How many people does it take to run a successful masquerade? Well, you have one coordinator, seven judges, one secretary, one stage ninja, one master of ceremonies, a pool of talented participants, and an audience. The sun was setting and the attendees were waiting for every cosplayer's favorite contact sport next to threadbending, masquerade.

Deb and I were working the green room. Deb was in charge of writing Kyle Hebert's, our benevolent MC, introduction dialogue for each skit. We had a total of 12 competitors, smaller than last year's show, but we still had a nice pool of talented cosplayers in both craft and stage presence. For the most part, everyone was ready to have fun on stage and perform in front of a crowd.

The judges took their seats to find themselves watching the pre-show entertainment. Basically, Nick Kurachi, Mikomi Con chair, was giving away free Inuyasha t-shirts to anyone from the person with the wackiest hairstyle to the shortest person in the room. It was a fun interactive way to keep them masquerade audience entertained before the show.

Masquerade started earlier than planned (6PM). Joel introduced the judges and introduced Mikomi Con's hometown hero, Kyle Hebert. I do not know about other conventions happening at the same time, but Kyle started his MC act with, "I'mma let you finish, but Mikomi Con is the best con!" (@ 3:00). Kyle "Kanye'd" the audience.

Masquerade comprised of 12 sketches followed by the traditional KameHameHa Contest. There was also a para para group and a band performance. During stalling, Kyle had to talk about the joys of yaoi. All of the masquerade sketches can be seen on the Scarlet Rhapsody Mikomi Con 2009 playlist.

While I cannot disclose about what happens behind closed doors, judging masquerade was a very interesting experience. It allowed me to appreciate what goes behind the scenes in creating what many cosplayers consider to be the fruit of the con (aside from Tamaki).

After the show, we were reunited with Jared and Stan at the gaming room. Stan talked about the joys of playing Rock Band with Shane and Connie. There were a few cosplayers hanging outside. Not much would happen until 9PM when the dance started. There was also a free fabric giveaway later in the evening. Our watches read 8:30PM and we all agreed that we were hungry.

We made a concious decision to go to the Red Robin's at the Northridge Mall. By car, it was a hop, skip, and a jump down Nordhoff and a right turn on Tampa. Last year, when part of the group went to Red Robin's, that's where we got word that we placed Best of Show. We were also going back and forth if we should return on Sunday. The only event seemed worthwhile checking out was Kyle Hebert's DragonBALD Evolution roast. Otherwise, it seemed like a dead dog Sunday. However, it was really nice ending the day with a scrumptous meal filled with Red Robin's special seasoning.

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