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June 10, 2023 11am – 7pm
The Preston Castle Oddities and Curiosities Show
Presented by The Menagerie Oddities & Curiosities Show
Be amazed by wondrous things. Witness the bizarre, the strange, and the unusual at one of the most paranormal places in California!
Ready to join our community of oddity collectors, patrons, and curiosity seekers?
Immerse yourself in a SPECTACULAR show!
Grab an event ticket then add a castle tour or workshop!
Workshops are limited. Tours are every half-hour.
YOU DON’T WANT TO MISS THIS!
The most interesting oddities & curiosities market in the West is headed East with a magnificent show for seekers of the strange and unusual in California’s gold country.
“This ain’t yer grannies craft fair” ™
We’ve curated an extraordinary art market filled with wondrous things and over 50 artists. You won’t find this vendor lineup anywhere else.
What’s Included:
Live Entertainment
Interactive presentations with Dr. R. Snick
Dazzling performances from Stilt Boy and the Renegade Circus
Free face painting for the kids
Ice cream, food trucks, full bar
Tickets are limited and can be purchased online in advance.
Purchase an Oddities Show ticket and ADD a castle tour or workshop from Classic Mouse Parade during checkout!
Plus, we’ve got bugs, bones, taxidermy, fine art and jewelry, medical & scientific specimens, antiques, and more.
More About The Menagerie
The Preston Castle Foundation is thrilled to announce an exciting partnership with The Menagerie Oddities & Curiosities Show to bring you, “The Preston Castle Oddities and Curiosities Show,” Saturday, June 10th.
This unique event will showcase a mesmerizing array of intriguing oddities, curiosities, and fascinating artifacts that will transport you to a world of wonder and amazement. With a diverse collection of eccentric vendors, captivating performances, and immersive experiences, The Preston Castle Oddities and Curiosities Show promises to be an unforgettable experience for all.
A Fundraising & Community Event
We are excited about this partnership because the Castle presents a perfect location for the The Menagerie Oddities & Curiosities Show brand, their shows help promote historical and cultural opportunities, and some of the funds from this event will go directly to Preston Castle Foundation’s mission to restore the Castle.
All proceeds from the castle tour tickets are donated to the Preston Castle Foundation.
Castle Tours
Enjoy an engaging self-guided tour providing you with a unique opportunity to explore the castle’s fascinating history and architecture. Public self-guided tours provide you with access to the first floor and second floors where you can learn about the history of the Preston School of Industry. Docents will be available to answer questions and guide participants through the Castle.
Explore the Castle’s many rooms and learn about its past occupants, as well as the changes that have occurred over the years. The Castle is filled with interesting stories and historical artifacts, making it a must-see attraction for history buffs and anyone interested in California’s past.
Preston Castle is also a marvel of architectural design. The castle was built in the Romanesque Revival style. Explore the castle at your own pace and take in all of its stunning details.
DON’T FORGET TO PURCHASE YOUR GENERAL ADMISSION ODDITIES SHOW TICKET.
A separate ODDITIES SHOW TICKET is required to enter the grounds. No re-entry.
AGE 5 & UNDER – FREE!
Mouse Taxidermy Workshop
with Classic Mouse Parade Ages 14+
This class is designed for all skill levels and will cover the basics of beginner taxidermy, including how to skin, clean, and “stuff” a mouse. Each participant will be provided all materials to create their own creepy cute furry friend! By the end of this class, you will leave with a completed taxidermy mouse and instructions on how to finish drying your piece. All mice should be display-ready in about 2 weeks!
An assortment of summer beach/pool props will be provided for you, but each participant is encouraged to show their creativity in designing their piece! You may have your own ideas about how you want to dress, pose, and display your mouse, and we’d love to see it!
