Art, Jewelry, Tattoos and Pie

Check the fine print on the Electric City Tattoo Convention posters and you will see there was a real variety of events and entertainment:  Live painting demonstrations, concerts, bluegrass after party, raffles, and a pie eating contest.  I think I will attend the convention next year, not for the tattoos, but for the pie!

Dragon King and Lord of Wisdom Masks

These are images of The Dragon King and the Lord of Wisdom, two masks that were on display at the 2011 tattoo convention.  Dragons are a popular tattoo subject, and these masks certainly provide some inspiration.   Dragons are quite significant in Chinese and Japanese mythology, and some fascinating pictures and interesting text can be seen here.

Original Art Samples at the Electric City Tattoo Convention

In addition to the actual tattooing going on at the Scranton Tattoo Convention, there was striking artwork on exhibit.

The Electric City Tattoo Convention

A Conventioneer

Today was the final day of the second annual Electric City Tattoo Convention.  Tattoos are not my thing, but they are very popular in Northeast Pennsylvania and quite a few tattoo artists and shops seem to be thriving.   Since I was passing by the hotel I had to pop in for a quick look around.

The Ice Captain

This big carved ice cube reminds me of The Captain from the 60's T.V. show The Ghost and Mrs. Muir.  The show was about a writer, played by Hope Lange, living in a big coastal house haunted by a cranky ghost of a sea captain, played by Edward Muhare.   The series was based on a book by R.A. Dick, and it was preceded by a film in 1947 starring Gene Tierney and Rex Harrison.  While the show only lasted for two years, it did have a light and pleasant charm to it which managed to keep it planted in my memory for forty years to be easily dislodged by this ice sculpture.  For the curious, the nostalgic, and classic film buffs, the movie and the show are available on DVD.

Festival of Ice 2011

A moment frozen in time.

Icing wings alert!

Icequestrian Statue

Festival of Ice in Clark's Summit

Time for the Clark's Summit Festival of Ice.  This year it marked the 100th anniversary of the borough that borders Scranton on the west side of the city.  Ice sculptures were sponsored by various businesses and were on display in front of numerous shops along the main street running through the center of town.

Live Music at Riverfest

Riverfest 2010

This man was very convincing as a colonial era British soldier.  Made me quite glad I wasn't wearing a blue jacket.  Tea, anyone?

Riverfest 2010

Pittston Riverfest 2010

The Pittston Riverfest is an annual celebration of local history and the arts just south of Scranton and north of Wilkes-Barre, next to the Susquehanna River.  As part of the festivities the Eckley Players put on a performance that dramatized the aftermath of the 1869 Avondale mine disaster that resulted in the death of 110 workers, mostly Welsh,  and one of the very first global relief efforts in support of the widows and families of the victims.  The true cost of bringing coal as a power source to the people cannot be measured in just dollars.

Two More Shots From La Festa Italiana 2010

The songs I heard while at the festival were definitely not Italian, but they definitely did sound good.  You can see the conductor and the singer were pleased!

Look Who Booked a Space at the Festival

The library booked a spot at La Festa Italiana.  It really added volumes to the experience.
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A Really Big Orange at La Festa Italiana

I think the really big orange is an excellent marketing gimmick.  It's eye-catching and generated a lot of smiles and customers while I was there.  What is not to like about fresh squeezed juice over ice on a hot summer day?  When thirst calls, this orange stand answers!
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La Festa Italiana 2010

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Attendees of La Festa Italiani should really like to eat...
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...and eat...

...and eat.

La Festa Italiana

La Festa Italiana was begun in 1975 and has since become a tradition marking the end of  summer.  The festival claims to be the largest celebration of culture and cuisine in northeastern Pennsylvania.