Scranton gearing up for eighth annual Electric City Tattoo Convention

SCRANTON — If you asked Woody Wodock eight years ago if he thought he’d still be running the Electric City Tattoo Convention, he’d probably tell you no.

“Never in a million years I thought we’d still be doing this,” he said.

The tattoo artist, who also serves as the convention organizer, recounted the nerves of planning the first tattoo convention and wondering if it would be successful.

“I don’t like to fail at doing things,” Wodock said.

Eight years later, the convention, which will be held at the Hilton Scranton and Conference Center April 21 to 23, has grown to include over 165 artists and hosts various entertainment attractions, such as a sword sallower and sideshow.

With each year under his belt, Wodock said planning has gotten easier as he’s been able to work out the kinks and follow the structure from previous years.

In addition to the artists, the convention will also have about 14 vendors selling artwork and t-shirts as well as entertainment such as the Miss Electric City pin-up contest and burlesque shows. The three-day event even features contests for artists and artwork done on sight.

“It really is a good time,” Wodock said.

Wodock said the convention isn’t just for those looking to get a new tattoo. Over the years, he said, he wanted the event to be a family-friendly event and a welcoming environment even if someone wasn’t looking to have work done.

“People are looking for stuff to do in this area,” he said.

And those looking to get work done will be able to choose from a wide variety of artists and styles, Wodock said.

“You’re almost guaranteed to find the artist and type you want,” he said.

The effect of the convention is two-fold, he said. In addition to introducing artists from across the country to the Scranton area, the convention helps stimulate the local economy. Between hotels, coffee shops and restaurants, Wodock said, downtown Scranton thrives during that weekend.

Wodock said he has even had business owners approach him saying how much the convention impacts the city.

“You can feel the difference that weekend,” he said.

Wodock said he spends half his year planning the convention and getting everything ready, and he said he is satisfied with how everything has turned out so far.

“I’m definitely happy,” he said.

The Electric City Tattoo Convention features a varieity of tattoo artists and styles as well as vendors, and entertainment such as side-show acts and a pin-up contest.

https://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_FullSizeRender-2.jpgThe Electric City Tattoo Convention features a varieity of tattoo artists and styles as well as vendors, and entertainment such as side-show acts and a pin-up contest. Submitted photo

Electric City Tattoo Convention organizer Woody Wodock said patrons looking to have work done are ‘almost guaranteed’ to find the artist and style they’re seeking.

https://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_FullSizeRender-3.jpgElectric City Tattoo Convention organizer Woody Wodock said patrons looking to have work done are ‘almost guaranteed’ to find the artist and style they’re seeking. Submitted photo

In its eighth year, the Electric City Tattoo Convention draws more than 165 artists and creates an environment that welcomes everyone from the ink addict to the curious blank canvas.

https://www.theweekender.com/wp-content/uploads/2017/04/web1_FullSizeRender-4.jpgIn its eighth year, the Electric City Tattoo Convention draws more than 165 artists and creates an environment that welcomes everyone from the ink addict to the curious blank canvas. Submitted photo