Interactivity & Experience Archives

January 27, 2025January 27, 2025

The Temple of the Yielding Fry

A sanctuary for soulful moments:

In the sprawling field of our gathering, you’ll find a sacred grove where the spirit of Pearl Jam thrives. “Given To Fry” stands sentinel, a beacon for those who seek solace in the grunge of yesteryear, yet it’s more than a food truck; it’s a portal to another dimension where music and memory intertwine.

The Temple of Echoes:

This temple, small circle of stones, pays a humble tribute to the band, echoes the silent screams of “Black,” where each stone laid forms a circle reminiscent of the band’s intimate acoustic sessions. Here, we’ve placed these near vendors that reflect themes like the social action of “W.M.A.,” the introspection of “In My Tree,” or the raw energy of “Spin the Black Circle.” Each stall is an extension of the band’s journey, from the Mookie Blaylock days to the latest echoes of “Gigaton.”

A Feast for the Senses:

Indulge in fries that are not just food but a narrative. “Steak of Love & Trust” fries offer comfort like the band’s most heartfelt ballads, while “Push Me Pull Me” pork fries challenge your taste buds much like the band’s experimental ventures. Each bite is a nod to the ’97 No Code era, where the band sought to break free from expectations, much like the fries breaking the mold of what they can be when paired with such inventive flavors.

Magic and Sci-Fi in the Air:

Surrounding this sanctuary, you’ll find vendors selling the magic of the cosmos and the dreams of sci-fi, resonating with Mike McCready’s love for the stars and distant galaxies, as hinted in “Inside Job.” Did you know that McCready’s been known to geek out over science fiction, much like the band’s own journey into the unknown with albums like “Binaural,” where they explored new sonic landscapes?

A Pilgrimage for the Curious:

As you wander, you’ll feel the presence of “Elderly Woman Behind the Counter in a Small Town,” the stories of “Release,” and the defiance of “Animal.” This space invites you on a pilgrimage through Pearl Jam’s legacy, where every crunch of a fry is a step closer to understanding the band’s heart. Here, the “Yield” to creativity and community is palpable, a place where fans can share tales of the “Once” they saw Pearl Jam live, or discuss the hidden meanings in “Thumbing My Way.”

An Invitation to All:

Whether you’re here to honor the “Do The Evolution” of rock or just to savor the simple joy of fries, this Pearl Jam temple welcomes you. It’s a space where the “State of Love and Trust” is not just a song but a feeling, where every visitor can leave a little piece of themselves, much like fans did at the “Drop In The Park” in ’92. Come, join us in this celebration of music, magic, and the mundane turned extraordinary by the power of rock.

January 23, 2025April 7, 2025

Saturday Halloween Night at Wonderplace Alpha

“The wind outside nested in each tree, prowled the sidewalks in invisible treads like unseen cats. Tom Skelton shivered. Anyone could see that the wind was a special wind this night, and the darkness took on a special feel because it was All Hallows’ Eve. Everything seemed cut from soft black velvet or gold or orange velvet. Smoke panted up out of a thousand chimneys like the plumes of funeral parades. From kitchen windows drifted two pumpkin smells: gourds being cut, pies being baked.”

-Ray Bradbury

Our Halloween evening unfolds like this:

First, we activate our Time Distortion Device so that it becomes October 31st. Admittedly, the device is from 1972 and runs on two D-volt batteries. So it has an effective range of, oh, say about seven acres.

Now, it’s not requisite that you wear costumes, demand sweets, or visit a haunted house and marry a ghost.

But you certainly can if you want to.

And there’s more…

Costumes: The night is a costume extravaganza where attendees are encouraged to don costumes from any era or genre, reflecting the venue’s theme of timeless and timelessness. Whether you’re a cyberpunk knight, a Victorian time traveler, or a Renaissance Faire jester, there’s a place for you here. The atmosphere is filled with characters from various worlds, making it a visual feast of creativity and imagination. (Please do keep the feast ‘visual’ and do not eat anyone’s costume, even if it’s Chiquita Banana.)

