Springfield, Vermont, is a scenic destination ideal for an early fall excursion. The town has many outdoor activities, plenty of dining options, fun community events and was officially voted-in as the real world representation of “Springfield” from The Simpsons.
Located in beautiful southern Windsor County, Springfield offers numerous opportunities to enjoy the wilderness. If you're a fan of golf then you must visit the Crown Point Country Club. This championship level course offers a challenge for golfers of all skill levels. Even though the course is private, they offer tee times to the public. Hartness Park is located a couple miles from the center of town, making it an ideal spot for hiking and picnics thanks to a unique view of the downtown area. The Springweather Nature Area is perched on the southern shore of North Springfield Lake. From boating and fishing to hiking and biking, this park offers you a great outdoor experience!
When it comes to food options, Springfield is most definitely foodie friendly. The Black Rock Steakhouse is a local favorite and can’t-miss stop if you’re visiting town. You’ll find a diverse menu of great beef, chicken and seafood entrees along with the option to have your food served on “hot rocks” (an old world European custom of serving food on hot stones). The Hartness House Inn offer luxury accommodations, with a great dining area and tavern. Not only can you stay in the lap of luxury, but you can also eat delicious meals prepared by their expert staff.
In addition to all of these attractions, Springfield lays claim to great community events. The Springfield Steampunk Festival is new to the Vermont festival circuit, entering its second year, and has already carved a place for itself as the state's only steampunk festival. This all ages event is focused around the science fiction subgenre of steampunk. This is a reality where steam powered machinery took hold instead of the advanced technology we see today. Springfield's industrial feel and background creates the ideal location for this event. The festival will have a variety of live music acts performing, demonstrations, absinthe tasting, games, and much more. We got the chance to interview Sabrina Smith, Coordinator for the festival, to talk about this fun and unique event.
RAL: How long has the event been running?
SS: This is 2nd year of the Springfield Steampunk Festival. Last year went very well considering it was a first year event.
RAL: How many annual participants do you draw?
SS: Last year we had about 500 people walk through the doors. We expect maybe 750 this year.
RAL: What is the typical demographic makeup of the event? Children? Families? Couples?
SS: We see everyone at the festival including families with children, couples, single people and groups of friends.
RAL: What makes this event unique?
SS: Currently, we are the only steampunk festival in Vermont. What makes steampunk perfect for Springfield is the fact that we are an industrial town. Gears and machinery are a big part of the iconography of steampunk and with Springfield having been a gear producing town, it’s the perfect setting. We even have a redeveloped industrial building that has a large gear on the front.
RAL: What is the environment like?
SS: The venue is Hartness House Inn, a historic victorian mansion with beautiful grounds. On the property there is the underground tunnel that takes people to view the turret telescope observatory.
RAL: Take me through a day at the event.
SS: We have a whole weekend of music planned along with many workshops, talks, demonstrations, and games. You can take tours of the turret telescope observatory in the mansion, that can only be reached via an underground tunnel. There is also a free photo booth experience that many enjoyed last year. We will be bringing back the fashion show again this year, bigger and better! There is an absinthe workshop/tasting that is limited to 30 people (adult-only). That is an experience you do not want to miss if at all possible. We will have an adult-only burlesque show this year and many vendors selling all kinds of steampunk wares.
RAL: Will there be any guest appearances?
SS: Bruce Rosenbaum, the "guru" of steampunk, will be giving a talk and we have some bands that are steampunk festival regulars: This Way To The Egress, Psyche Corporation and many other entertaining bands.
RAL: What dining options will there be?
SS: There will be outdoor food vendors and on Friday night and Saturday night, and the Hartness House Inn will have their menu available for people to purchase food. Their bar will be open the entire festival.
RAL: What can an attendee expect to find for local lodging?
SS: There are many B&B’s and Inns all around Springfield. The Hartness House Inn will be providing accommodations, but I believe they are fully booked at this point. We do have a list of accommodations in the area on our website.
RAL: Does this drive business to your local economy?
SS: Yes, people search for local lodging and typically venture out into our town to the various eateries and while (hopefully) shopping some local stores.
RAL: Does the event support a special cause in the community? (School funds, etc.)
SS: Yes, the net proceeds this year will go to the Springfield Humane Society. Last year we were able to present a $1000.00 check to the Springfield Community Center.
RAL: Why should people come to your event?
SS: There is just so much to do and see. Just having the Hartness House Inn as the venue makes the experience special. Wearing steampunk attire is not required, but it can be fun to dress up in steampunk style and it is definitely fun to see everyone who is dressed up. We have a dedicated group of volunteers and we try our best to make this experience as special as possible. We received many comments after last year's festival that everything was well-organized and we plan to be this year, as well!
For more information about the Springfield Steampunk Festival, please visit their website.
Mural in the photo was painted by Jamie Townsend.