TRF Fire Ban - Please Read

[Fenster]

By the time it gets cold I'm hoping to have enough rain for the burn ban to be lifted.

As to patroling, I hope they hand out stiff fines to the first few that violate the burn ban and then use word of mouth to keep the rest in line.  As long as they are clear about the regulations then people can't claim ignorance.

With as bad as the drought is around here and with all the homes and property lost not a single person should complain.  Be happy the grounds didn't burn down in either fire. 

[Bonny Pearl]

On my way to work I was making a mental list of things that can be used for lighting and such.

Yesterday I saw battery operated Christmas lights at Hobby Lobby.  Those can be used by folks without electrical power options.  Think I may get a few strings of our Christmas lights down from the attic, we might use those for lighting camp.

As Angie and others have said, the handwarmers are great.  Plus we all usually bundle up as it is during the cold period so ya don't freeze to badly on walkabouts.

I'm sure we are all able to come up with some very ingenious improvisations for warmth. 

Another thing popped into my head as well.  Will the lack of a big fire at the drum circle keep the punks away this year or at least diminish their presence?  This could very well be a blessing in disguise. 

[Chandler]

So does this mean we can NOT smoke in our campsites, even if we are among the responsible ones who take care of it?

[Laird Fraser of Lovatt]

Smoke at your own risk... and please field dress every butt.  You could smoke in your vehicle or tent if you don't want the ticket... IF they get around to you and it hasn't rained.



*Thank God for Honda generators and electric heaters... lighting and warm tents.*  

Edit

Maybe i should've said "Domo arigato"... 

[Chandler]

Smoke at your own risk... and please field dress every butt.  You could smoke in your vehicle or tent if you don't want the ticket... IF they get around to you and it hasn't rained.

So that means there *would* be a fine if caught?

They really need to get the website updated with these new rules, then.  I would guess the majority of campers do not visit these forums and may not be aware of the new rules banning smoking and cooking things (even if the bans do make sense). 

[Laird Fraser of Lovatt]

The "ticket" is word of mouth, as of right now... i got it on hearsay.  I went to the TRF site and clicked on "Read more..." about them still being open after the fires and it went straight to the Ticket Sales.  They might want to post it...

[raevyncait]

Just posted on the FB page:

Due to the extreme drought and wild fire issues that have affected Grimes County and the surrounding areas, it is the position of the TRF staff that the following policies are in place in order to ensure the safety of the festival grounds, staff and patrons for the 2011 season.   This policy will be in effect moving forward unless the area experiences significant rain in the coming weeks.



Camping

Grimes County Burn Ban is in Effect.  This means that the TRF grounds will NOT ALLOW the following:

·         Bon Fires

·         Fireworks

·         Open flame fires (BBQ or fire pit)

·         Open Flame Heating Devices

·         Colman-style fueled lighting devices



We will allow smoking in DESIGNATED AREAS ONLY!  The camping area will have a designated smoking location.



TRF will allow the use of:

·         Electric Lighting devices

·         Electric Heaters

·         Generators

·         Propane cooking devices

·         Smoking in designated areas



Parking Lot

·         No Smoking

·         No open flames



Facility

The Royal Fireworks display has been canceled for 2011 based on the burn ban notice and extreme drought conditions in Grimes County.  We are currently working on a suitable replacement show.  In addition, the use of smoking materials, including cigarettes, cigars, pipes, etc. must be disposed in suitable non-combustible containers.



If the area experiences significant rainfall prior to or during the festival run, we will re-evaluate these policies and make any necessary amendments at that time in accordance with Grimes County officials.



We appreciate your cooperation in helping us enforce these policy changes. This will help us ensure that TRF staff, crew and patrons have a safe experience at the festival this season.  If you have any questions regarding these policy changes, please contact me directly.



Sincerely,



Terre Albert

General Manager

Texas Renaissance Festival

talbert@texrenfest.com

[Laird Fraser of Lovatt]

Sweet... looks like Beef Stew is still on the menu for Friday night, AHE... although i'd like to use my grill for other items, i can wing it.    Improvision is one of the things America great... 

[Aiacha]

I was just coming in here to post that!  Glad to see they clarified on the propane stoves.  However I will make it a priority not just to bring wash water, but a bucket and extra water to keep handy near the stove, just in case.  Better safe than sorry.

[Aiacha]

On my way to work I was making a mental list of things that can be used for lighting and such.

Yesterday I saw battery operated Christmas lights at Hobby Lobby.  Those can be used by folks without electrical power options.  Think I may get a few strings of our Christmas lights down from the attic, we might use those for lighting camp.

oohh, yay!  I have two strings of battery lights, I may get more. I've been looking into solar powered tiki torches...while they are not as bright they actually look pretty good.  Unfortunately, I've had a hard time finding good ones...

[Lady Laura]

I would like to suggest the everyone have a fire extinguisher on hand too because yes, we are all sensible folks on this site (for the most part!) and will abide by the rules, but you know there are plenty of dumbasses out there who will not.

[Aiacha]

I would like to suggest the everyone have a fire extinguisher on hand too because yes, we are all sensible folks on this site (for the most part!) and will abide by the rules, but you know there are plenty of dumbasses out there who will not.

Also a good idea.  Be sure it is at least type A.

http://www.lowes.com/ProductDisplay?partNumber=3741-65213-FA110&langId=-1&storeId=10151&productId=3032955&catalogId=10051&cmRelshp=req&rel=nofollow&cId=PDIO1

[Breandan]

the problem is, maybe one in a thousand patrons is on TRF's facebook, and out of those maybe one in ten pay attention to it. They REALLY need to get it on the main page of the TRF website, ASAP, or people will be lighting up out of stupidity and/or ignorance (depending on the type of fire)

EDIT: at some point since it was last checked this morning, they have updated the "read more" link to include the fire ban info, but they need a specific "FIRE RESTRICTIONS ANNOUNCEMENT!" warning on the main page as well, for the extra dense

[Fenster]

the problem is, maybe one in a thousand patrons is on TRF's facebook, and out of those maybe one in ten pay attention to it. They REALLY need to get it on the main page of the TRF website, ASAP, or people will be lighting up out of stupidity and/or ignorance (depending on the type of fire)

I swear it said on the FB page that is was linked to the website, but I can't find it there.  I'm sure they'll update it soon and also have many notices around the grounds and at camp check in.

Terre did say that without these changes they might not have been allowed to open.

[Bonny Pearl]

So how many of these would we need for a circle of friends to sit and stay warm if needed?  Does anyone have any recommendations on heaters for this type of use?

I could also swear I have seen flameless fire pits at the stores... anyone else seen those at the big box stores?  Then there are those big heater lamps like you see at the hot chocolate place in front of faire.  Those are pricey though...  wonder if renting is a less expensive option.  Folks in their respective camps could pool funds together for something like that.


http://www.walmart.com/ip/Coleman-SportCat-Catalytic-Heater/13228604?sourceid=1500000000000003260410&ci_src=14110944&ci_sku=13228604


Aiacha lights will look so festive!    Even if we do get a good amount of rain we should plan for lights anyway lol.  Do you have a link on the solar tikis you are looking at?