Trick or Treating: Wonderplace Alpha transforms into a labyrinthine wonderland of trick-or-treating! Mostly because we really love candy. The event features a special Halloween In May Goblin/Vendor/Oddities Market where vendors offer not just regular treats but also magical trinkets and oddities. (They really are ‘trinkets’ – please do not be upset if they are not solid gold, even if you are a leprechaun.) These vendors, along with roaming characters, distribute candy and other surprises, making every corner of the venue a potential spot for treats or tricks.

Magic: Magic is in the air, quite literally. Magic shows, street performers, and even the environment itself contribute to the magical aura. You might encounter a fire player casting spells with flames, magicians performing close-up magic, or even participate in carnival games that have an element of enchantment. The whole setting is designed to blur the lines between reality and fantasy, where every turn could lead to a magical performance or an unexpected surprise.

Fun: The fun at Wonderplace Alpha’s Darkling Halloween is multifaceted. There are interactive games, live performances, and a chance to engage in empire-building or combat scenarios if you’re in the mood for some role-playing. The event includes a mix of solo adventures or group escapades, where you can engage in quiet contemplation or join in the lively interactions. There are also areas for relaxation, allowing you to enjoy the spectacle or even participate in Cyberpunk explorations or Steampunk adventures.

The entire evening is designed as a perpetual Halloween celebration, where the night never truly ends, and the magic of Halloween is felt at every moment. It’s a place where the rules of physics are more like suggestions, and the joy of Halloween is not just in the scares but in the boundless creativity and communal experience of everyone involved.

Also…

SO MUCH CANDY!!!!!!

January 19, 2025February 9, 2025

The Gargantuan, Mythopoeic, and Somewhat Less Apocalyptic Grandiloquent Extravaganza of Martial Engagements, Skirmishes, and, Indeed, the Entire Spectrum of Tabletop Bellicosities; aka The Game Room

““The game was not just a diversion; it was a way of life, a means of survival, and an expression of art. It was, in short, everything.”
~Iain M. Banks, “The Player Of Games”

Enter our compact (small!) yet infinitely intriguing enclave where the very air hums with the electric buzz of adventure and the musty scent of ancient tomes, and a lot of Mountain Dew. This sanctum, no larger than a galleon’s hold yet as vast as the cosmos in its offerings, is a treasure trove where indie artisans and forgotten masters of game-craft converge.

(IT’S OUR GAME ROOM! If you’d like to run a game or ask questions about what games we’re running, check the website in March, or email Jeff!)

Here, beneath the glow of a thousand* brilliant stars**, you’ll find The Codex of Unseen Worlds, games by creators whose names whisper through the annals of both fame and obscurity, each game a spellbinding narrative of worlds never before trodden. Adjacent, The Vault of Lost Lore holds rare classics, their covers worn from the hands of countless past adventurers, games like “The Labyrinth of Time” and “Quest for Glory”, each a portal to epochs long past.

“You could understand the whole universe, but if you didn’t understand games, you understood nothing.”
~Iaian M. Banks (Ibid)

* Two.
** Stars not included.

January 3, 2025January 3, 2025

The Fascinatingly Argumentative Philosopher

In the grand amphitheater of Wonderplace Alpha, where the minds of the cosmos gather to ponder the imponderable, there dwells the Fascinatingly Argumentative Philosopher, a figure as perplexing as he is enlightening. I shall attempt to dissect this enigma with the precision of a scalpel and the humor of a well-aged amphora of wine. (After enough wine, the amphora tells some hilarious jokes.)

This philosopher, much like those of ancient Athens, does not merely converse; he argues, debates, and challenges every notion with the ferocity of a man defending his last piece of ambrosia. His dialectic, however, is not confined to the dusty scrolls of old but is interwoven with the shimmering threads of quantum thought and the subtle dance of theoretical physics. He is, in essence, a Socratic method wrapped in a cybernetic cloak, questioning the very fabric of reality with the same zest one might reserve for questioning the quality of yesterday’s symposium meal.

His method, one might argue, is to make you feel like you’ve known nothing, much like how I might have made my students feel about the nature of existence – or how Socrates might have made you question your own shadow. This philosopher does not seek answers so much as he seeks to dismantle the questions themselves, leaving you in a delightful state of intellectual vertigo, akin to being on a spinning top in Plato’s cave.

