Ash Face: This happens to Dawn at the end of the episode, when the newly-hatched Cyndaquil ignites its back flames into her face.
Big Eater: Ash was already excited to eat some of the festival’s food, but downs his entire ice cream cone in one gulp!
Team Rocket also spent the majority of their time eating their weight in food. Even after crashing into the forest, all Jessie could care about is eating still.
Call-Back: The Johto region gets a lot of mentions in this episode with there even being a festival designed specifically to advertise it. Naturally, both Ash and Brock briefly reminisce about their times in Johto. This episode also uses background music from the original series.
The Cameo: Though she doesn’t physically appear in the episode, Clair makes a brief appearance when Lyra was explaining about the attractions of Johto with one of them being the chance to encounter Dragon-type Pokemon.
"Everybody Laughs" Ending: After Dawn’s newly hatched Cyndaquil burns her face causing her hair to puff up as well, everyone, include her, join in on a laugh as the episode ends.
Fundraiser Carnival: Lyra explains to Ash, Dawn, and Brock that the Johto Festival is specifically done to advertise the Johto region to other regions hoping to inspire people to visit her home region as well.
Grew a Spine: Corey spends the majority of the episode as rather meek and cowardly, but finally grows a backbone after helping the others against Team Rocket and even telling his father he wants to journey with Brock for a little while to become a great Pokemon Breeder as well.
Guest-Star Party Member: At the end of the episode, both Lyra and Corey decide to journey with Ash, Dawn, and Brock for awhile with Corey wanting to do so to learn more about to be a Pokemon Breeder from Brock.
Mama Bear: Jessie made the mistake of upsetting a Teddiursa right near it’s parent being an Ursaring who then proceeds to chase after them.
Masculine Girl, Feminine Boy: Lyra is very head-strong, confident, and always eager to help out while Corey is much more timid, shy, and less confrontational. Lyra is also more focused on being a Pokemon Trainer while Corey wants to become a Pokemon Breeder like Brock.
Shrinking Violet: Corey is mainly a very timid boy who really has a hard time speaking up and often Apologises a Lot towards others for his behavior.
Skewed Priorities: In the middle of their battle against Team Rocket, Corey takes the time to look up James’ Carnivine in his Pokedex. Lyra promptly tells him that now isn’t the time to do that.
Strong Family Resemblance: Corey and his father are nearly the exact same in appearance with the two differences being that Corey wears glasses and his father has some wrinkles on his face.
Wham Episode: This is the episode where Dawn gets a Cyndaquil of her very own.
