Iron Horse Steampunk Carnivale

Steampunks from all over California took over the Orange Empire Railway Museum this passing weekend. The Iron Horse Steampunk Carnival took place throughout Saturday and Sunday and hosted countless individuals and families, senior citizens and children, who were dressed in steampunk attire. The Steampunks at the carnival welcomed anyone who wanted to learn about the community and culture and were excited to talk to newcomers about what exactly Steampunk is: a sub-culture that is inspired by the Victorian Era, coupled with science-fiction and fantasy components of highly-developed steam-powered operations and machinery of the 19th century. “Steampunk is what people in the steam-engine era would have imagined the future to consist of,” says Shad Leills, “it includes a lot of copper, bronze, and homemade elements with tradition Victorian style dress.” Those who attended the carnival were able to experience first-hand seasoned steampunk attire throughout the day, including a steampunk fashion show, steampunk inspired music from The BoneThumpers and Poplock Holmes, guided tours of restored steam powered trains from as far back as 1880, booths and panels for steampunk artists who were selling trinkets and accessories, train rides from antique trains, and afternoon tea with all the other attendees and performers. An antique gas and steam powered engine exhibition was on display for those who went to the carnival on Sunday. Anyone who was not familiar with how a steam engine works could easily be educated by one of the museum engineers, who spent plenty of time explaining the history and the inner workings of steam engines throughout tours to those who were unfamiliar. “We are going to make our world a better place through steam-powered contraptions,” says Run-DM-Steam, musical performer for Poplock Holmes, as his co-performer readied a custom build shovel guitar. Run-DM-Steam’s music tells tales of his performance persona’s travels and battles with cryptozoological creatures like yetis, as well as his real world issues with being refused service at a carnival because of his steampunk attire. If you are interested in checking out the steampunk scene for yourself, the next big festival will the Wild West Fest held in the Calico Ghost Town in California on April 12.