I'm not sure if my Cosplay Prop is acceptable.

Cosplay Props

In all cases, final decisions on what constitutes an inappropriate prop belongs to the Zenkaikon Staff and the Lancaster County Convention Center. If your prop is deemed inappropriate or dangerous to others, you will be asked to remove it to your car, room, or somewhere else outside the convention.

Please use common sense when bringing prop weaponry to Zenkaikon. If you would not carry your item in public, in plain sight, then you should not have it at the convention.

• All prop weapons must be easily identified as being replicas.
• All props must be inspected and approved by a Zenkaikon staff member at a designated prop check location.
• The maximum prop size is six feet (6’) in any direction.
• Misuse of your prop, by swinging it or endangering others with it, will result in Zenkaikon staff asking you to remove the prop from the convention space.

Weapons Policy

• Weapons, which include swords, daggers, or paddles that have been purchased in the Dealer’s room, must remain boxed and immediately removed to your car, room, or other private quarters. Zenkaikon does not store members’ items.

Types of Weapons or Props NOT Allowed

• Any weapon that can shoot a projectile or has moving parts will not be permitted. Prohibited examples include, but are not limited to: Water guns/pistols/rifles/blasters, BB/Pellet guns, Crossbows, dart guns, or blow guns.
• Live steel: Live steel is defined as any object made of metal that is capable of taking an edge, whether or not the object is actually sharp, and whether or not the object is sheathed.
• Nunchaku
• Explosives or chemicals of any kind
• Handcuffs
• Airsoft guns
• Paddles

Props, resin casts, and toys simulating the appearance of firearms will be allowed only if they:

• Are easily identifiable as toys or props
• Have no moving parts
• Are marked with a non-removable orange tip
• Are checked by staff at one of Zenkaikon’s prop check locations

Types of Weapons and Props Allowed

• Wooden swords including boken, bo sticks, and shinai.
• Anything made of paper mache or other material that is not dangerous to others (e.g. has no sharp edges, or parts sticking out that might trip people as they walk by).
• Any metal chains less than three feet (3’). This includes, but is not limited to, chain wallets or chains on non-costume clothing. While you can have chains, you cannot hold the chain like a leash and lead others around the convention.
• Bows will ONLY be permitted if they are not strung with any tension.

If you have read through and still have questions, then you can reach out to our Cosplay Department Head with images of the proposed prop to review.