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Calgary Herald

‘Energy is electric': A mashup of cosplayers and celebrities in Parade of Wonders

Article content 'We'll see a picture and we'll really like it,' Schnurr said. 'And we'll say we gotta build that.' Article content The costumes are often such a hit that it can be difficult for the duo to walk through the building without getting requests from passersby for photos. Article content Article content 'In the past, it would take us a half hour,' Carl said. Hurdles aside, it has become a tradition for father and daughter. Article content 'We're the type of people who like attention,' Mackenzie said. 'So getting to wear the big costumes is fun.' Article content Meaghan Macallum and her partner Talon MacPhail met while playing The Legend of Zelda. 'We grew up playing Zelda,' Macallum said. 'We had that in common. So this was a no-brainer.' Article content Macallum was decked out in a hand-crocheted full-length Zelda dress, which she said took her two years to make. 'I was thinking about buying my own costume, but if I want a really nice (one), it would cost a lot,' she said. Article content Article content 'This cost me a lot of time but I was willing to put in the effort for it and I'm really happy with how it turned out.' Article content MacPhail — dressed as Link, Zelda's love-interest — said he bought most of his outfit, but 3D-printed his sword and painted over his shield. Article content Article content This is the couple's first time visiting the parade, but Macallum said she has already begun brainstorming ideas for costumes to wear next year. 'I'm into an anime called Violet Evergarden,' she said. 'I was thinking one day, maybe I could try that.' Article content Andrew Moyes, vice-president of the Fan Expo, said the success would not be without the expo's partnerships with the city, Stampede, the police and the community. Article content Andrew Moyes, vice-president of the Fan Expo, credits the city, Stampede, Calgary police and the community for the parade's success. Article content Article content 'It's a great reflection of what this community of fandom is all about,' Moyes said. 'The energy is just electric.' Article content His own conversations with fans come down to finding a 'sense of belonging,' he said. 'Feeling that sense of inclusion, discovering new fandoms, celebrating the ones we love.'