Hugh Hefner planned parties at the ole Playboy Mansion, but nothing like Geneva Steam Convention’s Mid Winter Carnival on 6-8 March! The first year steampunk convention started off friday with panels, vendors and everything prim and proper – but ended up with a PJ party in memory of all the ‘pajama parties’ previously held at the Grand Geneva in 1960-1970’s… Victorian PJ’s sighted at Henry Osier’s pajama party were a just a ‘little’ different than the silk somethings Hugh had at his parties, but the hootenanny was still hoppin’!
Horse back riding, water parks, game room, talk of snake oil salesmen and flim flams padded both friday and saturday’s events. Daily panels consisted of 19th Century weapons, Victorian mourning traditions, Victorian Mysticism talks, belly dancing, corset lacing lessons, meet and greet with local steampunk society leaders, melodrama galore and a Golden Miracle Show rounded out the daytime events. Nighttime on Saturday was filled with DJ/music until the wee hours, a belly dancing show, Deadman’s carnival, hooch-koochy music and Victorian amusements that rallied the revelry, peaked the interest and bubbled the blood.
On site cosplay was tremendous and beautiful, quite a few women’s costumes and cosplays were created and sewn by The Duchess Collection – an extremely talented seamstress. All around costuming was phenomenal with remarkable creativity and attention to detail on gadgets and steamery, quite impressive. Happy to see a number of comic steampunk outfits, among them a great steampunk Wonder Woman, some Agents of Shield and Avengers to name a few.
Can’t talk about cosplay without mentioning photographers! Geneva Steam Convention official crowd candid shots were craftily taken by David Sherman Gregg, he also donated this articles fantastic cover shot of belly dancers – gracias! Scott Johnson at Realtime Portrait Studio did green screen shots all weekend – unique photo work and incredible steampunk themed backgrounds to choose from!
Reasonable vendors had great product directly related to steampunk/Victorian costuming and cosplay available. Katy J’s Jewelry was as beautiful as is it’s owner, she is a total sweetheart! Con favorite was a Victorian barber shop – selling vintage type shaving gear that was not only gorgeous but fully functional. Elysium Armory and Highwind Steamworks had some fantastic leather work that was affordable and looked great! Well crafted leather pouch construction, goggle work and gadgets to buy and use immediately!
Melinda Mitchell, what a stupendous success with your first convention – thank you for choosing steampunk! Classicly put together, attendees could totally tell the labor of love was a win from begin! Can’t wait ’til next year!
Note to Cosplayers: If you’re getting into steampunk or already into the niche genre, this is an opportunity to attend a reasonably priced convention in a great location not too far from Milwaukee or Chicago. Costumes are appreciated – with cosplay, role play and crossplay accepted and encouraged. Keep on radar for next year!
Thanks so much for the kind words! It was really an incredible weekend. Can’t wait for next year!
I enjoyed seeing all the great photos. I was only at Geneva Steam on Saturday night (which was spectacular), but missed seeing all the costumes from the other days. It was great getting to see them here, as well as to read your supportive and kind captions about each. I look forward to your coverage of future steamy events. (P.S. love your own costumes–superb!)
It was a good, laid back weekend. Can’t wait for next year. It should also be noted, Madison is also nearby. Not sure why people keep forgetting that. Lastly, I happen to think the both for Otter Leatherworks was one of the better, reasonably priced vendors at this con. Hope to see them again!
Thanks! How sweet! Can’t wait for next year too!
Awesome, thanks! Next year will be great for all the events!!!
I was wondering who was taking photos and not telling people that they were going to be on a website. I have a publication and everyone knows what we do. I feel like whoever took the photos should at least tell us their intentions. I’m a bit miffed. Who are you people and why are you hiding and not telling us what you are doing?