Overview
Ponyville Ciderfest is an annual convention primarily dedicated to fans of the animated television show My Little Pony: Friendship is Magic , particularly the adult fans known as "bronies". The event is organized by Worthwhile Events NFP, which also runs Whinny City Pony Con in Illinois and MLP-MSP F in Minnesota. The convention features a variety of activities including fan panels, musical acts, guests from the show, vendors, and a formal gala called the "Grand Galloping Gala". The event maintains a fully family-friendly environment until 8 PM each day, with dedicated kids programming. After 8 PM, panels may feature adult content. The convention operates both in-person and online; the con uses platforms like Discord, Twitch, and YouTube to reach fans who cannot attend physically by live streaming some of its events. [1]
According to a report in local newspaper Wisconsin Life, the three-day event brings in more than $500,000 to the city of Milwaukee. The convention draws attendees for its music events, including nightly dance parties, and vendors selling handmade merchandise such as T-shirts, posters, and wood carvings. [2]
The inaugural convention in 2014 drew 829 attendees to the Hyatt Regency in downtown Milwaukee. The event collected donations for the Children's Hospital of Wisconsin and emphasized themes of "love, tolerance, and acceptance" that are central to the show. [3] The first Ciderfest featured voice actors from the show including Andrea Libman (voice of Pinkie Pie and Fluttershy), Peter New (voice of Big Mac), Sam Vincent (voice of Flim), Michelle Creber (voice of Apple Bloom), Ingrid Nilson (voice of Maud Pie) and G.M. Berrow (author of "My Little Pony"). [4] The 2018 edition, which was the fifth year of the convention, was themed as a music festival celebrating the music from the fandom and the show. It featured 58 guests and panelists, 39 music acts, and 41 vendors with over 170 events throughout the weekend. [5]
According to Cody Miller, the programming director for the convention, the event serves as "an escape from the daily grind" and a place for mutual support among fans. The convention showcases values central to the show such as harmony, generosity, laughter, and kindness. Miller notes that the convention challenges traditional gender stereotypes, stating, "We get a lot of mixed messages about what it means to be a man... It's very refreshing to have a group of people come together and say, 'No.' We want to be nice to each other, we want to have feelings." [2]
In February 2022, Corgi Events LLC—the parent organization of Ponyville Ciderfest and Whinny City Pony Con as well as five furry conventions —collapsed amid financial troubles including an exorbitant tax warrant against its founder, unpaid staff compensation, and management issues. Tech Charlie, the convention chair of Ciderfest and Whinny City, initially stepped down due to the organizational turmoil. Michelle, Charlie's wife, purchased both conventions from the dissolving company and reinstated Charlie as chair of both events. [6] [7]
Like other brony conventions, Ponyville Ciderfest has established a tradition of charitable activities. From 2014 to 2016, the convention supported Extra Life 4 Kids, raising a total of $26,758.50. From 2017 to 2019, charity efforts benefited Generations Against Bullying, raising $72,999.08. Since 2021, the convention has supported the Wisconsin Humane Society, with the 2023 event raising $111,186.90. As of 2023, Ponyville Ciderfest has raised a total of $261,005.98. [1]
