Steampunk Ball 2016

This year's Steampunk Ball theme was "Rusted Rodeo," in homage to the tradition of Old West Steampunk poprlarized by the television series and movie, "The Wild, Wild West," which departed from other westerns by including clever tools and mechanical gadgets. The look was typified, as it is each year, by Airship Athena member Ivy Ilk.

Prof. Horatio Hops draws some of his always tasty steam-brewed rootbeed, the official drink of local steampunk events.

Was a spy present? This artist sketched some of the more elaborate costumes on display at the Steampunk Ball.

Among the event's masterminds were Jessica Cyders, curator at the Southeast Ohio History Center, Prof. Horatio Hops, producers of weird and wonderful refreshments, and Cyrus Moore III, military curator at Southeast Ohio History Center. They may not dress like this all the time.

Revelers were free to make wanted posters of themselves and their friends, which through madcap posting on telegraph poles and in post offices could lead to an unexpected night in the jailhouse and, who knows, perhaps the occasional inadvertent hanging.

There was dancing, too. Music was provided by Boys of the Hock, as last year. The event was held at Central Venue on Carpenter Street.

It's Saturday night -- do you know where your city council is? In the case of Athens City Councilman Pat McGee, it was at he Steampunk Ball. His tie reads "We're All Mad Here."

Participants put a lot of time and thought into their costumes -- combining "steampunk" and "wild west" is more difficult than you might think.

As always, the ball included a costume contest.