Mark Twain uses cane to point out his classic novel The Adventures of Tom Sawyer. Many 19th century authors and fictional characters were seen walking around during TwainFest.
TwainFest last summer was awesome. So today I had to go again!
A uniquely wonderful cultural event, TwainFest celebrates Mark Twain and other famous 19th century authors. Held every year in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park, the event includes games and activities for the entire family, including Costume and Liar’s contests (the latter as a tribute to Twain’s tall tales), vintage dancing, and all sorts of historical performances and reenactments. TwainFest is presented by Fiesta de Reyes and created by the literature-loving folks at Write Out Loud.
I walked about randomly for about an hour just aiming my camera at familiar old classics that I love come to life. I saw lots of San Diegans in period costume, many portraying well known characters from literature.
I hope you enjoy these photos…
A random writer helps to pen one of three endless stories at the family friendly event. …And, lo, from out of the mist stepped a phantom: it was the ghost of Mark Twain!Mr. Samuel Clemens, American author of many timeless books and stories, relaxes under a tree in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park during 2015 TwainFest.Mark Twain’s beloved character Aunt Polly is looking around for Tom Sawyer and Huck, who are probably running about engaged in mischief once again.Some lively Irish music dating from the Old West is played during TwainFest on the Fiesta de Reyes stage. Laughter. Levity. Literature.A storyteller making the rounds at TwainFest challenges the audience between musical performances to solve humorous riddles.This elegantly-dressed gentleman informed me he would be reading classic fiction to the crowd later today.Not to miss this history and literature-inspired event, a couple of fun-loving pirates come shuffling along through Old Town’s central plaza.Oh, goodness! It’s one of the most famous fictional, rascally pirates of all! Long John Silver! What’s that in the bottle?Al Sorkin, aka Captain Swordfish, represents the Maritime Museum of San Diego. That’s a really big harpoon! Perhaps it was once used to hunt Moby Dick.Two friendly people in period costume were greeting visitors at the entrance to the Casa de Estudillo.This funny guy said he was a sort-of Mad Hatter with a Bowie knife! He looked more like a 19th century Willy Wonka to me!Uh oh. While no one was looking Henry David Thoreau got out of his jail cell! That was awfully disobedient!These two snake oil salespeople were selling Ether of Muse. One whiff of the potent elixir and writing literature is a snap.This mild, ordinary lady in a bonnet demonstrated what happens when one sniffs essence of Emily Dickinson. She recited breathless poetry for minutes on end.Girl greets large puppet Mark Twain and Emily Dickinson at 2015 TwainFest in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park!
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Supergirl crosses the Harbor Drive bridge with a cool companion. Is that some sort of Star Wars stormtrooper?
Here’s batch number two of super awesome cosplay photos taken at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con!
Okay, I admit I don’t know half these characters. But who cares? It was a lot of fun just seeing them all! Comic-Con is all about human imagination. These cool costumes are living representations of the unlimited creative power that each of us possesses!
(For those of you following this blog who’d like to see something other than Comic-Con, have no fear! The big annual event is drawing to a close, and I’m sure we’ll have oodles and oodles of brand new cool San Diego sights ahead!)
It’s another Snow White! This one seemed exceptionally nice, even for a Disney character.The Walking Dead took over Petco Park today. That must be why I spotted the King County Sheriff with the ghost-busting Geek Outlaw.Who on Earth is that crazy guy with a big-eared helmet? Don’t ask me!Perhaps this nicely-dressed couple came from Scotland. Or maybe they’re promoting Outlander.Guys walk along reading books while wearing question mark masks. Makes me feel better that I don’t recognize who the heck they are.What big claws you have Wolverine! Let me take a picture!Not sure who these folks are dressed up to be. One’s got a big bloody axe.I’m guessing this is the nice Deadpool family.Somebody help me with this one. These characters seem familiar but my brain has stopped working.Lots of fun cosplay action behind the San Diego Convention Center during 2015 Comic-Con.The alluring tattooed Blindspot lady has been joined by sneaky Catwoman! Watch out guys!The Black Mage of Final Fantasy is joined by frolicking super heroines including another Supergirl.Should I be concerned that the evil, nefarious Poison Ivy is smiling at me?Okay, I do know that these awesome people are cosplaying Mad Max movie characters. Because they told me!Henchman 21 of The Venture Brothers is Hench 4 Life!This bright yellow sunny cosplay is Dayman. That sunshine is perfect here in San Diego!It’s the vile Lord Hater of animated show Wander Over Yonder!Uh, oh. Better call the Caped Crusader. Because I’ve spotted Scarecrow. You don’t scare me!Captain America is walking among happy citizens, protecting all those who are visiting downtown San Diego for Comic-Con.Boba Fett costumes are always cool. This is no exception.Spidey is always a big favorite when it comes time for kids to pose at San Diego Comic-Con.The smiling CEO of Jack in the Box just happened to be walking about the Gaslamp among a bunch of cosplayers.Clark Kent opens up his shirt to reveal the Superman emblem! Another cool sight at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con!
