Ovine host Claire Elizabeth O’Brien welcomed dozens of puppets to the “Magic Puppet Tea Party,” a social event specifically for puppets. Guests filed into Marriott A704 at 5:30PM on Friday to imbibe (imaginary) tea and acquaint themselves with their fellow puppets.

Humans were not permitted to speak during the event, so adjunct reporter Egg Junior stepped in to interview the felted attendees.

Returning this year was Guthrie Weatherbottom III, fuzzy blue monster and possible cousin to Egg Junior. He remarked that he was most excited to meet new friends at this year’s tea party but would truly absolutely be thrilled to meet a dragon at Dragon Con.

Many tea partiers were new to the event. Turbo Granny was excited for her first tea party. She was overjoyed to leave the confines of her home to visit Dragon Con. Obs Goblin, a mere child at “at least 7 years old”, was thrilled to leave the house for the very first time. He overcame his shyness to befriend other puppets. Tom, a blue finger eye puppet, was excited to drink tea—ideally chamomile—and unwind.

Remy the Rat (no relation to the 3D rat of Pixar fame) donned her finest at her debutante tea party, clad in a magenta sateen princess dress. She remarked that she was excited for tea and treats. Remy brought a puppet of her own: a finger eye puppet who declined to share his name. In fact, our mysterious interloper refused to speak at all. Remy mused that perhaps a bit of emotional distance was healthy for the two of them. 

Some familiar faces were in attendance, among them Punch and Judy. The English couple has been entertaining audiences for over 300 years with their wacky antics. Despite their extensive experience in the puppet scene, this was their first time attending the tea party. They enjoyed the challenge of communicating without human involvement.

Across the board, the puppets appreciated the opportunity to be their authentic selves. Even within this human-dominant convention, puppets quietly thrive.