The Big Apple Anime Fest has announced the event's dates for the 2002 show; you can check out all the fun in Times Square from Friday, August 30th until Monday, September 2, 2002.

Over 10,000 anime fans are expected to participate in Times Square this year. BAAF and Anime Expo New York will be providing 35mm
film screenings, awards ceremonies, a business and academic symposium, an industry VIP dinner, and fan convention favorites such as video screening rooms, a huge vendor room, guest of honor autograph sessions, live talent panels, Cosplay on Broadway costume masquerade events, and much more.

Final details on Big Apple Anime Fest should be released sometime in June. BAAF will also be appearing at the Tokyo Anime Fair in Japan this February 15th to 17th. Of note is the fact that hundreds of Japanese cos-play fans are expected to appear this year at BAAF, to solidify their claim as the world's superior cos-players. In anticipation, BAAF will be hosting an online cosplay contest. Winners will be invited to compete in the national play-offs in Times Square, as part of the Cosplay on Broadway
events.

I'm sure the 300 lb Lina Inverses of the world will be giving the Japanese a run for their money.