For three days every summer, the citizens of Baltimore share the streets with an army of costumed nerds who flock to the city for Otakon. A festival of anime and Japanese nerd-culture where even the strangest costume can find a home. Otakon is a great convention with an excellent atmosphere and enough fun to cure any situation that ails you.

For the 17th year, Otakon’s attendance grew, this year reaching a new milestone. As of 10:30 a.m., the head of Otakon Registration announced an unofficial headcount of 28,044 members from picked up pre-registration and at-con registration. Usually, according to Otakon officials, the difference between the unofficial numbers and the official confirmed headcount is a couple hundred members. Official numbers will be released after all departments are accounted for.

Last weekend we had a stabbing at San Diego Comic-Con, and this weekend we have someone pulling the fire alarm at Otakon. Come on kids, can’t we learn to play nice when we gather together? Conventions are supposed to be fun you know? The first report on the Otakon fire alarm came around 2:30 p.m. EST. Otakon’s official Twitter account was pretty quick to respond, telling attendees at the convention center that everyone needed to get out so that the Fire Marshall could inspect the building.

Once upon a time, I was a Con, which is to say I went to conventions as an attendee. Then one day as a solution to lacking financial resources, I weaseled my way into volunteering at a convention, and I became a Pro. Now I’m still a Con at some shows, but I’ve learned that being a Pro is a lot more fun.

Award-winning fantasy author Peter S. Beagle will make his third appearance as a guest at Otakon 2010. Beagle, author of The Last Unicorn, is America’s greatest living fantasist and has millions of fans around the world. In addition, Beagle has also written many teleplays and screenplays, including the animated versions of The Lord of the Rings and The Last Unicorn, plus the fan-favorite “Sarek” episode of Star Trek: The Next Generation. His nonfiction book I See By My Outfit is considered a classic of American travel writing, and he is also a gifted poet, lyricist, and singer/songwriter.