Friends of Faire...

[Rowan MacD]

  I would like some advice about Friends of Faire organizations and structure.

 What exactly IS a 'Friends of Faire' organization?  

 Why is it a good idea to have one, and how do you know when it's a good time to start organizing one?

 What is needed?

 Who should be involved and what do they need to do?

Any advice would be welcome.   Perhaps a group like this could be started in the Eastern Nebraska/western Iowa area?
 

~Rowen

[Ferret]

This Lady did an awesome job. Website at http://www.festfriends.org/ and more on the MNRF section here.
Ferret

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

My one piece of advise:  Make it inclusive, not exclusive.

We've been going to Bristol for 14 years.  The first year, we had maps in our hand, and walked up to an archway that had seats beyond it, with garbed people sitting in it.  With no idea what it was, my husband, two sons, and I walked into it.

At which point, a man leaped out of his chair, ran over to us and in a very stern voice said, "You can't come in here.  You're not a MEMBER."

We told him it was our first time there and we didn't know what it was, & he told us it was FoF and repeated that since we weren't members, we had to leave.

Well, let me tell you, can you even guess what our opinion of FoF was?  It took another 12 years, until we met unilady on this forum, that we would even consider FoF.  She took us into the garden, introduced us around, spent about an hour with us, heard our story and thought it was horrible.  So this year, for the first time, we joined the Bristol FoF.  And had a wonderful time.

So as I said, please have somebody working there, whether volunteer or paid, who exudes an attitude of friendliness, not "you can't come in if you're not a member."

[Betty Munro]

I had a similiar experience my first time at faire.  But a rogue immediately stood up and said, she's with our group, and I was invited to sit, and introduced about and had a fabulous time.  Before I left I upgraded my pass to FOF.
Yes, FOF should come with privelages, such as close to gate parking and FOF rest areas, shared drinks and snacks; but it is important that if someone shows an interest in joining in, that they are allowed to experience it once before they are turned away ...   

[Escarlata]

MnRF offered a one day/weekend Friends of Faire membership when I was there two years ago. As an out of town visitor, it was wonderful to be welcomed to a place where I could sit and visit, eat lunch away from the crowds, partake of the cold water, and safely store my cloak and packages. My thanks for that opportunity and it's something I would recommend to anyone starting a FoF group.

[Carl Heinz]

We've been FoF members as well as Cuthies for a number of years.

My recollection is that this started in Agoura and was, I think, independent of the Living History Centre which then "owned" RPFS.  At that time it was called either Friends of Living History or Save the Oaks.  The intent was to try to protect the site from developers.

It evolved into the present Friends of Faire and is a part of REP which now "owns" RPFS.

Their web site is at http://www.friendsoffaire.com/socal/socal.html .  It has a listing of member benefits such as ticket discounts.

There are gate keepers into the Garden, but they should inform non-members seeking entry about how to become members.  I believe there's normally an information/sales booth next to the Garden gate.  I don't know if they offer day passes, but I wouldn't be surprised if they did.

One advantage which I don't think is mentioned on their web site is that FoF's at one event honor memberships from other events so that if I want the enter the Garden at Northern, my badge from RPFS is all I need to be admitted.  Northern is no longer owned by REP, but still honors my RPFS FoF badge.

The FoF Garden is also where the Remembrance Wall is located.  This has plaques, sometimes with pictures, of participants and FoF members who are no longer with us.

FoF members, at least at RPFS, construct their environmental area (Garden) and man their information booth.  They also do such things as act as water carriers for the Joust and some other events.  Some do street gigs as well as front gate meet and greet.  I don't think that work is a requirement for membership.  I'd be surprised if it was since they've bought their tickets or at least their pass.  The REP web site has FoF information at http://www.renfair.com/socal/interactive/fof.php

FoF members don't have the same costume requirements as participants--at least I'm not aware of any.  They range from folks who just want a place to rest to those who are thinking about being participants.  Some remain FoF members and are active in their volunteer work.  But I stress that it is volunteer.

[mpullen]

For Scarborough Faire here in Texas, the FoF is worth it if you plan on attending several weekends.

