2006
by Yum Yi

 Another Lupercalia has come and gone… now it’s time for reflection – and rest!

Lupercalia MMVI (2006) was fantastic – I always walk away from an event like this with one thing that was never really in my mind before... but then sits there like an angry little bug, waiting to be explored further. The first year, it was Humiliation - from Midori's fantastic workshop. Last year it was Elwood's absolutely mind-blowing branding workshop. I was completely turned around in all of my thinking because he totally demystified it for me.

This year, I'm sure it will either be Peggy O's discussion about Polyamory, or Lew Ruben's suspension bondage workshop that will be spinning in my head in the months to come, as I think (and discuss) more and more what was brought up, my feelings on the topics, and how different elements can be incorporated into my life/play/relationships. Lew was also an absolutely fantastic presenter, blending all of the safety issues in with the hands-on and demonstration parts amazingly well, so the whole workshop seemed to be over in 20 minutes when it really was significantly longer.  His passion for the topic was definitely contagious. Lolita, Peggy O, Madame Butterfly, and Sir Scott all were amazing presenters, and my only complaint would be that I didn’t get to all of the workshops, and missed those by Lady Susan, Monique, Max, Dr.G, Edward Sandberg and Detective Jim Morrissey.

The vendors area was great, and I picked up a few good books from B&D Emporium, not to mention drooled over some of the beautiful artwork that was donated for the silent auction.  In previous years I hadn’t noticed the Community Table, but this year I also made a point of checking out all of the other organizations and companies which provided information.

Absolute Kink had some GREAT eye candy, and more than one entertaining production from members of the Imperial Sovereign Court of the Wild Rose.   I didn’t get the chance to check out all of the new different areas – as I was ‘distracted’ by a number of great friends from different cities and towns who I only get to connect with at events like this one.

The Lupercalia celebration itself was a hoot, and I got paired with a fantastic partner for all of the activities.  I somehow knew I wouldn’t win the “best slave” award when I made a break from the cage during the auction, and had to be tackled to the ground by my new ‘master’ for the activity!  What fun!  Last year one of my good friends won an impressive prize for “best costume” and this year another good friend from Calgary won the award for being the most lovely ‘slave’ – and I agree!  The ‘tax collector’ for the event was also most striking… striking fear that is as he collected our hard-earned coins!  I would also like to thank whoever created the fabric I used for my toga… the metallic threads running up and down the sheer white material were incredibly enjoyable when I visited the violet wand booth and subjected myself to the two handsome ‘tormentors’ manning the booth.

The play party on Sunday night was fantastic as well, though I’ll keep all the details on that to myself and those who attended.  I’ll only say that  I don’t know HOW many pieces of furniture they had in there.. every time I turned my head I noticed something I hadn't seen before.

The brunch was also REALLY good (I only wish I had eaten that well on Saturday morning too!) and the different groups within the Lupercalia organization and the EOS presented awards to all of the people who so willingly give up their time, skills, and energy to make this event, and events throughout the year incredible for all of the rest of us.  Seeing the guest Birthday Girl present cake to the Lupercalia chair and co-chair on her knees was definitely worth the push towards a table near the front! 

Additionally, I was lucky enough to spend dinner on Saturday and Sunday night with a great group of people – and that was also fantastic.  The workshops are the main reason I look forward to this event, but the PEOPLE are what really makes it fascinating.  I was very glad that I remembered this year to pack boxes of juice and granola bars in my room to make for quick breakfasts and snacks throughout the weekend.

Each year there's different highlights... but each year I get a deeper appreciation that there's an event of this caliber so close to home. It might not be as big as some of the events in the USA... but team the amazing presenters and guests with the intimacy of the event at the Delta, and I can't imagine much being any better.
Great location, great accommodations, great speakers, great guests, great topics, great activities, great people in general to share it all with…….. my only complaint would be that I’m EXHAUSTED now that it’s all over and I’m home again.

Many thanks to all of the organizers and volunteers, the vendors, the performers, those who donated their time, merchandise, skill and energies, and to those who just generally helped to make this a fantastic weekend – including those dear friends who helped make the weekend special.