The 3rd Midsummer Masquerade at Loveland Castle, just outside of Cincinnati, is behind us and I have to say that I think this year was the best so far. The weather was perfect, the performers were top-notch and the costumes were out of this world. In addition to magic and sideshow feats from Pickled Brothers Circus and Robbin Marks Magic, Aerial Dancing from Holly Price, belly dancing and fire performance from Dante’s Gypsy Circus and Zahara’s Tangled Web, and music from Jeff Rooks and DJ Roundboy, we had the Crowns of Pandoracon competition.
The Royal Court of Pandoracon
The contestants were all amazing; the competition proved to be even more entertaining than I’d hoped. The competition was also the first time that we were able to start talking a little bit more about the games of Pandoracon and the mysterious Jokers who are planning them.
The Jokers judge the Crowns Competition
It was a magical night. When Aloysius, Travis and myself had the idea to put on a masquerade at Loveland Castle this was the kind of event we dreamed of. It is unbelievably thrilling to see so many of our friends as well as total strangers show up in their finest all having a good time. This year was also special because it was the anniversary of the Charlie doing events with Pandora Promotions. Last year at the Midsummer Masquerade he helped us out in the beer tent and this year he was an equal partner in the event. What a difference a year makes. If you didn’t make it this year plans are already in the works for 2013, including ideas to solve the biggest downfalls of the beautiful castle, parking and port-a-potties.
Steampunks once again made up a huge part of our audience for evening. We were honored to have three members of the Ace of Spades joining us all the way from Michigan, as well as several members of the League of Cincinnati Steampunks, Airship Passepartout, Airship Archon, and the Corn Island Steampunk Society.
Photo by David Sorcher for Metromix
Thanks to everyone who made this night unforgettable, especially Brian Kollig whose pictures of the event make it look even cooler than it already did. Here are some of my favorite shots, but you can see more pictures on the event page on Facebook and from David Sorcher from Metromix. Look for more from Kollig Art in the next few days as he releases some of the portraits he took in the castle as well.
The Captain of the Ace of Spades
A Dancer from Zahara’s Tangled Web
Fire Swords from Dante’s Gypsy Circus
Peek-a-boo at the Castle
The King of Spades Speaks
Why is that woman stabbing Travis in the face?
The new Pandoracon Poster with original art by Billy Tackett that was revealed at the masquerade.
