The Strange and Spectacular in Virginia City
The Menagerie Oddities Market returned to the Mackay Mansion as Virginia City hosted its third annual gathering of the curious and macabre on June 6. The Mackay Mansion's hallowed reputation for being one of the most haunted places in the West was an excellent backdrop for the market, where the departed and mysterious are very much at home.
Around 40 curators of the strange spread their wares across the grounds, offering everything from taxidermy and preserved specimens to dart art, rare bone collections, and one-of-a-kind antiques from days long past. Among the extraordinary vendors and performers, Halen Dessaussois stood out for his authentic local representation – a resident of the Mansion itself who spent the day offering tarot readings to those curious enough to see what the cards had to offer.
For those individuals who sought to do more than browse the curious selection of antiques and oddities, hands-on workshops led by Silver Moon Curiosities gave attendees an opportunity to try their hand at things like insect pinning, letting them return home with a gothic work of art that they created themselves. Mansion tours also ran alongside the market, offering the incredible glimpse into the Victorian history of Virginia City as well as the paranormal activity that has made the Mackay Mansion a treasure beyond the borders of Nevada.
Currently in its third year, the Menagerie Oddities Market has quickly shown itself to be one of the most distinctive events on the calendar, showing once again that the old silver bones and haunted soul of VC is the perfect home for such an occasion.