Harley Quinn and Deathstroke make a cute cosplay villain couple at 2015 San Diego Comic-Con.
Here’s the first batch of photos of cosplay outside the convention center during 2015 San Diego Comic-Con. I walked with my camera all over downtown: along Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade, around the Gaslamp, near Petco Park, and all around the San Diego Convention Center. Costumed characters were everywhere! Much of the cosplay was incredibly elaborate, and just super awesomely cool. You can tell fans spent a lot of time and effort preparing for Comic-Con!
I apologize for not recognizing all of the characters. If a caption is inaccurate or needs better information, leave a comment!
Superman and Wonder Woman are just hanging out like best buddy heroes in the Gaslamp during Comic-Con.Ant-Man is ready for action, and I’m ready for his movie!Awesome, amazingly elaborate cosplay can be seen all over downtown San Diego during Comic-Con, especially near the convention center.I believe these are all Mad Max characters, but don’t quote me on that.Another fun Harley Quinn with another big hammer.Cosplay of Satsuki Kiryūin, from popular anime television series Kill la Kill.Here comes the Joker. Why so serious?Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade is a prime spot to spot the coolest cosplay during San Diego Comic-Con.Adora Belle Dearheart (Golem Inspector) and Moist von Lipwig from Terry Pratchett’s Discworld.Aquaman seems to be out of his element during the Southern California drought.I think that’s Dolores Umbridge from Harry Potter. Who’s the guy with her? He looks familiar.A hooded lady assassin gives me a calculating stare from the Ubisoft Assassin’s Creed obstacle course.Dr. Who’s brilliant strategy altered history during the Trojan War. I guess Ulysses wasn’t as smart as they say.Baymax of Big Hero 6 is walking through the crowd on a beautiful San Diego weekend.A colorfully dressed cosplayer has checked out a funny, high tech portable toilet prop from Insurgent.A simple Iron Man armor costume, but effective.Darth Maul made a rush at me, invoking the Dark Force, but somehow I evaded his double lightsaber. I’d like to think I did an amazing back flip.Super cool outfit! Must be awfully warm, though.I recognize Black Widow and Captain America, two of Marvel’s Avengers.Immortan Joe cosplay from Mad Max: Fury Road.It’s a walking TARDIS from Dr. Who at Comic-Con!Lady Star Lord and Thor pose for my camera near Petco Park during 2015 Comic-Con.Sexy tattooed character from television show Blindspot walks about during 2015 San Diego Comic-Con.Old man Deadpool has a long white beard!
I’m given a hearty greeting by the Mighty Thor. Last year this awesome guy cosplayed as Batman.
Here’s a bunch of fun photos showing activity outside the convention center during 2015 San Diego Comic-Con. There’s so much to see, to absorb, one could happily spend hours just walking around. Most of these pics are from this evening–Thursday. A few are from Wednesday.