He wanders through Wonderplace Alpha, not with the quietude of a sage but with the clamor of a man who’s just realized he’s forgotten to sacrifice to the gods. He engages with all, from the starry-eyed novice to the grizzled veteran of philosophical debate, each conversation an odyssey into the unknown. His attire, one might whimsically note, seems to be a mishmash of togas and tech-wear, as if he’s caught between attending a symposium and a celestial feast.

His discourse is peppered with humor, the kind that might have made even Diogenes chuckle. “Why ponder the infinite when you can’t even agree on the best way to pluck a lyre?” he might quip, bringing the lofty down to the mundane, only to elevate it back into the realm of the profound. His arguments are like the tales of Aesop, filled with wisdom, yet somehow, you leave both laughing and pondering the moral.

In his presence, one feels the weight of the cosmos and the lightness of human folly. He teaches, in his peculiar way, that to argue is to live, to question is to grow, and to laugh at our own ignorance is to be truly wise. For in Wonderplace Alpha, where everything is possible, the Fascinatingly Argumentative Philosopher reminds us that the pursuit of knowledge is as absurd as it is noble, as futile as it is fulfilling.

So, in the spirit of classical humor, I leave you with this: If life is but a series of arguments, then this philosopher is its most entertaining sophist, ensuring that even in the infinite expanse of space, we never run out of philosophical conundrums to unravel or laugh about.

January 2, 2025January 2, 2025

Dressing For Wonderplace Alpha – A Seminar of Ideas and Assistance

IMPORTANT NOTE: You can wear essentially whatever you’d like! Our seminars of dress and other concepts are here for your assistance and delight. They are only to enhance your experience ~ enjoy them!

We’ve invited Jareth the Goblin King to describe the seminar. He’s not terribly likely to be the one conducting the seminar; but your guides will be lovely, experienced people and/or Goblins.

Welcome, my dear subjects and travelers from realms far and wide, to a most enchanting class at Wonderplace Albion, where I, Jareth, the Goblin King, shall guide you through the art of “Dressing for Wonderplace Albion.”

In this hallowed hall, where magic and fashion intertwine like the vines of the Labyrinth, you shall learn to clothe yourself in the very essence of wonder. We begin, as all great journeys do, at the feet. Here, boots are not mere footwear but a statement of your journey’s intent. Boots laced with silver threads, each step echoing with the chimes of hidden bells, or perhaps a pair of shoes with soles that seem to dance on air, befitting the cobblestone streets of Albion.

Moving upward, we address the trousers or gown, garments that must be as versatile as the paths you’ll tread. For those who dare to wear trousers, I suggest fabrics woven with the threads of twilight, perhaps with pockets that lead to nowhere or everywhere, depending on your whim. Gowns, ah, gowns should flow like the rivers of dreams, with layers that catch the light like the moon’s reflection on water, each layer telling a story of the wearer’s adventures.

The torso, my dear ones, is where armor meets allure. Here, we shall don vests or bodices that are not just for show but for protection against the mundane. Imagine a vest with pockets for your magical trinkets, each buckle and clasp a puzzle piece to your persona. Bodices, for those who choose them, will be corseted with intrigue, adorned with jewels that might just hold the light of distant stars.

Then, we adorn with capes or coats, the final flourish of our attire. A cape can be the wings of your ambition, lined with a pattern of the night sky or the map of Albion itself. Coats, on the other hand, are your armor against the chill of reality; crafted with hidden compartments for maps, potions, or perhaps the key to another dimension.

Headwear, my friends, is not just for keeping the rain off but for crowning your majesty. From the grandest of hats, where feathers might whisper secrets, to a crown that shifts with your mood, each piece is a declaration of your sovereignty in this realm of wonder.

Accessories are the spells you cast upon your appearance. A necklace here might be a vial of captured laughter, a belt buckle could be the face of a goblin ally, and gloves – oh, gloves must be more than mere hand coverings; they are your touch on the world, perhaps even capable of turning doors into portals with a mere gesture.

