DEFINITION: An “oddities show and tell” is an event where participants bring unusual, strange, or unique items to share with others*. Each participant presents their item and tells a story or provides information about it. This type of event is often held at conventions or gatherings that celebrate the strange and unusual, such as, well, this one! It’s a particularly Halloweenish endeavor, and don’t be surprised if Wednesday Addams or Godzilla show up. (Well, hopefully not Godzilla. He eats more than his share of candy.)
The concept is similar to the traditional “show and tell” activity often done in schools, where children bring an item of interest and talk about it. However, in an oddities show and tell, the focus is on items that are particularly peculiar or rare or just plain freaky/These could include anything from antique keys found in a haunted mansion to preserved specimens of two-headed animals, ancient ritual masks, cursed dolls, mysterious maps, and more.
The goal of an oddities show and tell is to share fascinating stories and unique items, creating a sense of wonder and curiosity among participants and attendees. It’s a great way for people to connect over their shared interest in the unusual and to learn about the history and significance of various oddities. IT IS NOT TO EAT THE ODDITIES. We just wanted to make that clear after that unfortunate Godzilla** incident.
Come on out! Bring your oddities! Bring finger foods! Bring fingers! We’d love to meet you!
* “I, myself, am strange and unusual.” –Morticia Addams
** There’s no such thing as Godzilla. It was Ghidorah, King of Monsters.