Visitors to Horton Plaza are invited to become colorful superheroes during San Diego Comic-Con.Just inside door of Spreckels Theater Building where Conan O’Brien audience picks up tickets.Snoopy with granny glasses peers from Gaslamp shop window.Poster in Gaslamp advertises William Shatner’s Man O’ War.Entertainment Weekly had lots of people posing for photographs. Superheroes of San Diego!It does indeed look like Fear Begins Here.Video board promotes exciting NBC television programming in Gaslamp Square.Heroes Reborn venue had huge images of the powerful characters around the black structure.Their biggest mistake was betting against him. The Player. Thursdays this Fall on NBC.Photo of crowd crossing Harbor Drive and trolley tracks between San Diego Convention Center and Gaslamp Square.LEGO Bane is on the wall of the Hard Rock Hotel!The cosmic wrap and astronaut figure on the Hard Rock Hotel building advertises The Expanse, coming soon on Syfy.Ladies in Sharknado 3 shark heads hold signs indicating It’s Your Patriotic Duty to Embrace the ‘Nado!The downright silly new Colonel Sanders is shown as a unicorn standing by Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade.Awesome cosplay in downtown San Diego for 2015 Comic-Con. Three against one! I don’t have a chance!A large troop of Colony soldiers marches down Martin Luther King Jr. Promenade during Comic-Con.Schick offered free shaves near the Assassin’s Creed obstacle course. Schick has partnered with software developer Ubisoft.You, get in here! It seems everyone is trying to attract the attention of thousands of Comic-Con attendees.Webtoon. Long live comics!People dine at the Tin Fish, which is completely wrapped in NBC Blindspot graphics. A mind erased. A body of clues.It’s LEGO Homer Simpson! He’s equipped with some tough-looking Transformer-like armor, which includes Wonder Woman and Gollum on top!These suited bald guys with barcode tattoos on their necks are lined up to promote Hitman: Agent 47.It looks like Hulk shrank a bit!Obi-Wan Kenobi seemed to have the situation in hand. That’s a pretty big crowd passing by, however, and I’ve seen a number of nasty-looking villains!You scream, I scream, the Scream Queens serve ice cream!This huge super cool robot is called MegaBot. It arrived near Petco Park for Comic-Con on Wednesday.Dark Souls III has a cool backdrop at the Comic-Con Interactive Zone next to Petco Park. Can these guys remove the sword from the stone wall?Scouts Guide to the Zombie Apocalypse is an upcoming movie, and a fun venue in the Interactive Zone.Darth Vader challenged me to a light saber duel. I declined. I like my limbs.Inflatable slides at the Comic-Con Interactive Zone were set up to promote The Peanuts Movie.Is that Snow White smiling at me? Don’t bite that apple!That is either a Spartan, a Trojan, or a guy who likes USC football.Batman has seen enough of this rabble. He’s looking grim and determined to do something.Stoop Kid’s afraid to leave his stoop. Or perhaps remove a Star Trek uniform.As the evening progresses and the FX Fearless Arena Experience closes for the day, Sex, Drugs and Rock and Roll are abandoned.Archer graphic in the Hilton Bayfront Park.American Horror Story Hotel has closed for the day and a video photographer exits. Was it too scary for him?Model grabs at swirling dollar bills in window of American Horror Story Hotel while being filmed.Kid checks out vacant entrance to the Bastard Executioner venue. Escape the forest duel!I’m guessing this passage near the exit is where thrill-seekers escape the forest duel.Upside down Louie seems to wait in line for Hall H with thousands of Comic-Con fans. They’ll be sleeping outside all night on the grass or concrete. That’s dedication!Hunkering down for a long wait behind the San Diego Convention Center. These guys are near the Adult Swim carnival.Now that’s a lot of people waiting to see panels in Hall H tomorrow. And there are many more behind me!Folks riding a unicorn prepare to launch above the Omni Hotel into the cloudy blue sky, over a gigantic bubble resting on the grass!That bubble is actually a huge, working snow globe promoting Fargo. The Waffle Hut is inside!Oh, dear. More zombies on the loose.Time to head back across Harbor Drive as the day ends. Even a pair of Leias have to eat dinner.Looking down from Harbor Drive bridge at San Diego rail yard and a bus with Game of Thrones wrap turning about.Everybody had a great time. Day 1 of San Diego Comic-Con is coming to a close.A couple slowly walks along after a busy day. That’s one gigantic swag bag!
Kids wave at Star Wars stormtrooper and TIE fighter pilot at the Coronado Independence Day parade!
I spent the morning in Coronado. I’ve always wanted to see their huge Independence Day parade, reputed to be one of the very best in America. (And I believe it! I’ll be posting a bunch of pics later–I’ve got a lot of photos to go through!)
