The annual Sculpting Fair showcases the brilliant sculptures, artwork and creativity Dankar has to offer. It is also a celebration of community and collaboration in the Known World, allowing people to take a break from the summer heat. The Fair was so popular that a smaller version of it was created to boost morale in the harsh winter months of Taqairo.
The Sculpting Fair happens over three days, to account for any unexpected weather events on the first two days. However, the main event usually happens on the first day.
Location
The Sculpting Fair takes place every year in Taqairo, usually in the third month of summer. Stalls are set up in the centre of the capital, and the main event takes place in an old ruin, which has been repurposed as a community hall.
Tickets
Although there is an option to prebook tickets by telephone, most people buy tickets on the day. These tickets give visitors access to the main event in the afternoon.
People can also buy passes instead of tickets, depending on what they offer. Family passes are cheaper, and can be used for families of up to seven members. Some passes give people free lunch after the celebration, some give a free tour of Taqairo, and others let the person get an object from a stall for free. These passes tend to be expensive.
Vendors
In the plaza, one can find stalls selling all kinds of weird objects. The stall owners have travelled far and wide to get to the Sculpting Fair. Many stalls are set up by warlocks and doctors who sell potions and medicines to cure any ailments. Explorers who come back from their adventures sell old and precious artefacts for hefty fees. Engineers and inventors sell their latest gadgets, although there is no guarantee they will work. There are also stalls for children to play games in and win prizes.
The stalls are stationed just past the gates of the Fair, to capture the eyes and hearts of inquisitive visitors before they reach the hall.
The Celebration
The actual celebration takes place early in the afternoon, to give visitors a chance to explore the stalls, and allow contenders to travel to the Fair. It happens in the large community hall, where snacks and cool drinks are provided between each display.
First Display
In this event, contenders display their paintings to the audience, and are judged by professional artists. It used to be quite quick, but over the past few years, more entries were submitted to the Fair. The artworks are judged in certain categories, depending on the type of painting.
Second Display
This was the original event when the Fair first started. In the second display, people show off their sculptures. While most are medium-sized, there are a few people who make such large sculptures that they have to be shown outside the hall. The artworks are judged by professional sculptors, and like the first displays, they're judged in certain categories, depending on the material used.
Third Displays
The last display is quite new, but is already gaining traction among the community, and has brought in a larger audience. In this event, people show off their inventions. The event is moderated to ensure people who do not have Mechano can participate and show off their creativity.
Location
Capital of Taqairo
Time
Third month of summer
Performances
There are also performances before and after the main event, where people put on dances and shows using their powers. Although this isn't a contest, the audience can vote for their favourite perfomers. There are often multiple winners each year.
Food Stalls
Food stalls are positioned outside the hall to capture the noses of hungry audiences. There are plenty of delicacies from across Dankar, and an opportunity to try free samples.
Tourism
Once the event is over, many people stay around to explore Taqairo and experience the landscapes and the views over the clifftops. Touristic trams wait outside the Fair to show people around the country.
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