Costume Contest

Contestants:

Individuals can compete as a group or individually, though one ticket per entrant is required to compete. Anyone is able to participate, but anyone under 18 must have the permission of a parent or guardian.

Costume Contest Guidelines:

  • Costumes are encouraged to be Steampunk themed, and even better if they match the annual theme of the event. Handmade and self-constructed costumes are highly encouraged, but not necessary.
  • Please come prepared and ready to show off your costume. As a courtesy to other contestants, please have any makeup or costuming done before the contest starts.
  • All costumes must be family-friendly and appropriate for all ages. Nudity or any illusion to it is prohibited. Contestants wearing mesh, sheer or other see-through clothing or body paint as a part of their costume must still meet the minimum coverage requirements.
  • Makeup, body paint or face paint should not come off in casual contact.
  • No open carry of firearms. Costume weapons must meet weapons policy guidelines.
  • For safety reasons, the following props are not allowed:
  • Live animals (with the exception of service animals).
  • Substances that might damage or stain facilities or other costumes and participants (i.e. fake blood, glitter, confetti, silly string, water, body or face paint, etc.).
  • Aerosol Sprays (Please apply hairspray or hair color before the contest).
  • Flames, pyrotechnics or explosives of any kind.
  • Swearing, sexual humor, flashing, extreme political or religious statements or other inappropriate behavior will not be tolerated. Contestants engaging in such behavior will be immediately disqualified and removed from the event.
  • Throwing props is not allowed.

Judging Criteria:

  • Quality: Whether your costume is handmade or store bought, we look at the stitching, material and fit. If you have compiled your costume from things found around the house, we look at how you have modified them, how you paired them and how creative you were. We also take into account such things as wig styling and make-up.
  • Tips: If your costume is handmade, make sure to let us know how you made it. If you didn’t make your costume, try and put more emphasis on something you styled, like your wig or make-up.
  • Presentation: The goal of the costume is to look as much like your character or persona as possible; this includes body motions and phrases you say. Those who act in character will score higher than those who do not.
  • Tips: Talk in the tone of your character or persona and try to say things that they would say. Stand, pose and move like them too.
  • Effort: We will try and determine how hard each person had to work to complete their costume, find a rare prop, style the appropriate wig or do his make-up.
  • Tips: Make sure to tell the judges how long you worked on compiling your costume and point out details that required effort to complete.

Awards:

  • 1st Place Winner(s)
  • 2nd Place Winner(s)
  • 3rd Place Winner(s)