Getting Ready for the Steampunk Fair in New Hope PA
What’s Steampunk? According to Wikipedia, it’s is a sub-genre of science fiction that typically features steam-powered machinery, especially in a setting inspired by 19th-Century industrialism.
Steampunk works are often set in an alternative history of the Victotian Era or American ‘Wild West’, in a post-apocalyptic future in which steam power has regained mainstream use, or in a fantasy world that similarly utilizes steam power. Steampunk may also include additional elements of fantasy, horror, historical fiction, or alternate history.
What’s the New Hope Steampunk Fantasy Faire about? Say organizers, “Wonders from all across time will be displayed [at] our marvelous Clockwork Bazaar, where wondrous wares from every time imaginable will be available for sale or barter, and numerous individuals will take the center platform to ply their various trades, be it music, spoken word, or skilled instruction.
“But that is not all… multitudes of small events and patches of sheer whimsy will be taking place all over our fair and timeless town. Load up your finest dart revolver and duel with Sheriff Wyatt, hear the tales of the wanderings of Carl Fredrick Baron Von Munchausen, skulk with the notoriously magnanimous outlaw, Mr. Hood, or sing with a bevy of abounding air pirates.”
Organizer New Hope Chamber of Commerce says the weekend event also features a Green Fairy Cabaret on Saturday night at Havana, including “the vaudevillainous sideshow Karnevil” and gypsy/punk band This Way to the Egress. And there’s a “Strange-ifical, Weird-ifical, Horror-ifical, Sci-fi-tastical, Fantastical and Macabre-licious Macabre Film Festival” that’s sure to please those who can figure out what it is and where it takes place.
Additionally, says the promo material, a “Steampunk Brunch” will be available Sunday from 11 a.m. – 3 p.m. at The Raven, across from New Hope Lodge. And at the New Hope & Ivyland Railroad, turistas can take a ride in vintage passenger cars pulled by a 1925 Baldwin Steam locomotive or enjoy a railroad facility shop tour.
When does all this take place? New Hope’s first annual Fantasy Faire will take place on the weekend of April 5-6.
Where is it going on? Main events will occur at the Eagle Fire Hall and at Havana New Hope, and at other venues throughout New Hope. Says the New Hope Chamber, “Costumes are optional, but make it more fun for everyone!”
Parking is free at the Eagle Fire Hall. A shuttle will be available from the Fire Hall to Main Street, stopping near the Railroad and Triumph Brewery during the day, at the events and the two featured hotels in the evening until 2 a.m. Accommodations include New Hope Lodge from $99 and Ramada New Hope (mention $99 “Fantasy Faire” special rate when booking), says the Chamber.
To find out more about what promises to be a truly macabre event, check out details at the New Hope Chamber of Commerce website.
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