Do you know what I like about NYAF? A lot of things, actually. Today, though, I want to talk specifically about community. The anime world is a thriving, talented community. Fans who come to NYAF aren't just passive attendees. Instead, through participation in contests, special events, and our online networks, they become active contributors making NYAF happen, and we relish every opportunity to involve this community and make them a part of the show.
Today, I've got one such opportunity. The NYAF 2009 Official Mascot Contest!
On April 15, NYAF’s mascot contest will go live on partner website theOtaku.com, with the winning art to be featured as NYAF's mascot throughout the show. Contest prizes include tickets to the New York Anime Festival and 50 -- yes, 50 -- manga from sponsor Del Rey Manga.
Between April 15 and April 29th, theOtaku.com, Del Rey Manga, and the New York Anime Festival welcome artists and anime fans from around America to think about what "Anime" and "New York City" mean to them and draw these thoughts into an original character. Ten finalists will be put on display at the New York Anime Festival booth at the Brooklyn Botanic Garden's Sakura Matsuri (May 2nd and 3rd), and Sakura Matsuri attendees will then vote for their favorite, with the character receiving the most votes crowned the New York Anime Festival's 2009 mascot.
The 2009 New York Anime Festival mascot will grace the convention's program guide and appear on signs throughout the event. Additionally the winner will be profiled in the New York Anime Festival's program guide beside their mascot, receive a copy of all of the New York Anime Festival's 2009 merchandise, and take home 10 weekend passes. Further, sponsor Del Rey Manga will be providing the winner an instant collection -- 50 volumes of manga. The contest's nine finalists will each receive one weekend pass to the New York Anime Festival and series starter packs from Del Rey containing the first volumes of Sayonara, Zetsubou-Sensei, Orange Planet, and Yokai Doctor.
To enter the contest and for official rules, please visit theOtaku.com on April 15. 
