I feel like this year’s fest can be summed up with a rename: FoodFest 2025. Yes, we went to Niagara Falls. Yes, the falls are mind-numbingly impressive when you’re standing on a boat floating near the base. But the restaurants in Niagara Falls are plentiful, vast, and very, very good.

 

More than that, the portion sizes were massive. And because the food was so good, I cleaned my plate more often than not. I probably could have rolled home, and I’m going to avoid a scale for a few weeks. But the best part of these restaurants was the company. I got to spend time with some amazing people–some old friends, and others newcomers. All of them fun, relaxed, and comfortable. Speaking to people at RobinsonFest is effortless, even for me, and that’s saying a lot. Not only do I not have a lot of opportunities for socializing (being solo in an office 365 days a year), but my autism also makes most social interactions a massive effort. Much less so at RobinsonFest.

 

Something that impresses me every year at RobinsonFest is how exceedingly friendly and welcoming everyone is. Whether it’s your tenth fest or first, you’ll be welcomed like family and be instantly part of the group. I’d like to take credit for this atmosphere, but I’m probably the most stoic person at the fest. Somehow, I just have the coolest fans on the planet.

 

So, what did we do, other than eat? On Friday, we went to a…fun center? Theme park? I don’t know its official label, but we went go-kart racing on a massive track that rises three stories and sends you careening down a wavy hill that puckers the butt of even the most seasoned go-karter. We fought off waves of zombies, and because I’m both competitive and have a gamer rep to uphold, I infused my trigger finger with the Speed Force, cut through the zombie waves, and managed to get the high score in both games.  There was mini-golf, a wax museum, the most…interesting…take on a T-Rex I’ve ever seen, and ride in which we shot…ghosts. I did NOT get the high score against the ghosts. I blame it on trigger finger fatigue…and that my competition was an avid shooter. Curse your aim, Steve!

 

Next was the falls themselves. After being moved onto the boat like a line of pink-poncho-wearing lemmings, we were ferried out to the falls. The trip was awe inspiring and beautiful, but the crashing water… I wasn’t prepared for the overwhelming sense of power. Similar to how I felt when I looked out at the vastness of the Grand Canyon, I felt small and insignificant, witnessing something ancient and raw. Thanks to the water blasting us, no one noticed me shedding a tear or two. Despite being very touristy, that moment at the base of the falls was, for me, transformative. Almost supernatural. I highly recommend a visit, even if you just scoot into town, visit the falls, and retreat before the city can suck you into a food coma.

 

On Saturday we had a Q&A session with myself, Kane Gilmour, Xander Weaver,  Dan Delgado, and Kesava Anderson, who was a newcomer this year and impressed the hell out of me. Not only was Kesava an earnest and kind dude, he is also incredibly insightful and well-spoken–unlike me! I’ve participated in a number of Q&As, mostly at larger conferences, and this was, by far, the most engaging, fun, and informative session I’ve been a part of. And not just because of the panel. The questions from attendees were engaging and interesting. What was meant to be an hour long Q&A turned into two hours and I barely noticed the time go by. We followed the signing with…food, and then a free afternoon of just hanging out and having a jolly time.

Side note. One highlight of this year for me was River, a perfectly behaved German shepherd service dog who also knew how to throw down when challenged by those of us willing to get down on the floor. River wasn’t there for me, but she definitely helped calm my mind and rejuvenate my energy.

And that’s about it. The family grew closer and larger this year, with a lot of newcomers. I’m looking forward to seeing everyone next year, and all of you who have yet to experience RobinsonFest!

Here’s a gallery of more photos!

— Jeremy