Valentine’s Day is usually spent with your significant other, however, for those of without a partner it is a day that we would like to skip over entirely. My new friend here in Arizona, calls it “Single Awareness Day” – LOL! I like this term, it’s a much less bitter one than I’ve heard used in the past.
Nonetheless, we decided to be brave and venture out to a place where we hoped not to see too many starry-eyed lovers or flower/cute cuddly bear vendors; a Tattoo Expo at the Arizona State Fair in Phoenix.
Tattoo Expo Entrance at Arizona State Fair in Phoenix
The crowd was large and varied: singletons, couples and families.
Potential Customers at Tattoo Expo at Arizona State Fair in Phoenix
The music was loud and surprisingly more hip-hop than heavy metal or country.
There were at least 50 vendors selling their artistry and/or products. Oh, you could also purchase food, beer and hard liquor to savor or dull the pain of your fresh new piercings and tattoos.
Man getting bicep tattoo at Tattoo Expo at Arizona State Fair in Phoenix
My friend was seriously considering getting a tattoo and although she had one vendor in mind, we looked at all the vendors.
Woman getting thigh tattoo at Tattoo Expo at Arizona State Fair in Phoenix
The booths were small, but with enough space for a two man-crew or a long bench for one. The Body Art Expo website assured of us of certifications, licensing and cleanliness and they were correct. Every artist that I watched used new needles and gloves, swabs, disposable ink mix containers, etc.
Man getting back tattoo at Tattoo Expo at Arizona State Fair in Phoenix
I saw a lot of the strange and colorful and down-right awful but my favorite was the frontman for the Art Fusion contest. He had a raspy voice and a cool way of getting the crowd involved in the contest and auction.
RingMaster at Tattoo Expo at Arizona State Fair in Phoenix
Some of my pre-conceived notions about tattoo fanatics were laid to rest, some were the vividly on display, and some – like the human suspension – were absolutely nightmarish.
I watched a young man get both his nipples pierced, a sassy grandmother win a beauty contest over young ladies in swimsuits that were half her age, and my new friend get her desired tattoo.
All in all, it was an excellent event and I enjoyed myself tremendously.
