A fair warning to prospective guests at the Deerfield Beach Hilton: If, while checking in this weekend, you notice a woman in a bikini with hooks in her flesh hanging upside down from a crane by the pool, dont be alarmed. From Friday to Sunday, the hotels being taken over by hordes of tattooed ruffians for the world-famous
15th Annual South Florida Tattoo Expo. Theres going to be a tattoo contest. And dozens of tattoo artists piercing and inking epidermises. And fetish, car, and burlesque shows. And so much food. And celebrity guests from Iron Maiden and Black Sabbath, and endless live music by the poolside from the likes of the Cadillac Bombers. Then, of course, there are the suspension shows involving the aforementioned crane. Again, dont be alarmed. These are sweet people. The proceeds from the event go to the Joe DiMaggio Childrens Hospital.
The 15th Annual South Florida Tattoo Expo runs from noon to 1 a.m. Friday and Saturday and from noon to 7 p.m. Sunday at the Deerfield Beach Hilton (100 Fairway Drive, Deerfield Beach). Those age 16 and under must be accompanied by an adult; those age 18 and under need parental consent for tattooing. Admission costs $15 per day, or $30 for a three-day pass. Call 954-343-5585, or visit sofltattooexpo.com.
Fri., Aug. 13, noon; Sat., Aug. 14, noon; Sun., Aug. 15, noon, 2010