Old Timer’s Day has always been a treasured event in Arkansas. This year Van Buren is hosting the newly revamped Old Timer’s Day Steampunk Festival from April 28th-29th, 2018. Let’s see what interesting vendors and activities will be at this one-of-kind festival.
Everyone in the area knows and loves the Old Timer’s Day Festival in Van Buren. But this year the event will be taking on a new theme.
Facebook/ Van Buren Visitors Bureau It’s been held on the historic main street for decades. This year’s event will be held on April 28th-29th, 2018. The festival lasts all day, beginning at 9 AM.
The inspiration behind the new steampunk theme came from downtown shop owner, Kathy Lumpkins.
Facebook/Key Lime Crush She owns the retro boutique Key Lime Crush. When the festival’s committee was looking for ways to revitalize Old Timer’s Day, it was Kathy that pitched the steampunk theme.
Speaking of Key Lime Crush, you should definitely stop by before the festival weekend.
Facebook/Key Lime Crush The shop specializes in ’60s and ’70s retro along with (you guessed it) steampunk. All the steampunk accessories and clothing are designed and made by Kathy, which is pretty darn cool!
There will be a costume contest on Saturday.
Facebook/The Old Timers Day Steampunk Festival How much more incentive could you need to dress the part for the festival?
All sorts of interesting performers will be at the festival.
Facebook/The Old Timer’s Day Steampunk Festival Like Professor Jefferson Parker and his penny farthing bike.
Sacred Somatics Circus will be fire dancing and stilt walking throughout the festival.
Facebook/Sacred Somatics Circus Our tall friends are a community focused collective of professional performers, circus artists, fire dancers, aerialists, and creative entertainers.
You won’t want to miss the two performances by Carnival Epsilon…
Facebook/Carnival Epsilon The madcap group will be showing off odd talents from fire breathing to sword swallowing.
…nor the acts of The Airship Iron Rose.
Facebook/The Airship Iron Rose They’re an interesting blend of high-wire stunts and steampunk special effects. They also create steampunk flavored cosplay pieces.
Be sure to get a ticket to attend the Splendid Steampunk Tea Party on Saturday.
Flickr/Claudia Heidelberger Have cake and tea at Madame’s Main Attraction while listening to the steampunk life discussion panel. There will also be tea dueling and Victorian Waltz lessons by Professor Jefferson Parker. Tickets are $12/person.
These are just some of the interesting events and people that will be at the festival.
Flickr/Rick Willoughby There will also be live ragtime music by the Ragged Blade Band, teapot racing, a plethora of vendors including a henna artist, magicians, hot air balloon rides, and more.
Make plans to put on your best steampunk costume and come enjoy this unique festival.
Flickr/Lynn Friedman To stay updated on the happenings of the festival, you can follow the Facebook Event Page right here.
Are you looking forward to the Old Timer’s Day new theme? Share your thoughts with us in the comments below!
Facebook/ Van Buren Visitors Bureau
It’s been held on the historic main street for decades. This year’s event will be held on April 28th-29th, 2018. The festival lasts all day, beginning at 9 AM.
Facebook/Key Lime Crush
She owns the retro boutique Key Lime Crush. When the festival’s committee was looking for ways to revitalize Old Timer’s Day, it was Kathy that pitched the steampunk theme.
The shop specializes in ’60s and ’70s retro along with (you guessed it) steampunk. All the steampunk accessories and clothing are designed and made by Kathy, which is pretty darn cool!
Facebook/The Old Timers Day Steampunk Festival
How much more incentive could you need to dress the part for the festival?
Facebook/The Old Timer’s Day Steampunk Festival
Like Professor Jefferson Parker and his penny farthing bike.
Facebook/Sacred Somatics Circus
Our tall friends are a community focused collective of professional performers, circus artists, fire dancers, aerialists, and creative entertainers.
Facebook/Carnival Epsilon
The madcap group will be showing off odd talents from fire breathing to sword swallowing.
Facebook/The Airship Iron Rose
They’re an interesting blend of high-wire stunts and steampunk special effects. They also create steampunk flavored cosplay pieces.
Flickr/Claudia Heidelberger
Have cake and tea at Madame’s Main Attraction while listening to the steampunk life discussion panel. There will also be tea dueling and Victorian Waltz lessons by Professor Jefferson Parker. Tickets are $12/person.
Flickr/Rick Willoughby
There will also be live ragtime music by the Ragged Blade Band, teapot racing, a plethora of vendors including a henna artist, magicians, hot air balloon rides, and more.
Flickr/Lynn Friedman
To stay updated on the happenings of the festival, you can follow the Facebook Event Page right here.
For inspiration, you may want to look through these old pictures of Arkansas from the 1900s.
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