One of the biggest sensations of the parade was created when a bunch of San Diego Star Wars Society members passed down the length of Orange Avenue, engaging in elaborate cosplay. Talk about cool! It’s like Comic-Con started early!
San Diego Stars Wars Society members engaged in elaborate cosplay for Coronado’s Fourth of July parade!Imperial stormtrooper rides a Segway, an advanced land vehicle from the early 21st century.A biker scout trooper clears a path for the San Diego Star Wars Society with a flag-festooned, red, white and blue patriotic motorcycle!The Dark Force seems to have a big following. But don’t be alarmed. Some fearless Jedi Knights have arrived!An army of white-armored clones marches down a very crowded Orange Avenue in Coronado. The parade featured a fantastic variety of cool sights.Kids have a whole lot of fun as costumed Star Wars enthusiasts participate in the Coronado Independence Day parade.
Ladies in Mexican folk costume gather in front of Old Town’s Robinson-Rose House.
I didn’t catch the names of the dance groups competing today. But I did get some fun photos! The sixth annual Fiesta de Reyes Folklórico Competition in Old Town San Diego State Historic Park was full of energy and color. In past years, the State Park has also been crowded with vendors during the Cinco de Mayo weekend. But not this year. All the commercial vendors were outside the park, along San Diego Avenue, and I believe this was a great idea. The center of historic Old Town is a representation of what life was like in San Diego in the 1800s. Its emphasis today on the authentic baile folklórico competition, which attracted talented troupes from throughout California, and a whole lot of spectators, seemed just right!
How good was the dancing? The participants were motivated to go full tilt with a first place prize of one thousand dollars! The dancers were evaluated by several renowned Mexican judges. It was fantastic!
Performers in the Cinco de Mayo weekend Folklorico Competition walk toward the Fiesta de Reyes stage area.A dance troupe wearing colorful costumes waits at the edge of Old Town’s grassy central plaza.Traditional Mexican folklorico dancers have checked in for the cool San Diego event!A huge crowd watches as the super energetic dance contest is already underway.With flowers in their hair, bright dresses and broad smiles, these dancers bring cheers and whoops from the crowd.Dances and costumes from different parts of Mexico can be quite unique.These stomping guys are full of vigor and so is the crowd!Long colored ribbons stream from very odd costumes. The headpieces appear to be religious icons or altars.Sacred images of Christ crown these dancers’ heads. I believe I heard this peculiar tradition originated in Jalisco, but I might be wrong.Frilly, flouncy dresses were seen throughout Old Town San Diego State Historic Park.Traditional Mexican folk dancers in long flowing skirts dazzle the cheering crowd.Another sensational performance!These were the first place winners!
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House of England tent featured British food in San Diego, a distant corner of America.
As you might have read in my last post, lots of folks converged upon Balboa Park today in a variety of historical costumes. They were celebrating the beautiful park’s one hundred year anniversary.
Most of these participants headed to the International Cottages area in the early afternoon, where a costume parade, chivalry event, dramatic performance from Shakespeare, and other activities took place. The House of England held an English Village Fete on the lawn.
I missed most events but did capture some fun pics…
Buckingham Palace Queen’s Guard in front of the House of England cottage.British bobby on patrol talks to a gentleman at unique Balboa Park event.Attire from different periods of history were seen at the English Village Fete.Lots of Union Jacks and gifts celebrating England were for sale.This nice lady in a bonnet was selling honey produced in San Diego.There was even a model train display on the lawn during the fun event.England is a member of the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages.Royal coat of arms of the United Kingdom inside the House of England cottage.People in period costumes enjoy some treats inside the small cottage.Beatles display on a wall inside the House of England cottage.A cool Alice in Wonderland exhibit features the Mad Hatter.Some guys are re-positioning the Union Jack at cottage door.Sherlock Holmes tries to unravel a mystery. Who’s that scruffy, suspicious-looking guy walking around taking pictures?Local Shakespeare expert talks about the Bard and his contributions to literature and our everyday language.Event attendees listen intently to a talk about the Elizabethan era.Many penny-farthing bicycles could be spied around Balboa Park today.Join us for a nice cup of tea!
