Ciderfest Highlights · 11:20am Oct 26th, 2017
It's time to pour one out for Ponyville Ciderfest 2017, which has now sadly ridden off into the sunset. But what a time we had! I'll recap some of the high points, which I do more for posterity (and my own poor memory) than for bragging. Though this now makes two consecutive Ciderfests that I've attended and enjoyed, so consider taking this as a sign that there are good times to be had if you can make it out there!
That mug holds 40 ounces, right?
This is now the third (or third-and-a-half with Whinny City 2017) con that I've been privileged to do a panel at, which surely reflects on the dubious judgment of panel selection committees at-large. 
But regardless, I did two panels with Vivid Syntax, one of which was pretty much his show, and one of which was a truer collab--complete with a horrifyingly embarrassing name and description (that I mostly came up with). 
The ever erudite KwirkyJ attended both panels, providing both relevant insight and just the overall pleasure of his company. I encourage you to go give Kwirky a look, as there's still time to say you followed him before it was cool.
Speaking of name-dropping, I finally had the pleasure of meeting fellow Writeoff participant Morning Sun. I also ran into fan VA BriLizyT who helped with my 2016 Mother’s Day fic reading. Oh, and bizarre but true: we ran into another kid (and family) from Oldest's school, who apparently are even harder-core Bronies than we are. Like they were telling us about all the cons they've been to and all their plushies and stuff, and we're just like... 
Speaking of swag, my one acquisition of note was a Sassy Saddles(!!!) plushie from Cutie Corral, who unfortunately were going out of business and running a fire-sale. Oldest scored an A.K. Yearling as well, and someone might find a Pony Aria Blaze under the tree this Christmas...
Entertainment-wise, the kids' area was the place to be. 
We got to hear Nicole Oliver tear it up with some live Daybreaker VA work; the Shake Ups did an acoustic set that included a very special rendition of "Call Upon The Sea Ponies"; and from the doorway I got to hear (and participate in the sing-along to) a live acoustic rendition of the memetastic "Heyayayay" song that was happening on the mini-stage about 50 feet away.
TFW you encounter a super-dank meme IRL and it's amazing
And speaking of the kids, Oldest had several fun interactions with various people from the show, notably Andrew "Shining Armor" Francis (who's really cool to talk to and is great with kids), and the family of Lexie "Angel Wings" Heule (who are total sweethearts). On the flip side though, Oldest commandeered what was supposed to have been a shared attempt for us to get autographs from Tabitha St. Germain (Rarity herself, darling). Next con, Tabitha! Next connnnnnnnnnnnnnnn! 
Nevertheless, the greatest thing of all is that we made it there and back again without anyone ending up in the hospital, which longtime readers may recall has been a thing for us and car trips this year.
This is certainly the last pony con we'll make it to in 2017, but I'm eyeing cons in 2018. Because beyond the inherent awkwardness of being one nerd among many, and the discomfort of wearing cosplay, and the expense and trouble of attending... I really love going to pony cons! But then I still greatly enjoy MLP itself, despite having missed the second half of S7 thus far due to the timing of our kids' activities. MLP still offers great storytelling possibilities while tying back to simple virtues that a kid can understand, and through both cons and online interaction I've seen MLP help people find their voice and confidence in spite of not-always-great starting points with those.
Also, I was unable (due to children) to participate in this year's MLP CCG draft, and therefore unable to defend my crown from last year, so I kinda have to go again next year for that. 
Final verdict: 10/10, would Ciderfest again
Glad you had fun!
I didn't particularly feel like attending this year, myself. Did too many cons last year, so cut back a bunch this year.
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Aha, I was wondering! I hadn't seen you, but then at some point I realized I'd forgotten to ask if you'd be there. I hear you though, it's possible to overdo just about anything. Maybe next year!
Next con, Tabitha! Next connnnnnnnnnnnnnnn!
!!! I always knew you were Dr. Claw!
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Preposterous. You say I'm this guy?
vignette.wikia.nocookie.net/villains/images/0/00/Doctor_Claw.jpg/revision/latest/scale-to-width-down/310?cb=20121005024146
Let's examine the facts:
EGAD I AM CLAW
I must attend one this year.
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So let it be written, so let it be done.