What single thing at faire hurls you off into the depths of rage?

[Archer]

I try not to do the rage thing anymore...

In experience, there is wisdom.

[Rowan MacD]

  More annoying than enraging really:
   Gypsy reminded me of a small issue we have had at a couple of the smaller faires, concerning people (usually kids) who stand in front of the bleachers, or other seating;  between the front row and the fence for the joust or combat demos.  To be clear, I am not including the kids sitting on the ground, just the 5-10+ year olds leaning on the barriers or fences.  Like birds on a line,  it seems that if one of them does it, soon there is an impenetrable wall of backs.  The folks in the first two rows of the seating behind them (many of them with young children whom the parents don't want to have on the upper tiers) cannot see through them, particularly when there are 10-20 of them in a row.  If they wish to stand, or there is no more seating; they should please move to the sides or sit on the ground.
    At the risk of being non-PC; some of the scooter patrons fall into this category, especially when the distance between the lowest tier on the bleachers or hay bales and the fence is only about 5 feet wide.  No matter how low they think they are to the ground,  people on scooters or chairs are just as hard to see though and over, and if the list or demo clearing is a little bit downhill of the seating area it's impossible.
   While most scooter riders will take pains to avoid blocking someone else's view, some others will cruise in right before the event, park in the middle front and expect everyone else to deal with it.
  In the vast majority of  cases, special needs can be accommodated without inconveniencing the rest of the audience.  At the local fairs, we will put you on the end or on the royal box side of the list facing the audience.
  Ask and ye shall receive;  you may even end up in the royal box!

[Ditzy Gypsy]

 More annoying than enraging really:
  Gypsy reminded me of a small issue we have had at a couple of the smaller faires, concerning people (usually kids) who stand in front of the bleachers, or other seating;  between the front row and the fence for the joust or combat demos.  To be clear, I am not including the kids sitting on the ground, just the 5-10+ year olds leaning on the barriers or fences.  Like birds on a line,  it seems that if one of them does it, soon there is an impenetrable wall of backs.  The folks in the first two rows of the seating behind them (many of them with young children whom the parents don't want to have on the upper tiers) cannot see through them, particularly when there are 10-20 of them in a row.  If they wish to stand, or there is no more seating; they should please move to the sides or sit on the ground.
   At the risk of being non-PC; some of the scooter patrons fall into this category, especially when the distance between the lowest tier on the bleachers or hay bales and the fence is only about 5 feet wide.  No matter how low they think they are to the ground,  people on scooters or chairs are just as hard to see though and over, and if the list or demo clearing is a little bit downhill of the seating area it's impossible.
  While most scooter riders will take pains to avoid blocking someone else's view, some others will cruise in right before the event, park in the middle front and expect everyone else to deal with it.
 In the vast majority of  cases, special needs can be accommodated without inconveniencing the rest of the audience.  At the local fairs, we will put you on the end or on the royal box side of the list facing the audience.
 Ask and ye shall receive;  you may even end up in the royal box!

I agree, though it is a delicate subject. I worked in assisted living as an activity coordinator at one point, and I would make sure to either transport persons in chairs to a regular seat and then fold up the wheelchairs or park the scooters elsewhere. (Which was great fun for the residents watching my novice scooter skills as I parked their ride, lol) Then we would get them back in them when show was over. It would be great if faires had volunteers that would provide this service, though there is always the case that not ALL handicapped or elderly people can leave their chair for an actual seat, but they could at least post signs as to not block the front row--this could go for those children too. I think the most politically correct option would be to establish a chair accessible area where they could be that close to the performers without blocking people, a "drive in" so to speak. There could even be limited bench seating for anyone who comes with them. The special seating area could be seen as a "perk" just like getting to go to the front of the lines at Disney World if you are disabled.

[Merlin the Elder]

The special seating area seems to be the most logical solution. Most of the people are not in those chairs by choice.

I've decided, however, that I shant allow anything to hurl me into the depths of rage at faire. So don't piss me off. 

[KeeperoftheBar]

I bow to Merlin the Elder's advanced age and wisdom.  A special seating area for those of us who ride steeds would be the best.  At TRF, StudMuffin and I try to stay in the back when attending shows.  However, the view from a lower height can be challenging.  Now one of my associated pet peeves...I may arrange my viewing spot with great care but someone comes along and stops in front of me, obstructing my view.  I may arrive to watch the opening gate ceremony at TRF almost an hour early.  From experience I know how much room the cast will need and which lanes to leave open.  Ineviatably, someone comes along just before the show starts and stands in front of me.  Or pushes back when the cast needs more area.  Even for the Death March (Grand Parade), in front of the Prince of Wales Pub this happens.  Menitioning it to the offender usually get s sickly smile, a shrug and no change.  I guess it is just part of the cost of riding instead of walking (and falling).  Certainly nothing that causes rage, just a minor pique.

I think I shall train StudMuffin to bite them. 

[RumbaRue]

After reading all the replies, I guess here in California we are in some cases very strict, and in others lax.

I hate costume Nazi's!!!! (The main reason I quit working the big southern faire here years ago. I understand now they are even telling what feathers to use and who can use them.)

The majority of faires here require you piece-tie your weapon, even the participants have to unless they are doing a show.
Most of the faires do not allow smoking in general areas and if you smoke there are places you can go just for that.

