The Emerald City Costume Contest makes its return in 2008. It is open to all convention attendees of all ages and will feature celebrity judges Jarrett "The Defuser" Crippen, Trisha "Ms. Limelight" Paytas and Nell "Fat Momma" Wilson.

Categories for 2008 include:

Rising Star (contestants 13 years of age or younger)
Comic Book (best comic book character)
Media (TV/Video Game/Movie, etc...)
Best in Show (the name says it all)

and more. Please download and fill out the Costume Contest Release (Word Document) in advance!

Costume Contest Rules:

1. Never surprise the Masquerade Director. No jumping off or throwing things off the stage. If you would like to toss something at the judges or into the audience, the Director must approve it first.
2. No rented costumes. Commercial or purchased costumes must show significant modification from the original form. Credit must be given for all makeup and costume construction.
3. No live microphones are provided for contestants and no pyrotechnics, fog machines, or other such devices are allowed.
4. No live firearms, no live explosions or fire. Handle realistic-looking firearms with care. Any weapons play must be approved by the Masquerade Director.
5. The costume contest is PG-13. Lack of costume is not a costume.
6. No messy substances - wet, dry, or oily - that might ruin another's costume or make the stage dangerous are permitted.
7. There is a one minute time limit on all presentations. Large groups may request more time.
8. No flash photography of contestant(s) on stage. Only personal cameras are allowed.
9. All contestants must sign the liability release.
10. Last but not least, the Masquerade Director has the final say.

We look forward to seeing you at the show! There will be a staging area next to the panel room, please look for signage and arrive at least 20 minutes prior to the costume contest.