Dickens Fair gets all steampunky

I am a fan of the Dickens Fair. It could be because I have spent countless hours escaping into Victorian novels, or that I love dressing up, but whatever it is, the Dickens Fair calls me back every year.

If you don't already know about the Dickens Fair, well, it's like a Renaissance Fair, only the setting is Victorian London, and the characters roaming the "streets" (created inside the Cow Palace with false storefronts, bars, dramatic stages, etc.) are literally characters from Dickens' novels, with a few from Jules Verne tossed in for good measure. It takes place every weekend between Thanksgiving and Christmas, and it's great fun for children and adults alike.

Last year, I was lucky enough to show up on the official Steampunk day. I had to pick my jaw off the floor, some of the costumes were so incredible. Elaborate gadgets, funky Victorian style. I was in heaven, but I was also in lust. I wanted a cool steampunk costume, too!  Well, I haven't made it yet, but it's in the works. Unfortunately, it won't be done in time for this year's steampunk day, which is taking place this Saturday, Dec. 11. But I'll be there with my girlfriends to oogle away.

Here's my tip on things not to miss: the living mannequins in the window of the Dark Garden corset shop, the safari carousel for children (a gorgeous, safari animal mechanical carousel - no electricity! - operated by a charming story-teller), and the Adventurer's Club. 

If you want to check out the Dickens Fair, go to the Cow Palace any Saturday or Sunday before Christmas. It's open from 11 a.m. to 6 p.m., but be sure to bring plenty of money. Admission is $25, parking is another $10, and the Artful Dodger's spirit is alive and well among the various food, drink, clothing, and random Christmas kitsch purveyors inside.

For more info, visit the website: www.dickensfair.com