Even though we were exhausted from covering conventions the last two weekends, we couldn’t pass up the chance to attend the Grand Brony Gala. The term “brony” arose when My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic series started attracting the unusual demographic of males from 18 to 35, definitely outside of the expected demographic of little girls.
I hadn’t paid much attention to My Little Pony since I was a little girl myself, but I’m always down to check out a nerd subculture, especially if costuming is involved, and the costuming was fantastic. The cosplay ranged from full mascot-style costumes to street clothes accessorized with pony ears, wings and tails.
Central Florida J-Pop band S. S. Hanami signed posters for fans before performing Saturday night.
There were plushies and figures as far as the eye could see, both licensed releases and also customs like Harley Quinn and Link ponies.
Saturday night ended with The Grand Galloping Gala, a formal event with a mystery dinner theater.
Even though this was just the second year for the event, it was put together nicely and offered something to keep attendees entertained all day long. Plus, the fact that it’s a fundraiser for All Children's Hospital is enough to make everypony feel a little more magical.