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Marty Gear Memorial Masquerade

Balticon’s Cosplay Contest, the Marty Gear Memorial Masquerade, is the opportunity for fans to present their science fiction- and fantasy-related costumes to delight our audience. While some costumers may simply model their costumes on stage, most entries present dramatic or comedic skits. A team of judges reward costume design and workmanship to encourage our costumers’ efforts.

Cosplay, or the practice of dressing up as a character from a movie, book, or video game, is a strong component of Balticon. Many attendees choose to wander around the con dressed as their favorite character. Anonymous judges will award Hall Costume Contest ribbons throughout the weekend. The costuming highlight of the weekend is the Masquerade held on Saturday evening. Balticon offers hours of costuming panels, workshops, and presentations. We try to schedule the majority before the Masquerade so that novices can pick up last minute coaching, if desired.

Marty Gear Memorial Masquerade

The Marty Gear Memorial Masquerade

The Marty Gear Memorial Masquerade will be held in the Main Ballroom. Individual and group contestants take the stage for a short presentation showcasing their costumes. Children will get to show off their favorite characters before the adults strut their stuff. Our team of expert judges award points in several categories, including creativity, craftsmanship, and presentation. Winners are announced at the end of the evening. The goal of the Masquerade is to give our costumers a chance to share their talent and put on a good show for the enjoyment of all. Everyone is invited to enjoy the display of creativity and artistry that will be on stage.




Balticon 60 Masquerade Results


Young Fan

  • Most Energetic: Jacks of the Amazing Digital Circus - Arwen

  • Best Routine: SDX: Mission Star - Hayden Welsher

  • Best Fan Pop: Avatar Kyoshi - Annaliese Dinstad

  • Best Characterization: Wednesday - Samantha Olszowka




Novice – Presentation

  • Third Place: Kiko the Kitsune - Liore Sipple

  • Second Place: Lara Raith - Jessika Rovell

  • First Place: Zade Meadows from Haunting Adeline - Noir Bryant


Novice – Workmanship

  • Spirit of Con Crunch Award: In Space the Moon is Always Full - Joshua Stern

  • Best in Class: Kiko the Kitsune - Liora Sipple

  • Judge’s Award, Most Improved: Thal Soldier from Genesis of the Daleks - Alexander George Arthur Meranski




Journeyman – Presentation

  • Second Place: The Countess of Orinoco Goes Fishing- Rachel McClelland

  • First Place: Steampunk Librarian -Melissa Joslin


Journeyman - Workmanship

  • Best Documentation: Jaskier - Jennifer Frederick

  • Best in Class: Amethyst the Dragon Warrior - Elyzabeth Morgan




Master -Presentation

  • Third Place: A Ball with the Fae - Misha Bushyager

  • Second Place: To the Stars - Evelyn Lewis

  • First Place: Danny Phantom - Tori Suggs


Master – Workmanship

  • Fantastic Rigging and Detail Work: Captain Zeon Bones - Joe Delmanico

  • Incredible Crochet Design: Princess Beatrice, Darling of Balticon 60 - Rachel Ahrens

  • Beautiful Book Interpretation: To the Stars - Evelyn Lewis

  • Cleanest Beading Award: Black Halo - Lisa Ashton

  • Best in Class: A Ball with the Fae - Misha Bushyager




Best in Show

  • Workmanship: The Countess of Orinoco Goes Fishing - Liz McClelland

  • Presentation: Jaskier - Jennifer Frederick




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