This was our second year doing Steampunk World’s Fair, and we were happy to move to an inside hotel room space. This set up is unique as far as shows we have done – the first floor hotel rooms become vending space, small boutique shops that have creative set ups. Fortunately a vendor friend pointed out we would need to bring more lights, because hotel rooms are not meant to be bright. We also thought to buy a lot more vertical displays, because this was not a good space to try and bring multiple tables in and have multiple customers at a time.
Only things we’d change for next year? Confirm all details with the hotel so we don’t have any check-in issues like we did this year, get something eyecatching to put outside our room, and make some advertising posters including that we do costume repair.
First wall you see when you come in – our refinished water guns, the popular flasks, and more.Fully into the room – waist cinchers and masks.
The grid wall and extra lighting really made a difference in our display.My first holsters, and a continuation of my leather and lace series.More swords and the giant flask. Our eye catching corner.One of the takers on our repair services. Love to corgi themed costumes!The costumes are definitely one of the highlights of Steampunk World’s Fair.Nathaniel’s plasma caster – huge steampunk mod. Can you guess what this started as?
Fall and Spring are always chancy times of year for weather. We’ve been fortunate this year in having better luck than last thus far. But this small faire in April got interesting.
First, creativity with set up. We had not yet received our new tent, so we made something up quickly with two 10 x 10 canopies and a quickly sewn cover. The set up this year was odd. Flow did not make obvious sense. One of the reenactor groups was so far away they seemed like a private encampment. But the crowds on Saturday were decent and people had fun as usual.
Just in time for the evening feat it started to pour down rain. Fortunately the feast is in the big garage building of the fairgrounds. We had a good meal with friends, then decided to pay for a night in a hotel.
Good thing we did. We came back Sunday to find our tent was standing in a lake. The organizers allowed people to move into the large building and use table space for Sunday. So I started opening us up for sales while Nathaniel took down our tent and helped out neighbors.
So for all that the event ended up unusual for a renaissance faire, the move indoors ended up being a good thing. Maybe it was that the vendors were now moved together and easier to find. Maybe it was the small remaining group of people staying closer together and making the building festive. Either way, Sunday went even better than Saturday. So, pouring rain but a good show. Thanks everyone!
Our makeshift pavilion, in its odd spot near the pony rides. Out of main traffic, but not the worst location.Nathaniel getting all ready to show his wood weapons.My leather bottles were a hit at this particular fair.
Our indoor Sunday set up. Took a little table and made a booth. Odd but worked!
Wyrd Armouries 