DO allow someone to take your picture, we are not responsble for anything that may happen.
HOWEVER: If you take someone's photo without their consent, and they report it, we will treat that as harrasment, and ask you to leave the event.
FLAGS: I CAN NOT STRESS THIS ENOUGH - TREAT YOUR FLAG WITH RESPECT! As this is Hetalia, it is alright to bring a flag- however - if you are unable to hold up your flag without letting it drag, you will be asked to return it to your vehicle or told to fold it neatly and place it in a carrier.
Flags are symbols of patriotism, and representations of a specific culture, nation, or group. If you choose to hold your own flag, make sure it doesn't drag, isn't scuffed or dirtied, and is folded and put somewhere safe when you are done holding it. DO NOT use your flag as a placemat or picnic blanket. Other people at the park may not approve, and it is disrespectful to a nation.
