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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 59 Masquerade Results


Young Fan

  • Sunny the Axolotl Wizard – Most Magical

  • Handsome Jack – Most Energetic

  • Best in Class Workmanship – Sunny the Axolotl Wizard


Novice – Presentation

  • Keeper of the Stories – Best in Class

  • Lady Maria of the Astral Clock Tower – Most Deadly

  • Regency Dandy Magneto – Diamond of the Season

  • Warrier Cats – Best Cat Toy

  • Space Cowboy – Most Dazzling

  • Lethal Undercover Jedi – Honorable Mention


Novice – Workmanship

  • Keeper of the Stories – Best Original Character

  • Regency Dandy Magneto – Most Sustainable Cosplay

  • Mythril Arts Judge’s Award – Warrior Cats: Into the Wild Personified

  • Best in Class – Lady Maria of the Astral Clock Tower


Journeyman – Presentation

  • Brother Philostogen – Most Impressive

  • Hawk Eye not the Hawk Guy – Best Presentation

  • In Memory of Black Suffragettes – Best in Class


Journeyman - Workmanship

  • Jinafiire Judge’s Award – Brother Philostogen

  • Masquerade Kate Bishop Hawkeye – Most Elegant


Master -Presentation

  • Princess Mirabel, I give you wings – Most Original Interpretation

  • Patchwork Peacock – Best in Class


Master – Workmanship

  • In Memory of Black Suffragettes – Best in Class

  • Best in Show – Presentation Zuko

  • Best in Show – Workmanship Patchwork Peacock


Masquerade Rules and Guidelines


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