NEWS RELEASE
COLDWATER STEAMPUNK FESTIVAL
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The Coldwater Steampunk Festival returns to its in-person event on Saturday, Aug. 6. The festival organizers promise “The Greatest Show on Earth” with an incredible line-up of live entertainment, street art, birds of prey, duelling knights, a time machine, and a hot air balloon plus free activities for every age and more. Over 100 vendors, local artists, artisans, and pop-up performers!
Live music all day on the Mill Street Stage by The Renaissance Band, Memphis Mudd, and Springwater Band.
The magic begins Friday, Aug. 5 with Coldwater’s 3rd annual Wizarding World night. Come dressed as your favourite student, teacher, witch, or wizard. Free Harry Potter crafts and live creature encounters from the Wye Marsh and Scales Nature Park will delight festival attendees from 4 – 8 p.m.
Saturday morning at 9:30 a.m. the Coldwater Steampunk Festival begins with the Re/Max Hot Air Balloon sponsored by Georgian Bay Re/Max Ltd. Brokerage. Favourite returning acts include North-Simcoe’s own ‘Pickpocket Magician’ James Harrison plus R. Phineus Bodine, the Mad Scientist.
Watch Ryan Leis LVL smelt on his iron forge and see prop design leatherwork by Adam Smith. Friday night and all-day Saturday, throw an axe with ‘Axed’ or try Moonwalk Archery. All day Teapot racing hosted by Hamilton Steampunk Society and “The Robot from Murdoch Mysteries” will be on display at the Mill compliments of Toronto Steampunk Society. Meet Anne Innis Dagg, the Woman Who Loves Giraffes, winner of the Order of Canada.
Storyteller Professor Taelstrum’s from Montreal will host tea duelling and compliment’s battles, while Duelling Weapons Academy of Renaissance Fencing perform behind the Mill at noon. At 2 p.m., have a hoot at the drag show with Crystal Rose and surprise guests. Join local artist April Gonzalez and Kathryn Kaiser in Sylvia’s Paris Fairy Garden for hands on mural painting.
Visit the free craft tent beside Em’s Café for make-and-take crafts for all ages, plus all day demonstrations and morning workshops by local artists. Teens are invited to doodle on the anti-bullying vintage couch on Mainstreet while they listen to trendy beats by Torbin Spring and Music by Jake.
Upon entering Coldwater, pick up your free Steampunk Passport sponsored by Tourism Simcoe County and travel around to iconic cities at participating restaurants. Visit the Children’s Museum exhibit at 20 Coldwater Rd. for this year’s architectural walking tour and LEGO exhibit. See and hear the history of doll collecting by Melissa Small. Join community participation building with LEGO master Liz Barbaza-Cousineau.
In the alleyways, featured youth artists Sirius Small and Rowan B-C will demonstrate manga drawing and graffiti art. Special guest visual artist, Monica Wickeler, will demonstrate public art before your eyes, as she transforms community space. After the festival, pick up a copy of the Coldwater Planet to read winning Scribe Alert stories, find out what featured artist Natasha Ventresca has been up during the pandemic and read more tales by Coldwater columnists Stan Joskowitz and Sue Creighton.
Indeed, mark your destination to Coldwater, Saturday Aug. 6, for the 12th edition of the Coldwater Steampunk Festival.
Enter the costume contest at 1 p.m. under the Music Barn at the Coldwater Mill or hop the bus to the Coldwater Canadiana Museum for a game by Escape North Challenge.
Costumes encouraged but not required…don’t forget the goggles.
See website for details www.steampunkfestivalcoldwater.com.
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