Story By Katie Hightower

On Oct. 25, Steampunk Alabama held its annual Steamers and Dreamers festival on the square in downtown Scottsboro. The free event featured steampunk music, costumes, vendors, authors and artists. The event attracted curious people of all ages interested in steampunk aesthetic and fashion.

Steampunk started as a literary genre in the 1980s to describe science fiction novels that featured steam-powered technology and transportation. As the literature’s popularity grew, fashion inspired by it gained a following. Before long, steampunk had a recognizable aesthetic that included Victorian-era styling paired with mechanical elements like clockwork gears and brass components. 

The weather was sunny and cool and helped with the event’s turnout. Those who wore layered costumes and heavy dresses were comfortable walking in them.

Byron Lauderdale, an organizer of the event and the icon of the Steampunk Alabama logo, said there were many more lesser-known elements of steampunk culture that he hoped the festival would bring attention to. At the bicycling event, he pointed out that one of the bikes had a lantern fish theme. He said that the lantern fish was the official fish of steampunk. Another bike in the event was decorated with an octopus which was also associated with steampunk style. Other animals in steampunk literature included owls, partridges, insects, cats, dogs and seahorses.

Vendors throughout the festival featured the animals of steampunk in their artwork and wares. Pieces of jewelry festooned with gears, brass fittings and Victorian cameos were on display.  Hats of all designs hung decorated with goggles and unique stitching. Several steampunk authors attended the event including J.A. Jolley, Paul Edward Turner and Philip Ligon. 

Live music was performed at the courthouse gazebo by musicians who wore hats, goggles and elaborate Victorian clothing. There were contests for best-dressed steampunk and best decorated bicycle. Winners of the contests proudly posed for pictures.

For those who were hungry, food vendors attended the event. From giant turkey legs to baked goods, those in attendance were able to find yummy treats.

“This event was more than we expected. Even with all the new faces, we blended together like family,” said Lauderdale. “This event showed steampunk at every booth. All our vendors left next year’s vendors with a real challenge. We are already planning 2026.”