WhimsyCon was more like a family reunion than an event. The smaller crowd allowed for friends to get caught up with eachother’s lives as well as grab those much-needed hugs. The fun took place this past weekend Sept. 24-26, 2021 at the Delta by Marriott just north of Denver. One of the unique aspects of this annual festival is the parlor. Right there in the middle of everything was this amazing area of comfy couches and unique Victorian-looking gadgets.
The board gamers found their sweet spot. The gaming tables were never empty with plenty of hungry gamers. Next to the gaming area was the Author’s Nook where writers such as Vannessa Robertson, Calvin Studzinski, and Ian Barzee-Cannon displayed their books and spoke with their readers. Every single person there shared a passion for either the Victorian culture, Steampunk, cosplay, gaming, or just getting caught up with friends they had not seen in well over a year.
WhimsyCon is all about the panels! Attendees come to gain some insight into their favorite subject matters. These intimate meetings are hosted by authors, artists, and experts in the field that also happen to be fans themselves. The panel titles included important topics such as art for mental health and self-care, cosplay makeup tutorials, creative technology, heroines for our generation, and so many more. Literature, art, and gaming were the big themes.
Dungeon Master Class moderated by Josh Wash Whitby. The panel answered questions. They talked about how to handle emotions during the game, especially with vulnerable people who might be dealing with something in the real world. Gave them ideas on how to deal with it. Lots of good tips such as how to deal with an attention hog and tips at storytelling.
Carolyn Kay, Will McCarthy, and Elizabeth Leggett swapped stories with the Art Show as a backdrop. Fellow artist Chaz Kemp, who also hosted panels that weekend, sat in artistic conference. Each of them encouraged each other; they learned from each other. In the backdrop of the Art Show. Visitors not only strolled through the amazing pieces of art, but they also witnessed a meeting of the creative minds. Their work & talent & energy. Anyone passing by left with a little artistic inspiration.
A few joined panelists for an intimate exploration/chat about creating bold fighting women who lead, inspire, and have mastered weapons. They discussed what filmmakers focus on and what they SHOULD focus on as far as powerful women in their roles?
Always a highlight of WhimsyCon, it was standing room only for the costume contest!
The Best in Show award went to the Dungeon Master and The Druid.
The amazing steampunk Mandalorian came complete with gears that actually spun. It won Best Craftsmanship.
No doubt there was a lot of sewing involved in the dress that won Best Bustle.
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Saturday night on the main events stage were The Dust Bowl Faeries. Hailing from the New York Hudson Valley, this band founded by Ryder Cooley and joined by John on guitar entertained the audience with dark carnival dream music with an accordion, a musical saw, and a cool-looking acoustic guitar.
Stace Johnson strummed his guitar and gave the audience songs he wrote as well as other beloved songs such as the Hero of Canton and the Ballad of Serenity.
Until next year, WhimsyCon! Makers will get to work on their next costumes, authors will write their books, and musicians will spin their stories.
Written by Colleen Bement
Barefoot and nerdy writer/editor of Nerd Alert News. She lives and breathes all things geeky entertainment. A social media addict, she soaks up all life has to offer! Green Tea snob.
