Steampunk World’s Fair 2016 Keeps Genre Energized
Currently in the Northeast, there is no convention that is similar to the Steampunk World’s Fair. That is not a boast. SPWF is one of the only annual steampunk-oriented conventions between New Jersey and Maine, other than Templecon (to the best of my knowledge). However, while steampunk conventions are dwindling, SPWF is as strong as ever.
Performance-wise, one could generally say that every year is similar to the other, yet different at the same time. Largely this is due to the large pool of performance group it has to draw from, the weather, and whatever steampunk-media crossovers are prevalent. This year, the con had Steam Powered Giraffe make their return, which meant that the Fair had a large crowd of SPG-inspired makeup and fan-robots as well as steampunk-ified Power Puff Girls, some Deadpool, and others. Panel-wise, there was also the Speakeasy, a 21+ add-on event which included exclusive performers such as Attica Wilde, A Halo Called Fred, and others, as well as an absinthe tasting.
The atmosphere at the Steampunk World’s Fair is unique, more relaxed than many cons, partially due to the fact that the hotels are pretty far away from the main city, so “Muggles” cannot wander by, and the Fair goers (largely) do not leak into the surrounding area outside of the search for food. Because of this “seclusion,” con-goers can comfortably walk from one hotel to another (separated by the parking lot between the two, which serves as a vendor-rich midway) without having to explain or justify their outfits to the outside world.
As the convention continues to expand year by year, the amount of children has grown, especially those with costumes. SPWF has never excluded attendees of any age, but I believe that the Children’s Track, headed by Galia Godel, has made the event more welcoming to those of the “Under 5-Foot Club.”
There were certain moments that really stood out to me. I met ToxieKat, an amazing special effects makeup artist from Instagram I had been admiring (ToxieKatt), and I had the opportunity to enjoy the machinations of Maria Ortiz’s clockwork doll cosplay (complete with a wind-up key that moves). Those who attended Saturday were able to see The Fashion Show, headed by Redfield Design which went off without a stitch…er…hitch… Also notable was the Baby Spine and Mini Black Panther. There were many, many others that I appreciated, but these are what come to mind at the moment.
Is steampunk dying? I wouldn’t say any sub-genre will ever truly die, it simply evolves, so I don’t think steampunk will ever die off. In fact, on Monday I was in Massachusetts with my SO, and we heard two teen girls talking about steampunk! If we can hear about it in “the wild,” then it’s simply becoming more prevalent, not dying out. Those who claim that it’s dying are also probably the ones who thought Justin Bieber fad was going to die off. The steampunk sub-culture is still going strong.
Other favorite moments I had; I always make sure to take some time off to enjoy the musical performances of Frenchy and the Punk as well as This Way To The Egress, and just walking around, chatting with people. Some of the best fun I have at events is talking to people about what they’ve worked on, and this event is no different.
