The 61st annual Wild Mushroom Show hosted by the Puget Sound Mycological Society (PSMS) took place in the PUB building on the weekend of Oct. 19 and 20. Audience turnout likely equaled or surpassed last year’s total of 4000, as elbow room was highly restricted during the convention.

An assortment of mushroom experts and enthusiasts comprised the organizers, volunteers, and vendors. Fae, a member of PSMS and vendor for Earl Grey Emporium, said, “We’re just out here in Shoreline at a random community college because we really like mushrooms.” The event’s vendors were not exclusively members of the hosting society. 

Charming mushroom displays and mushroom-themed goods filled the venue; felted mushrooms, ceramic mushrooms, sewn mushrooms, photographed mushrooms, cat-like mushrooms, and even mushroom hot chocolate were presented to entice passersby. 

The crowd of all ages donned clothing more colorful and expressive than the practical neutrals of a conventional Seattleite. Another vendor, Alexander Watts, affectionately described the event goers as “just a bunch of freaks and weirdos.”

Experienced chefs prepared and cooked wild mushrooms that visitors could taste, as explained in a pamphlet for the event. Other experts taught mushroom identification and fabric dyeing techniques. A variety of lectures were scheduled, and reference books were also available for sale.

Perhaps this growing enthusiasm for mushroom foraging reflects a need to circumvent inflated grocery prices and a yearning for a free, beneficial hobby.