Steampunk World's Fair
| Steampunk World's Fair | |
|---|---|
| Status | Active |
| Genre | Steampunk |
| Location(s) | Somerset or Piscataway, New Jersey |
| Country | United States |
| Inaugurated | 2010 |
| Attendance | c. 3,000 (in 2010) |
| Organized by | Widdershins, LLC |
| Website | steampunkworldsfair |
Steampunk World's Fair (SPWF) is an annual American steampunk convention, usually held over the course of a weekend during the month of May in Somerset or Piscataway, New Jersey. The programming is a typical fannish event, including musicians, performers, vendors, artisans, authors, and other guests whose work is either characteristic of, or in some way linked to, the steampunk subculture.
Activities
Activities at the convention typically include (but are not limited to):
- Panel Discussions - On a variety of subjects related to Steampunk, such as technology of the alternate histories, writing, publishing, the philosophical and sociological implications of the genre's works, costuming, etc.
- Speeches or other presentations.
- Socialising in common areas and at parties.
- Role-playing Gaming - A room for playing role-playing games (live-action and table), board games, and card games
- Performances of Steampunk music
- Costuming - both formal competition (the "Masquerade"), and casual "hall costumes"
- Fashion shows
- Theatrical productions
- H.P. Lovecraft-themed murder mystery dinners
- Political demonstrations linking contemporary and historical political issues
- Dealers' rooms selling books, movies, jewellery, costumes (often including weapons), games, comic books, etc.
History, production, and promotion
The fair was founded in 2010 by Jeff Mach, Josh Marks, Erin Tierniegh, and Jack Manx.[1] Currently, the fair is produced by Jeff Mach and Widdershins, LLC. In prior years, it has been produced by the co-founders under Oneiroi Productions.[2]
Journalist Mo Rocca attended the 2011 Steampunk World's Fair and reviewed the event for CBS News Sunday Morning.[3]
Past events
- 2010 - The Steampunk World's Fair was first held May 14–16, 2010 at the Radisson Hotel, Piscataway, New Jersey. Nearly 3,000 people attended this first year.
- 2011 - The second annual SPWF was held May 20–22, 2011 at the Crowne Plaza Hotel, Somerset, New Jersey.[4]
- 2012 - The third annual SPWF was held May 18–20 at the Embassy Suites and the Radisson Hotel in Piscataway, New Jersey.[5] Attendance was over 4,000.[6]
References
- ^ Levin, Robert (April 2010). "The Steampunk's World Fair". Inside Jersey. New Jersey On-Line. Retrieved December 30, 2011.
- ^ Beckerman, Jim (November 11, 2010). "Sci-fi's steampunk realm is in the spotlight at events in Manhattan and New Jersey". The Record. Retrieved December 30, 2011.
- ^ Rocca, Mo (October 30, 2011). "Steampunk: Yesterday's Tomorrow". CBS News. Retrieved February 17, 2012.
- ^ Pho, Diana (June 10, 2011). "Convention Extravaganza: Steampunk World's Fair II". Beyond Victoriana. Retrieved January 4, 2012.
- ^ O'Donnell, Chuck. "City resident brings steampunk fans togetherdate=May 18, 2012". The Record: North Jersey.com. Retrieved May 21, 2012.
- ^ Schwalm, Andrea (June 11, 2012). "Journey to the Steampunk World's Fair". Wired. Retrieved June 19, 2012.
Further reading
- Grace, Toby. "Steampunk World's Fair was the gayest ever". Out In Jersey. Retrieved January 3, 2012.
- Nolde, Patricia (June 21, 2011). "Steampunk World's Fair 2011, a Travelogue". Steampunk Chronicle. Retrieved January 3, 2012.