RALEIGH, N.C. (WTVD) — Thousands of people dressed in colorful costumes gathered in downtown Raleigh to take part in the seventh annual GalaxyCon at the Convention Center.
Only at Galaxy Con can you hear Ariel serenaded, watch her reunite with Prince Eric, and meet Princess Tiana, all in the same afternoon.
“This is why we do what we do, because we want to do work that touches someone’s heart, that inspires someone,” said Anika Noni Rose, the voice of Tiana.
These celebrities say GalaxyCon in Raleigh has always been one of their favorites.
“There are so many people here, it’s a diverse group, it’s just a really wonderful experience and a great vibe with everybody,” said Christopher Daniel Barnes, the voice of Prince Eric in “The Little Mermaid.”
Also see: GalaxyCon kicks off at Raleigh Convention Center
“My character, Ariel, is an incredible character and I love her. She has influenced four or five generations so I’m really grateful,” said Jodi Benson, the voice of Ariel in “The Little Mermaid.”
It was also a chance to interact with the fans who packed the venue and support local businesses like Emily Foster.
Foster is the founder of AlpacaSews, a boutique stuffed animal brand based in Raleigh.
A graduate of North Carolina State University, she took a risk by leaving a career as a meteorologist to do what she loved.
“It was a bit tough to convince my parents that I was going to make stuffed toys for a living rather than go into science,” she said.
Her business took off on Instagram and is now her full-time job, and GalaxyCon is one of the biggest events where she can sell her work in person and meet her online followers.
“A lot of people who come into the booth say, ‘I didn’t know you were here. I’m so excited to actually meet you and see your work in person,'” she said.
This is one of the reasons GalaxyCon has grown over the past seven years, and with downtown Raleigh experiencing new expansion, the founders decided to renew their contract until 2031.
“We said, if you’re supporting us and investing in building the facility and the city, we’ll invest in the city,” President Mike Broder said.
I want to continue to be a part of this world for a long time to come.
Broder said last year GalaxyCon brought in $8.5 million in revenue for Raleigh, and he hopes to beat that record after this weekend.
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