(MOUNT OLIVE TWP., NJ) -- Vasa Park in Mount Olive is well known for its ties to the Scandanavian community and its many cultural events, but on Saturday, June 3 it will take a different direction when it hosts its 2nd Annual Steampunk Festival.
The Freaky Mutant Weirdo Festival, which will be held on the spacious outdoor grounds of Vasa Park, combines the steam-powered Victorian Era energy of the classic science fiction genre with unique activities and entertainment. The event runs from 11:00am to 6:00pm and includes themed vendors, live music, food and beverages.
Scheduled entertainment includes:
* A Halo Called Fred - Your hosts for the day are A Halo Called Fred, who have spent the last two decades making the geekiest sounds ever to spring from guitar, bass, violin, and Tupperware. Featuring songs about pirates, cavemen, and any body part or flying thing you can think of. They have lent their talents to Burlesque shows, motion picture soundtracks, a rock opera, and host "The Freaky Mutant Weirdo Variety Show". Specializing in counter-cultural and geeky conventions, the Halo is proud to bring musical joy to any gathering. From Steampunks to Fairies, Bikers to Furries, our message always rings true - "We Love You All!"
* This Way to the EGRESS are equal parts unruly vaudeville, ebullient world-beat, and three-ring circus all the while playing an amalgamation of worldly influences which defies genres. Formed in 2008, This Way to the EGRESS is a 6-piece accordion led ensemble hailing from the Tri-State area... With a wide variety of musical backgrounds and a diverse array of influences, EGRESS crafts intricately arranged audible cocktails which will be sure to make you move. Together they form a tapestry of worldly influences and an alchemy of sounds modern and past, familiar and forgotten.
* Frenchy and the Punk are New York's one and only alternative Folk Cabaret Duo! Foot-stompin' bohemian cabaret folk, world, French chanson and punk spirit. Formed by Singer/Percussionist Samantha Stephenson and Guitarist/Drummer Scott Helland.
* Trio Of Madness - From the farthest reaches of space and time, beyond casual music appreciation, a galactic sound known as Trio of Madness has emerged! Trio of Madness has been infiltrating the global music scene for years, enlightening, sometimes confusing the minds of music lovers everywhere with their strange blend of psychedelic/surf/progressive/space rock.
* The Munchausen Society - The Munchausen Society combines interactive storytelling with charity fundraising! Join them and help them spin the most fanciful and challenging tall tales possible, all for a good cause!
* Big Whimsy - A shapeshifting duo of interactive music and dance, song and story, monster and mirth. They met at the NY Faerie Festival when she was a fire salamander and he was a giant goatman.
The Steampunk Fair brings a scene that you certainly wouldn't see everyday in Morris County, with attendees dressed in "steampunk clothing and gear". But organizers make it clear that you don't need to "dress the part" to attend. Everyone is invited to come and enjoy this family-friendly event.
Other Activities include:
* Tea Room- A quiet area away from all the event hub-bub where you can partake in artisan teas from the Ohio Team Company.
* Teapot Racing- A noble sport involves participants driving a teapot racer around a specially designed obstacle course.
* Vendors- Artisan vendors for your shopping pleasure!
* Cabaret Add On- Featuring music, burlesque, comedy and more. Dinner included.
* Freaky Mutant Weirdo Merch- T shirts, tote bags, shot glasses, stickers and more
Among the scheduled vendors:
* The Roguish Rabbit- A repository of steampunk inspired items and accessories. From articulated wings and fancy hats to fascinators, trinket boxes and lots more in-between. We have something for everyone that will fit any purse size! Ask us about custom orders!
* Airship Oddities- Jewelry and accessories with a steampunk and dark fae twist.
* Design by Night- From feather and flower hair accessories, to brooches, hats, and hand-formed teacup fascinators or hats of curiosity (vampire hunter, cartographer hats, etc.), Design by Night can make all your headwear fantasies come true.
* Cosmic Debris: Cosmic Debris is an array of colorful crafty gifts. Our scented candles feature the most unique and colorful combinations of interesting shapes and characters.
For more information on the festival visit freakymutantweirdo.com. Tickets are $30 (adults), $15 (Ages 14-18), Free for kids 13 and under. Tickets are available for purchase online. A related evening event, with a separate ticket price, is scheduled from 7:00pm-11:00pm. Visit the website for more details.
