This weekend between 100 and 300 fans of anime, also known as Japanese animation, will attend a convention, called Anime-zap!, at the Hampton Inn, 11 Winners Way, East Peoria.

The convention, organized by a larger convention group "QC Anime-zing!" from Bettendorf, Iowa, was founded after the area's annual Pokettokon anime convention was canceled earlier this week.

"We don't like to see fans dissapointed," said Ryan Kopf, organizer of QC Anime-zing! "We managed to pull some strings and put together an instant anime convention to give the fans a fun weekend."

Pokettokon historically brought a couple hundred attendees to the Illinois Central College Technology Center. Fans would dress up in costumes like characters from TV series and movies, participate in panels and workshops, and watch hard-to-find anime shows.

When Pokettokon announced its cancellation, the staff of QC Anime-zing! started working on a replacement, an "insta-con." Within hours, more than 50 attendees registered on the new event's Web site.

Anime-zap! will feature videogaming, showings of anime titles, and panel discussions. Many attendees will dress in the outfits of their favorite characters throughout the weekend. Anime-zap! will be Saturday and Sunday at the Hampton Inn in East Peoria.