Sip, dunk, nibble at steampunk holiday tea

The competitors in the popular game will brandish biscuits and banter at Tucson Steampunk Society’s third annual Dickens Tea on Saturday.

Let us explain.

“You dunk your biscuit for five seconds and have to hold it between two fingers, balancing it, and there is only one way to win, and the way to win is to eat your biscuit last, 90 percent or more (of the biscuit) in one fell swoop in your mouth, no nibbling,” says Jocelynne Weathers, one of the event organizers.

As players dunk, they also jest with each other and the judges. It may sound simple, but that’s where you’d be wrong. Soggy biscuits crumble easily.

“It’s a bit of a game of chicken, but with biscuits,” Weathers says.

And if that is not incentive enough to check out this steampunk-style holiday party, here are five more reasons.

Steampunk itself. This science fiction and fantasy genre of literature and art mashes steam-powered technology with Victorian-era sensibilities, Wild West adventures and a good bit of whimsy. That Victorian influence (and “A Christmas Carol”) is why the steampunk society opts for a Charles Dickens theme for its annual holiday party. That means costumes, characters, creativity and….

… Endless cups of tea. Maybe this is the obvious reason to check out a tea party, but each table will select several pots of tea to sample. The Scented Leaf Tea House and Lounge, 943 E. University Blvd., is providing pots aplenty to go with teatime goodies such as finger sandwiches, cookies or fruit.

Table decorations. And we’re not talking about plastic tablecloths and paper napkins. “This is something where we give our community a chance to show off what they do, some of their art and creativity,” Weathers says. “We have a lot of makers in the steampunk community.” In years past, table themes included “Alice in Wonderland” and a fairy Christmas. A papier-mâché octopus hosted a tea party at one table going for a “‘20,000 Leagues Under the Sea’ feel,” Weathers says. Tea-timers then vote on their favorite table.

Playing dress up. Because what is a steampunk gathering without some fashion flaunting? Three costume contests will encourage party-goers to come in character or dressed formally for a holiday tea, though Weathers emphasizes that dressing up is not a must. Adults can compete in separate steampunk and Charles Dickens-themed costume contests. There will also be a contest for the kiddos.

Eclectic entertainment. The Borderline Celts from Bisbee will keep the afternoon lively as they play this event for the first time, and Lykiska, a belly-dancing group with ties to the steampunk community, also will perform. The festivities also include a silent auction and raffle.