NEWS RELEASE
COLDWATER STEAMPUNK FESTIVAL
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Anticipation is building for the ninth annual Coldwater Steampunk Festival which will provide an exciting, free, family fun event for thousands of festival attendees.
The event begins Friday, Aug. 9 and there is lots to do that evening, but the main event is Saturday, Aug. 10.
This year promises much to enjoy in a spectacular lineup of new wonders introducing people to diversity through informative, educational, fun and Victorian-futuristic steam-powered alternate reality!
Although costumes are not a requirement, many prepare all year for the spectacle. The whole town is magically transformed and bustling with lots of activities to suit every taste and palate!
Scream Shack has a big surprise for you on Main Street this year, plus hands-on interactive fun at the Biosphere Art Installation beside the barber shop.
Watch dance theatre shows by Motus O under the big top at Canadiana Museum, along with new ecape rooms and a Mystery Quest.
See talented entertainers, artists, artisans, creative demonstrators, displays and guest authors…there is truly something for everyone, including plenty of hands on free activities for kids including lego, eco-play and dragon egg decorating.
Enjoy the acoustic vibes at the Canadiana Museum to the soulful vibrations of Jeff Burke on Theremin on Main Street, plus a variety of pop-ups and buskers all around, including Fire Shows end of day. Enjoy the live bands on the Mill Street stage, with the headliner… “African Dance Ensemble” (1:45 p.mm).
Returning attractions include Russell Zeid, Mental Floss and The Metropolis Robot project. Behind the Mill see Birds of Prey from the Wye Marsh (sorry no dogs at the bird show please). We are excited to partner with PRNT Collective, demonstrating on the Main Street opposite Teapot Racing!
Meet Smartie and Skittle, life-size giraffes and hear the story of Canadian Anne Dagg, The Woman who Loves Giraffes, as we help to spotlight saving this beloved African animal from extinction.
Tributes to Stan Lee, Afro-Futurism and North-Simcoe’s Black history, plus Indigenous storytelling will amaze you.
New behind the Mill this year is the Midland & District Model Train Show.
There is so much to tickle your steampunk fancy, and so much to see and participate in, you can’t see it all in one year! Don’t forget to enter the costume contest on the Mill Street stage at 1 p.m.
Over 150 artists, and makers will delight you with quality handmade goods. Clothing, corsets, accessories, furniture, jewellery, art, food and whimsical creations along with authors, storytelling and readings plus a whole lot more can be found spread out throughout the entire village.
Free shuttle busses transport people between the activities in the centre of town and those at the Canadiana Pioneer Museum which enhances the experience with the “Lion Tamer” interactive show of live animals from Hands on Exotics.
Macabre, museum tours, an 1800s school room and children’s playhouse tell the story of early settler life in Coldwater. Add-ons include craft beer tasting by Flying Monkeys at Coldwater Bowling Alley and a Vintage Car Show 9 a.m. - 3 p.m.
Coldwater Legion has joined the fun so be sure to stop in. The whole town is Steampunk’d, so please don’t forget the goggles!
Note: There is a new event water station; bring container for free fill-up.
See 2019 festival program for details, available at www.steampunkfestivalcoldwater.com.
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