For the third time in as many months, the tiny village has mounted a highly successful public event, most recently entering the world of Steam Punk.

Originating in the 1980s, the world wide Steam Punk movement allows participants to enter a world of fantasy, built around influences as diverse as Victorian England, fantastic gadgetry, time travel and the forces of darkness with a touch of Sherlock Homes and Doctor Who thrown in.

Dressing up is the order of the day with shirt ruffles, frilly dresses, top hats, leather jackets, lace, parasols, and flintlock pistols aplenty.

For many taking part in the Nimmitabel Steam Punk Festival, goggles too were de riguer – allowing a certain anonymity – and for many only first names are needed.

The program of activities was impressive and in some cases suitably quirky too.

Parasol and teapot duelling, fire stick juggling, hedgehog bocce and a Steam Punk’ Heist’ were dotted about the two day happening, along with beautiful guitar music from Cooma musicians Allan and Leslie Spencer performing in the town’s historic Geldmacher Mill. A Chamber of Commerce sponsored BBQ and gala costume dinner dance at the Pioneer Hall were also features of the weekend.

At this stage, based on the clear delight people take in dressing up, the Chamber is planning a masked ball for New Year’s Eve, so watch this space.