Let me count the reasons. Florence had its first steampunk festival, April 11-12 of this year. As far as first-year festivals go--it was a success. So much so that Florence is now hosting Punktique.
What's Punktique you ask? Good question. I did a web search and the word Punktique doesn't come up that often. It's a good idea whose time has apparently come. And it's coming to Florence.
Let's backtrack for those who are not familiar with Florence, Colorado. Florence is the official antiques capital of Colorado. More antiques stores, per capita than anywhere in the state. Those of us who work in antiques store here chat with browsers and customers from all over the country--but the majority come from Pueblo, Colorado Springs and Denver. And many of them exclaim, " I had NO idea Florence had all these shops and cool stuff."
Florence also has a history as an oil and coal town. And a history of being a pioneer town that is wonderfully preserved, with more historical preservation in the works.
Many people in Colorado do know about Pioneer Days.
It's the 88th year of Pioneer Days. The main force behind the event is to celebrate the contributions and sacrifices of past pioneers in the area and their descendants--many of whom are still pioneering in the community.
Of course there is a parade. One of the best parades actually. Dancing, art, food, crafts, a tractor pull and more. But one of the centerpieces has been Junktique. Part of Santa Fe Avenue is closed down and local vendors and out-of-state vendors sell their wares in an open air market. There are fine antiques, good antiques and plain old good junk and bargains. Owners of the many antiques stores and art galleries and other business often have sidewalk sales. Junktique is fairly legendary among decorators and bargain shoppers.
And now there is PUNKTIQUE. Florence's first steampunk festival was such a success, it was decided to add steampunk events to Pioneer Days--and now Punktique will stand proudly along with Junktique on Friday and Saturday--Sept. 18 and 19.
Oh, and there's more. So much more. On Sept. 18, there will be a Steampunk Ball Street Dance with Midnight Sun playing.
Yes, the second year of a steampunk festival in Florence. Mark your calendars for April 9 and 10 of 2016.
If all this wasn't enough to convince me that Florence is becoming the unofficial steampunk capital of Colorado--it is that fact that many of the antique and art galleries are resplendent with steampunk fashions, rusty widgets, sculptures, jewelry and more steampunk deliciousness.
And I have it on good authority that many of the shops and galleries' owners were not fully aware of the steampunk mother lode they housed routinely until preparations were being made for the first steampunk festival.
In future blog posts, I'll take readers on an exclusive tour of all the steampunk, Victorian, industrial and generally cool items Florence has year-round.
Florence has a kicking steampunk festival. And now Punktique. And a built-in source of talented antiques dealers and artisans that have been dealing in steampunk, neo-Victorian and industrial items for years.
What will you find in Florence? History. Antiques. Architecture. Steampunk.Junk. Bargains Art. Great food. Smalltown USA. A break from the hustle and bustles (pun intended) of the everyday world.
And stuff like this.
I've given you just a hint of what you'll find in Florence. But the real question is: Will we find you in Florence for Pioneer Days and Punktique? I hope so, because there is quite the experience waiting for you.
