What happens to a partly-outdoor Steampunkfestival when it rains?
(We don’t actually know of a lot of other Steampunk events which are both outdoors and indoors to this extent. But we’ll make a guess.)
Often-times, the answer is “Everyone is sad. Also, wet.”
The Steampunk World’s Fair’s answer is that we are creating an entire set of programs specifically for the rain, which will only happen if it rains!
That’s right – rather than a situation where, if it rains, we just “make do”, we’re going to actually have activities and programs which will blow your socks off!
That’s because The Steampunk World’s Fair is too large and too varied to be just inside or just outside. We have, for one thing, wayyyy too many fireshows… Check out The Midway, for example. The World’s Fair is one event where you should prepare to be inside and outside, rain and shine!
(Do bring attire appropriate for whatever the weather-person feels the weather’s likely to be. Enjoy yourself in any climate!)
This segment involves quite a lot of planning and crafting and such, and will take a bit of time to update. Would you like to be involved? Got great outdoor Steampunk ideas? Get in touch with Jeff Mach, and let’s talk!
Here’s some of what we’re thinking about right now:
Steampunk Gene Kelly Sing-a-long karaoke
Okay, this isn't that famous image of Gene Kelly wrapped around a lamp-post in a downpour, but if Dieselpunk is Steampunk that's 1920s-1930s-style, surely this clip from "Singin' In The Rain" fits the bill
Secretly, “Singin’ In The Rain” is very, very Steampunk. Every time someone goes offscreen in that movie, they step into an airship. Would we lie to you?
Naval Battle Splash Contest
“I am the monarch of the sea / I am the ruler of the British Navy!” – ah, William Gilbert, how right you were. The Victorian era, when Britain ruled the sea! Until Captain Nemo came along, that is. We shall fight our own fierce naval wars! In a kiddie pool.
Mad Science Powdered Tempera Paint Art Show
We shall sprinkle powdered tempera paint on either the lawn or on papers laid out on plastic. As it rains, the paint will hydrate and a new picture will be formed. Magic! Science!
Rainy Day Burlesque
There’s nothing more Neo-Victorian than people taking their clothes off in the rain. Trust us. We’re experts.
Drench-ed (Melo)Drama
No less a theatrical authority than the great George Bernard Shaw said, “All theatre should be conducted when it is ruddy pouring outside.” And when we say “said”, we mean “never ever said in his life”. We portend, perhaps, a soggy yet steampunky version of Shakespeare’s “The Tempest”, or else, possibly, some gem of the Victorian stage – “Pirates of Penzance”, anyone?
Diet Coke and Mentos
We plan to create a number of pvc sculptures that can be hooked up to Diet Coke bottles and have mentos dropped into them. The results, as Jonathan Coulton would say, will be “quite explosive”.
Umbrella and Bathing Suit Fashion Show
People shall show off their outfits with matching umbrellas or their Steamy Suits! Who says Steampunk needs to be dry? Half of steam is water!
The Mad Hatter’s Torrential Tea Party
Need we say more?
Airship Pirate Bombing Raids!
We shall form teams and take turns throwing water balloons at a city built out of melty things (sugar cubes, really thin paper mache, etc.). The victorious team shall be the official World’s Fair Wet Airship Pirates for 2012!
Cthulhu Slide
Very similar to what, in another time and place, would be called a “Slip ‘N Slide”, except you end up by slipping into Cthulhu’s mouth….
And more to come!