The Norcal Summer and Spring Gathering are two separate events that both take place once a year. These gatherings are opportunities for cosplayers and photographers to get some nice photo shoots in an environment that is more relaxing, easy going, with a more pleasing setting that otherwise would be possible during convention events such as FAnime. So on Saturday, August 15, Eric, Lynn, Lynn’s cousin Joe, Elbert, Elbert’s brother, and I all joined up with a bunch of other photographers and cosplayers at Kelley Park in the Arbor picnic area for a fun filled day of eating, mingling, and photographing; of course we were doing the latter mostly. I do want to take a moment to thank the organizers of this event: KittyKatChi, Shinobi Yukari, and OscarC. Without their hard-work and dedication, this event would not have been possible.

The selection of Kelley Park in San Jose was an excellent choice for venue. Those who were at this year’s Spring gathering will remember it was held at Hakone Gardens which was also a great choice. Kudos to Oscar for always choosing excellent venues. It has ample parking, vast lands with plenty of foliage, lots of picturesque settings, an old town setting, and a Japanese Tea Garden; couldn’t possible ask for more back-drops. The weather was nice and warm and fortunately there were plenty of areas with lots of shade so we can avoid being sunburned and/or sweating profusely.