I admit, some in our group who are cigarette/herb smokers go behind our trailer out of sight of the public.  I have no problem with that or even the vendors who might bring a bottle or two of liquor of choice to sip on in a mug (I'm guilty of some of that).

We had a gal with her boyfriend and her two kids join our group a couple of years ago, it turned out she was constantly drunk and had no idea where her kids were. We had to ask her to leave our group and they got kicked out of the faire after her youngest was found wandering the parking lot by Security.

Since our group hands out candy and goodies to the kids, we get a lot of kids coming back for more, and we kindly tell them no.

Yes I have to admit in a former group another 'called me out' and all hell broke loose between us - very public.
I soon left that group for better people.


Rumba Rue

[Merlin the Elder]

...I think I shall train StudMuffin to bite them. 

Keeper, if I were you, I'd mount a cannon on the front of StudMuffin and shoot rock salt into their bloody arses.  That's just way too rude.

I admit that I have wiggled my way to the front of a crowd to take pictures, but when I do, I crouch down below the line-of-sight of the people behind me. When I finish, I return to the rear...of the crowd, to make myself clear—I know how people like to look for openings for wisecracks and rude comments... 

I make every attempt to make sure I'm not blocking anyone's view. If I accidentally step in front of someone unknowingly, and they call me out on it, I will apologize and move immediately. My rights end when someone else's are interfered with.

Rumba, some folks are just plain allergic to alcohol. They take a drink and break out in stupidity.

[Dinobabe]

My rights end when someone else's are interfered with.

Wow, what a stupid concept!  Putting others before self, being polite, apologizing!   What is the world coming to?

[Captain Teague]

  Menitioning it to the offender usually get a sickly smile, a shrug and no change. 

Keeper, next time we meet at TRF ( or anywhere else ) and if that should happen, mention it to me, please. They will move for you or I shall embarrass them so badly that they will run away. *Wicked Smile*

I have long had friends and family who were challenged in some way, walkers, wheelchairs, power chairs, etc. And I full firsthand know how challenging getting around with those is. The number of people who use them to be rude is small at least to me and even then I still try to remember their difficulties. ( Save for Walmart, where they seem to think that humanoid ankles are fair game and that they are allowed to cut lines.  )  I don't see why a small special section for things like that should be a problem to handle at Faire, a few ropeoff holders, some rope and a sign usually does the trick.

[Rowan MacD]

The special seating area seems to be the most logical solution. Most of the people are not in those chairs by choice.

We already provide special parking for chairs and scooters, though I don't think anybody considered that the occasional rider may not wish to take advantage of it because their family and friends have to sit elsewhere or cannot stand next to them   My apologies. *facepalm*.   Extra seating for folks attending the scooter/chair folks is a great idea, and I will bring this up next time suggestions are solicited for our fair in a few weeks.  

@KeeperoftheBar-The selfishness of some people never ceases to amaze me, when they act like they are entirely unaware of their surroundings.  Good manners are quickly falling by the wayside.  
 Alas, I have missed a couple of excellent shows thanks to the random 6 foot giant that shoved to the front, waving a camera, as if that allowed him to be rude.


@Lord Dragon- LOL.  I know the Walmart Racers you speak of ^_^. and  I would not be surprised if they were the same folks in my original post.
    It should be noted I have never had a garbed person on a scooter or chair act rudely, but I have seen ungarbed patrons treat them with less consideration than they would the Walmart scooter lady.


   
 

[Merlin the Elder]

My rights end when someone else's are interfered with.

Wow, what a stupid concept!  Putting others before self, being polite, apologizing!   What is the world coming to?

It worked for my late dad, and never heard anyone ever say a bad thing about him.  I would like my son to be able to make the same claim...yeah, silly, I know...

[Trillium]

If I'm winged and decided to attend a show, I always try to be out of the way, usually all the way in the back.  Most times I stand outside or sit on the ground.  I know they get in the way, I know they are bulky, I have to deal with them for the entire day.  But one thing that irks me is the drunks (garbed or not), stumbling around outside certain popular pubs in a very congested area oblivious to anyone but themselves.  My wings were not cheap, they were specially made for me.  And if they are damaged, I don't have a clue how to repair them as the person who made them has moved away.  They need to watch where they are going and how much they drink!  How can you enjoy faire in that state??    Guess that goes back to that whole politeness thing...how silly of me!

[Carl Heinz]

Not rage, but concern.  Some folks carrying swords don't appear to have any awareness of where the point is.  Agreed that most folks can avoid them, but there are also kids attending faire.  Be aware of the location of the point of your swords.

Since I ride what's probably the biggest anachronism at Faire, I'm amazed about the total lack of awareness some folks have of what's going on around them.  I don't run into people, but there is such a thing as inertia which sometimes makes this a challenge.

As far as kids giving their folks a hard time, a tug of the beard and asking if they know whether Santa is watching sometimes yields positive results.  And, yes, I know that this isn't period.

[<Alex>]

  Trying to eat a big juicy turkey leg, stuff on a stick, or pickle and having some juice spill onto your newest, cleanest, lightest colored piece of garb.

   When that awesome accessory or piece of garb that you waited so long for/paid so much for/worked so hard on, fails to hold up to the rigors of a full day at faire.

   But it's still worth it.

[Merlin the Elder]

I held off eating a turkey leg for soooo long, more because of my beard than garb. I was trying not to gross anyone out. I finally took the plunge at RenDezvous this year.  With a bit of care, it wasn't nearly as difficult as I thought!