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San Diego Costume Guild members help Balboa Park celebrate its centennial.
Today a really cool event was held in San Diego called the Balboa Park Centennial Informal Gathering. A bunch of history lovers, park supporters, assorted clubs and organizations (including the San Diego Costume Guild) gathered together in Balboa Park and everyone wore period attire. The idea was to recreate what Balboa Park might have looked like one hundred years ago, when the 1915 Panama-California Exposition opened.
During my walk through the park, I saw folks everywhere wearing fancy dresses and hats . . . carrying parasols . . . sporting old-fashioned police and military uniforms . . . wearing suffragette sashes or steampunk goggles . . . riding high-wheeled penny-farthing bicycles . . . and lots of puzzled tourists looking about in complete astonishment. It was great!
Balboa Park Centennial Celebration marks the 100 year anniversary of an amazing place.Folks in old-fashioned dresses and nostalgic garb were walking up and down El Prado.This 19th century fashion predates 1915, the year of the Panama-California Exposition in Balboa Park,Two elegant ladies paused to smile for my camera in the park’s big central plaza.Some people dressed for the occasion were enjoying the warm San Diego sunshine.Lots of very fancy hats could be seen everywhere I turned.Later in the afternoon, folks wearing historical costumes would reenact a political march supporting Votes For Women.Two suffragettes with Votes For Women sashes follow a guy dressed in World War I era military uniform.Back in 1915, the right for women to vote was an important issue and movement.A display in the Balboa Park Club building included Women’s Rights memorabilia from a hundred years ago.A few people sported steampunk goggles. Event participants converged on the International Cottages lawn area.Visitors from Balboa Park’s past seem to come to life before my very eyes.A bustle of Victorian activity in front of the House of England cottage.
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Clan Logan’s crest is a pierced human heart. HOC MAJORUM VIRTUS, translated from Latin is Valor of My Ancestors.
I’d read that the 12th Annual San Diego Tartan Day being held in Balboa Park would end at four o’clock this afternoon. So I arrived during my walk with a good hour to spare. Or so I thought! At three o’clock, the event was already drawing to a close!
I did manage to get some interesting photos. A number of tents and folks in costume were scattered about the lawn of the House of Pacific Relations International Cottages. Unfortunately, I missed the dancing and music. Maybe next year…
A robed Highlander with walking stick strides across the lawn at Balboa Park’s International Cottages. Historical dresses, kilts and distinctive tartans were abundant.The House of Scotland in Balboa Park was the center of today’s 12th Annual San Diego Tartan Day.Some leftover treats in the House of Scotland cottage as the event draws to a close.Displays in Scotland’s small cottage celebrate rich history, art and culture.The crests of many diverse clans hang on one wall.This merry fellow was looking down at cottage visitors from a spot near the ceiling.The Scottish Clan and Tartan Information Center was attracting a great deal of interest.Exhibit on one outdoor table helps identify many differently patterned tartans.Participants from The Stewart Society of Edinburgh celebrate Scotland’s rich heritage.
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Two adults in historical costumes at Seaport Village. I don’t know why!
Here are pics of folks simply living life in downtown San Diego. Strangers working, playing, or doing random odd stuff make fascinating subjects. I’ll glance at a photograph downloaded to my computer, and I’ll wonder for a brief moment about the story unfolding in front of me. Is the story happy? Sad? A complicated mixture? Then a curious thought strikes: someone might have taken a secret photograph of me, and they could be wondering the same thing!
Reluctant child, dressed dogs, and unheard words on the Embarcadero.People staring downward, and a street musician near USS Midway.Man cleans sidewalk in early morning at downtown NBC building.A huge iguana takes a curious ride on someone’s shoulders!Tour group on Segways stops in Petco’s Park at the Park to gaze at empty field.I believe those are choir members outside Our Lady of the Rosary in Little Italy.Adults seem preoccupied as balloon twister guy creates colorful fun for kids!Couple takes a selfie on a beautiful day as sailboats glide past USS Ronald Reagan.Man doing a few public push-ups on grass in Embarcadero Marina Park North.Amish tourists taking an odd stroll through a very strange, big city!
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Cool San Diego Sights! 