Suggestions for Terre: Ideas and Suggestions for Future TRF Development

[Merlin the Elder]

Here's my idea and it would tie in with some of the things already posted.  Have a living history "town" with stone masons, a blacksmith, farmer, ect. really showing how life really was back then...not just the festival portion.  Let it be one of the major attractions at the school days events so they can really learn about it.  I'm sure that you could probably find several people that would love to help you run it.

At the Ozark Castle, this was what was going on, and it was absolutely fascinating. It's a terrible shame that the project folded from lack of funds. I'm hoping it reopens.  Having something like that at faire would be awesome.

[Gauwyn of Bracknell]

KCRF has a very good living history area.

[Merlin the Elder]

We're hoping to make our first trip there in 2013, Gauwyn. Perhaps we can synchronize visits!

[Gauwyn of Bracknell]

We're hoping to make our first trip there in 2013, Gauwyn. Perhaps we can synchronize visits!

Columbus day weekend.

[Valeria Skyye]

Finally, one that will likely be quickly dismissed because BODIES/NUMBERS, but I don't think it's too bad a notion...

Pirate weekend and/or Barbarian invasion weekend go either 18+ or 21+ only, at least on the Saturdays.
Now that isn't to say that those days become anything goes or the like, but we have a few bawdy acts at faire, and they should be allowed to thoroughly cut loose those days.
Also, given the nature of "barbarian fashion" at faire, it might relieve some of the concerns about violating the sanctity of children's eyes/psyches.
Plus, I think that it could actually help some of the mid-high end vendors, since there be less of a "don't touch!" vibe.

Just my 2p.

Please not Pirate Weekend!!! Maybe Barbarian and or/Roman Bacchanal weekends (lets face it those Barbarians are pretty raunchy..lol and some of those Togas should never be seen by children! That being said on the flip side a lot of families can not come into faire on Sundays with their kids especially those with long drives. Kids do have school on Mondays and have to be home at a decent hour.

[LadyStitch]

This is a small thing to most people but something came up this weekend when I visited.  Can there be better marked and places for diaper changes? If someone hadn't pointed out that the 2 foot long bench that was right next to the sink, and with the big mirror everybody did their hair at was where I was to do diaper changes I would have had to change her on the floor. Eww!   Another mundane mom was trying to change her nearly 3 year old, and he was screaming and struggling.  Since it was so narrow, and short, it was a real struggle for her.  I kept getting the diaper bag wet because I had to put it right next to sinks because there wasn't room to get my items out.

We talk about grand ideas, but sometimes it will be the little things that might encourage more families to come, if they knew that it accessible to all ages.  I can tell you it is a weight off a mum's mind if they don't have to stress over taking care of their kiddos.   AND it would be nice to have one in the men's area as well.  Most places will have one in the ladies but not mens. (If we do already, I commend you highly.)

That's my two pence.

[Breandan]

Agreed. Speaking as a father having to change diapers out there, those counters are not safe enough to change a rolling pin of a nine-month-old without assistance. Trying to wrangle a toddler, a diaper bag, diaper, wipes, AND the spasmodic infant was difficult as hell, not to mention potentially dangerous

[dbaldock]

Agreed. Speaking as a father having to change diapers out there, those counters are not safe enough to change a rolling pin of a nine-month-old without assistance. Trying to wrangle a toddler, a diaper bag, diaper, wipes, AND the spasmodic infant was difficult as hell, not to mention potentially dangerous

Also, I'm wondering if the changing station surfaces shouldn't be some sort of smooth, non-porous material - so it's easier to keep sanitized?  I hate to say "plastic" when we're talking about a Renaissance Festival, but it would be cheaper than a marble or granite surface.

[LadyJessica]

Speaking of bathrooms...mirrors...need more mirrors in the women's bathroom.  Some only have one single VERY small mirror for all the ladies to use...not good when you have some one replying their entire face make up and all I want to do is make sure I don't have basil in my teeth. It took her a good ten minutes with about 7 others waiting to use the mirror.


*edited due to phones auto correct

[AngieT]

Yes!  Mirrors!

[Gauwyn of Bracknell]

Yes!  Mirrors!

Especially the ones that make us look thinner 

[SirRichardBear]

Something I've seen at smaller faire Half price for active duty military personal and thier family.   As a way to say thanks for providing the protection that allows us to enjoy faire. 

[Lady Laura]

I like Sir Richard's idea.  We can never do enough to repay our service men and women!

[Zardoz]

I think some large mirrors in all the bathrooms would be nice for the folks with a lot of garb to deal with.

on the baby changing thing, I'd think something like these would be a quick and easy fix;
http://www.babychangingstationsonline.com/#AHD1070

[LadyStitch]

Hey on the diaper changing situation, I would bet you there would be people who would be willing to sponser  some of them (myself being one). I bet if there were the toddler minding chairs in some of the wheel chair accessible stalls you would make even more parents happy. There is nothing like having the chance to go to the toilet with out worrying about your child touch/eating something they shouldn't while you are 'indisposed'.

Yes I know historical accuracy is a big thing, but I'm willing to step out there if it means a safe and sanitary place for my child.