The weekend before Faire starts, there is a full course dinner, complete with entertinment.

FoF parking is right by the entrance. There is a separate FoF entry gate.There are several FoF rest areas with water, gatorade, and sometimes munchies. You get a nice pin to add to your favor banner.

Oh, did I mention the close parking?

[RumbaRue]

Carl is correct, Friends of Faire started with the original Southern Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Agoura.
I was a member for a long time until I quit working that faire in 1995 when it had moved to San Bernadino. Now the faire is in Irwindale at the Santa Fe Dam, and is called the "dam faire" by many. 

[eloquentXI]

Friends of Faire has always been wonderful and the people more than welcoming, as I've had a pass here at Scarborough for a few years now.
Our Friends of Faire passes were around $115 or $125 last season I think?

But like Mike said, it includes, a FoF-member only Preview Event the weekend before faire that allows you to come into the grounds, wander around, mingle with the cast and see them before anyone else, then have dinner at the Kings Pub, and the cast changes into civvies, and comes out and has dinner with everyone. Not only do I get to see my playtron friends, but its always so lovely to see my friends on cast, including our on-cast forum-members.

Other things included in the FoF benefits is:Two comp tickets valid for the first two weekends of faire, unlimited water and gatorade all season at the FoF booth, up front special parking, a commemorative pin, and discounted prices at the Souvenir Shop.

I know that spending the money on the pass seem a lot at the time, but throughout the season, when you spend every Saturday minus 1 and a few Sundays too, the water and gatorade make the deal for me.
I get dehydrated and overheated very easily toward the end of the season, and that is completely without alcohol. A place to sit under the trees, stop to catch my breath, have something cold to drink, and watch the people walk by, is so wonderful. And everyone always walks past the FoF booth so when I get tired of walking, people always end up coming to me.  

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

For Scarborough Faire here in Texas, the FoF is worth it if you plan on attending several weekends.

The weekend before Faire starts, there is a full course dinner, complete with entertinment.

FoF parking is right by the entrance. There is a separate FoF entry gate.There are several FoF rest areas with water, gatorade, and sometimes munchies. You get a nice pin to add to your favor banner.

Oh, did I mention the close parking?

Does Scarborough recognize other Friends of Faire?  We will be visiting at RenDezvous in April and wonder if our Bristol  FoF membership will allow us to visit their area.

Also, we joined the St. Louis FoF when we went this past Memorial Day weekend.  It was worth it to join just for going 2 days, as the fee included 2 free tickets (which we used the 2 days), a medallion, a beautiful tee shirt (and this was for each of us, not just 1 person), and the garden not only had water, gatorade and the private privee, but also had pretzels and fresh fruit, just right for a quick sit down to eat a banana and perk up.

[eloquentXI]

For Scarborough Faire here in Texas, the FoF is worth it if you plan on attending several weekends.

The weekend before Faire starts, there is a full course dinner, complete with entertinment.

FoF parking is right by the entrance. There is a separate FoF entry gate.There are several FoF rest areas with water, gatorade, and sometimes munchies. You get a nice pin to add to your favor banner.

Oh, did I mention the close parking?

Does Scarborough recognize other Friends of Faire?  We will be visiting at RenDezvous in April and wonder if our Bristol  FoF membership will allow us to visit their area.

Also, we joined the St. Louis FoF when we went this past Memorial Day weekend.  It was worth it to join just for going 2 days, as the fee included 2 free tickets (which we used the 2 days), a medallion, a beautiful tee shirt (and this was for each of us, not just 1 person), and the garden not only had water, gatorade and the private privee, but also had pretzels and fresh fruit, just right for a quick sit down to eat a banana and perk up.

I really do not know. I haven't heard of that happening before but it would not hurt to ask anyways. If you message Berit here on the forums, he, being apart of management here at Scarborough, will be able to answer that question for you.

[Carl Heinz]

Lady Renee-

I don't know about Scarborough, but I'd be surprised if you wouldn't be welcomed at RPFS.  After all, REP owns both events.

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

Scarborough does not recognize FoF members from different states, so our Bristol membership does not allow us to visit their area.