In this class, you will not only dress but transform, learning to weave the very fabric of your attire with the threads of magic and mischief. We shall delve into the art of illusion, where your clothes might change with your mood or the phase of the moon. Here, at Wonderplace Albion, your attire is your story, your legend, and I, Jareth, will ensure that your legend is one for the ages.

So come, let us embark on this sartorial adventure, where each stitch is a step in the Labyrinth, and every garment you don is a piece of the magic you’ve chosen to live. Remember, in Wonderplace Albion, to dress is to dream, to dare, and to dazzle.

January 1, 2025January 1, 2025

The Dancing Witches

“The witches’ dance was a spectacle of shadows and light, a celebration of the night where each step was a spell, each turn a connection to the ancient powers of the earth. They danced not just with their feet but with their souls, weaving magic into the very air, turning the dark into something sacred, something alive.”
-Charles DeLint

Underneath the silver glow of the moon, a coven of witches from the mystical realm of “Dancing Witches” gathers. Cloaked in shadows and starlight, they twirl and leap, their movements a blend of ancient spells and modern beats. Each dance is a ritual, with steps that weave magic into the night air, their laughter echoing like a spellbinding melody. From this enchanted circle, found at the heart of their online sanctuary, they share their dance with the world, inviting all to join in the celebration of life, magic, and the wild, untamed joy of movement.

Come and behold the dance of Witches! Watch them circle, spin, dance, and cackle! Perhaps you might even decide to join their ranks!

When Witches dance, the Wise tremble!

Witches of all ages are invited to come and join the terpsichorean pursuit!

January 1, 2025January 1, 2025

Goblin Trainin’

Goblin School at our Faire, where mischief and magic meet education in the most unusual way. Here, young scoundrels can embrace their inner goblin for a day of fun, learning, and perhaps a bit of mayhem.

The Setting: Goblin School is set in a rustic, overgrown part of the faire, where makeshift huts and a tangle of vines create the perfect goblin lair. The atmosphere is filled with the sounds of cackles, the rustle of leaves, and the occasional clatter of mismatched cookware.

The Curriculum:

Goblin Speak: Learn the rough, guttural language of goblins, including how to sound convincingly mischievous or scheming.
Sneaky Skills: Master the art of sneaking, hiding, and ambushing. We’ll teach you how to move silently through the underbrush or how to blend into the shadows.
Practical Pranking: From harmless tricks to elaborate schemes, we’ll explore the fine art of pranking. There will be workshops on making simple traps, disguises, and understanding the psychology behind a good prank.
Goblin Crafts: Turn trash into treasure with lessons on creating goblin gear from found objects. Think of it as alchemy but with less gold and more… creativity.
Mischief Making: Classes on how to sow just the right amount of chaos, teaching the balance between fun and folly.

The Experience: Participants will dress up in goblin attire, complete with pointy ears and ragged clothing, fully immersing themselves in goblin culture. The day ends with a ‘Goblin Graduation’ where each student receives a badge of mischief, marking their new status as an honorary member of the goblin tribe.

Come to Goblin School, where learning is as wild and unpredictable as the creatures themselves.

January 1, 2025January 1, 2025

Princess Training

Join the magical journey of our Princess Etiquette Classes, where young maidens can learn the charm and decorum of medieval nobility.

The Setting: Set within the enchanting walls of our castle-like venue, surrounded by the beauty of nature, these classes will transport you to a time of chivalry and grace.

The Lessons:

Graceful Movement: Learn how to walk, sit, and curtsy with the elegance of a princess. We’ll practice until these movements feel natural.
Proper Speech: Master the art of speaking like nobility, with lessons on clear pronunciation and engaging conversation, preparing you for royal discourse.
Dining Etiquette: Discover the intricacies of eating like royalty, from the correct use of utensils to the graceful handling of a goblet, culminating in a mock banquet.
Dance: Step into the world of medieval dance, learning dances like the pavane, enhancing your poise and social grace.
Crafts: Engage in noble pastimes, such as embroidery or the art of illumination, giving you a taste of a princess’s daily life.
Dress and Appearance: Learn about medieval fashion, including how to wear and style hair in ways that would befit a royal lady. There will be a fun dress-up part where you can try on period clothing.

