AnachroCon Review
I will be the first to admit that I am not that hard-core into Steampunk. I have always admired the costumes, and the creative way they change ordinary objects into work of art. But that is what it has always been for me-admiration from afar. I decided I would attend since I had a ticket and I love a good Con. While I was nervous about entering a world I knew little about, I was also getting more excited the closer it got to the Con. I even started reading a Steampunk genre novel to get in the mood.
I am glad I went. Anachrocon is labeled as an alternative history con. I wasn’t exactly sure what I would be getting myself into when I got there. The theme this year was the 60’s through history. They had science, history, costuming, fabrication, classic horror, and of course, a Doctor Who track.
I had plenty to choose from, and had to make some tough choices on which track I would rather go to at times. I made it to several science and history tracks. One of the tracks I enjoyed the most, however, was a fabrication track called “Woodworking and Steampunk” led by Shannon Truax (Bone Shaker Boxes) and Lance Mitchell (Handcrafted by Lance). They really helped me understand the essence and creative spirit behind the steampunk aesthetic. They also helped me have some creative ideas of my own on things to build. Shannon was a really knowledgeable host and held an entertaining Mead Making workshop later in the weekend.
The Con went very smoothly. Sadly, several presenters in the costuming track had to cancel in the last minute, but the directors came up with some decent replacement tracks. The costumes people wore were amazing! People watching is always a fun part of any convention and AnachroCon was no different.
There were plenty of Steampunk vendors available. You could buy anything from leather-work to parasols to beard accessories. The selection was well rounded for a small convention and was appropriately priced.
Overall, the space was very clean, the volunteer staff were very helpful and the attendees were all polite and nice. I didn’t know what to expect going in, but I now I know that I am looking forward to going again next year.