All mice were obtained legally and sustainably. No part of any animal will be wasted for the sake of taxidermy. All “insides” feed reptiles. All “outsides” make art!
Anyone under the age of 18 will need to arrive with a parent or guardian to give consent to take the class.
Masks required and will be provided if needed. Safety protocols, including masks and gloves, are always encouraged when working with dead things or chemicals.
Beetle Pinning Workshop
with Classic Mouse Parade *All ages
Learn how to prepare, pin, and mount your very own rainbow beetle! All skill levels; basic beetle pinning. Prepare, pin, mount your very own rainbow beetle!
Each participant will be provided all materials to pin their own beetle to take home with them!
All insects were obtained legally and sustainably. No part of any animal will be wasted for the sake of taxidermy.
Event Policies
PRESTON CASTLE PUBLIC TOURS POLICIES
- Tour tickets are Valid for self-guided tours only. Does not include admission to the Oddities Show.
- Please check in at the castle entrance at the beginning of your tour time.
- This is a self-guided tour and takes approximately 1.5 hours to complete.
- NO re-entry, NO Late entry after expiration, NO Exceptions.
- Entry for Castle Tour tickets expires 30 minutes after the scheduled time.
Mouse Taxidermy Workshop Policies
- DOES NOT INCLUDE ADMISSION TO THE ODDITIES SHOW
- DON’T FORGET TO PURCHASE YOUR GENERAL ADMISSION ODDITIES SHOW TICKET.
- YOU MUST PURCHASE AN ODDITIES SHOW TICKET to enter the grounds.
- No re-entry.
- PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME
Beetle Pinning Workshop Policies
- DOES NOT INCLUDE ADMISSION TO THE ODDITIES SHOW
- DON’T FORGET TO PURCHASE YOUR GENERAL ADMISSION ODDITIES SHOW TICKET.
- YOU MUST PURCHASE AN ODDITIES SHOW TICKET to enter the grounds.
- Masks required AND will be provided.
- Anyone under the age of 18 will need to arrive with a parent or guardian to give consent to take the class.
- Under 12 must be accompanied by adult
- We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone.
- The Menagerie has a zero tolerance policy and welcomes everyone regardless of gender, race, religion, or sexual orientation.
- No re-entry.
- PLEASE ARRIVE ON TIME!!
General Disclaimers
- Live video and/or photography takes place during our events and is used for promotional purposes only.
- We do not compensate for use of these images. Attendance to our event is acceptance of this policy and constitutes permission for future use of these images.
No Soliciting
The vendors are rad. That’s why we chose them. There is absolutely NO soliciting the vendors for wholesale or vending other events during the Menagerie. The vendors are professional artists connecting with our patrons. Please be respectful and take a card to contact them later. Don’t embarrass yourself by being asked to leave.
Tickets may only be purchased online only.
There will be no ticket sales at the gate.
NO outside food, drink or promotional materials.
Leave your matches, arsenal, and other illegal things at home.
This is a NON-SMOKING Event
PLEASE DON’T SMOKE inside our event.
Event FAQs
What's the COVID policy?
Stay home if you’re sick and wear a mask in crowds.
Are your events ADA Accessible?
Yes! The market, food, entertainment, exhibits, workshops, and basement are 100% Accessible, however the upper floors to the Castle are not BUT there are vidoe tours of those areas. Please contact us to make arrangements at info@themenagerieodditiesmarket.com
Can I get a refund?
NO REFUNDS. All ticket sales are final. In the event of a cancellation, the event will be rescheduled for the next available date and tickets will be accepted at that time.
“This ain’t yer grannies craft fair”™
Be
Amazed
By
Wonderous
Things!
Be Amazed By Wonderous Things!
Event Recap
Name:
The Preston Castle Oddities and Curiosities Show
Date:
Saturday, June 10, 2023
Time:
11:00 am- 7:00 pm
Address:
900 Palm Drive, Ione, CA 95640
All photographs used on this page are credited to Bjarne Winkler.
Other Upcoming Preston Castle Events…

Spring Craft Fair & Tours
An Outdoor Event
May 20, 2023

Vines and Steins
Beer and Wine Tasting Event
August 26, 2023

Preston Castle Haunt
Experience the Frights Yourself
October, Fridays & Saturdays

See All Preston Castle Events
Preston Castle Foundation
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