Join us to live out an hour or two in the life of medieval royalty, where every lesson is a step closer to your own fairytale ending.

January 1, 2025January 1, 2025

The Mad Masquerade

“Masquerades disclose the reality of souls. As long as no one sees who we are, we can tell the most intimate details of our life.”
~Salvatore Laccona

In the twilight of the forest, where shadows dance with the light of the setting sun, faeries emerge to spin and whirl in a ballet of ethereal grace. Their laughter is like the tinkling of silver bells, floating on the breeze, as they weave through the trees in patterns too intricate for mortal eyes to follow. With each step, they leave a trail of shimmering dust, their dance creating a symphony of nature, where leaves rustle in rhythm and flowers bloom with joy. This is no mere dance; it is the very essence of magic, a celebration where time itself seems to pause, allowing the world to witness the pure, unbridled joy of faeries at play.”. Adorn your finest mask and mingle with a cast of intriguing figures – from the playful Jester who spins tales of laughter, the thoughtful Philosopher pondering life’s great mysteries, to the mischievous Puck, stirring up fun at every turn.

The Mad Masquerade is actually surprisingly sedate. Sure, most of the inhabitants are mad, but that’s not terribly abnormal around these parts.

Dance under the stars to music that seems to have drifted from the forests of Mirkwood or the halls of Rivendell or the song-houses of Tenafly, New Jersey. Step into a realm of enchantment at our Simple Faerie Masquerade, where every face tells a story of magic and mystery. During our Fairy Night, we invite you to embrace the spirit of the fae, whether you bring your own masque or choose from our collection of handcrafted masks.

Our masquerade is an ode to simplicity and whimsy, featuring masks that evoke the essence of woodland spirits, ethereal fairies, and mythical creatures. If you’ve brought your own, your personal touch adds to the tapestry of this magical event. If not, our stall offers an array of masks—made from materials like leather, feathers, and silk—each one designed to transform you into a character from a fairy tale. Or buy a masque from one of our talented vendors!

The event begins as the sun sets, casting long shadows where the boundaries between the human world and the faerie realm thin. Dance to the tunes of medieval flutes and lutes, engage in playful games, and share in the lore of the faeries under the starlit sky. Whether you’re here to dance, to mingle, or just to soak in the ambiance, your mask is your key to a night of anonymity and adventure.

(You can bring your own or buy one at the event, as you prefer!)

Join us for an evening where everyone can be a faerie, if only for a night.

This is your chance to meet fascinating people, share in the joy of the dance, and perhaps find yourself in a story you’ll never forget. Don your mask, set your spirit free, and let the night’s enchantment unfold at “The Mad Masquerade.”

January 1, 2025January 2, 2025

The Jester of Storm and Sense

“I was battered and bruised, but the king was amused, and before the siesta, he made me his jester.”
-Danny Kaye, “The Court Jester”

The Jester of Storm and Sense emerges as a central figure, an enigmatic character who dances on the edge of chaos and clarity. Clothed in the traditional motley, with each step accompanied by the tinkling of bells, this jester personifies the essence of medieval revelry, a maestro of merriment whose antics serve both as entertainment and enlightenment.

The Jester of Storm and Sense is a mountebank, a weaver of tales, engaging the crowd with spontaneous acts that blend physical comedy and ridiculous jests. Their performances are a whirlwind of acrobatics, sharp satire, and incisive commentary on the events of the day, keeping everyone from dignitaries to commoners on their toes with their quick wit. Whether in the grandiosity of the royal court, where they dare to mock the vainglorious with their clever tongue, or in the bustling marketplace, where they might host a mock trial or an impromptu magic show, this jester’s presence is both felt and cherished.

Yet, beneath the surface of their japes lies a deeper purpose. The Jester of Storm and Sense embodies the historical role of court jesters, who held the unique privilege to speak truth to power under the guise of humor. Through their performances, they offer not just laughter but lessons in resilience, the art of wordplay, and the importance of questioning the status quo. Their acts are a dance of duality – both revered for their wisdom and ridiculed for their folly, inviting all to momentarily escape the burdens of reality through the timeless magic of laughter.