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Steampunk
coming to
1st Fridays
PUTNAM — Tighten your goggles and slap on your top hat! First Fridays will celebrate the town’s industrial past with an unusual vision of the future — downtown’s first-ever Steampunk event with legendary speakers and amazing art installations. Shop the many themed vendors; see cosplayers from around the region, and stay late for Steampunk the After-Hours Pub Crawl.
The Putnam Business Association’s First Fridays Committee will present its sixth in the series of six events in the 2019 season “Made in America” from 5 to 9 p.m. Oct. 4.
The American Legion Post #13 will officially start the event at 5 presenting the Color Guard. The National Anthem will be sung by Elle Jordyn-Goslin, a native of northeastern Connecticut. She is the director of alumni relations at QVCC and will entertain as the volunteer sponsor with the QVCC alumni association.
The festival will kick off with a proclamation and opening address from Steampunk Ambassador David Carlson of Manchester. David is a purveyor of all things Steampunk.
The special guest speaker of the evening will be Bruce Rosenbaum, artist, designer and curator in the steampunk community. He will be speaking at 6 p.m. at Victoria Station Cafe, upper level. Admission is free and it is highly recommended for students and educators.
Art
There are two special featured artists. PunkCake Alterno Art, a collective from Worcester, known for pop-up art installations, will present its “Impossible Zoo” in Art Alley, between 85 Main and Bear Hands Brewery, for photo-ops and interaction with their creations. Also “A Clockwork Wired,” a larger-than-life, immersive art installation will be in the Montgomery Ward Atrium.
Photographer Laurie Brandt will be capturing moments of the event on film.
Costume Contest
Costumes are encouraged! Dress with your best Victorian or Turn-of-the-Century flair or go all-in with a fully realized Steampunk character of your own making. Are you an airship captain, an explorer/adventurer, or perhaps a scientist or mechanic. The best will be judged in our Steampunk Costume Contest, at 7 p.m. in the tent in front of the Congregational Church of Putnam. Sign up at discoverputnam.com or at the PBA tent on Main Street. Gift card prizes will be awarded in both youth and adult categories.
Gizmo Contest
Entries in the Gadget & Gizmo Contest will be on display in store windows along Main Street. Vote for your fan favorite at the PBA booth on Main Street.
Music & Food
“Carlson’s Creepy Carolers” will be singing Halloween Carols along Main Street. They may also engage in random acts of “reverse trick-or-treating.” We are not sure what that means, but they might actually be giving treats out!
Restaurants and food vendors will be offering delicious food and beverage. Look for special offerings. The Young
Marines will be selling cotton candy on Main Street.
Many Main Street restaurants will be participating in our After-Hours Pub Crawl, beginning around 8. Check venues for special live musical performances, drink and appetizer specials.
QVCC is the Volunteer Spotlight Group. Community Arts is hosted by Windows Art Gallery of Putnam and Tunk City Revival of Danielson. Tunk City is offering Wooden Robots and Steampunk Creatures.
More than 50 art and food vendors will be in attendance, including several Steampunk-themed crafters and artists. For more information visit: www.discoverputnam.com.
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