Suggestions for Terre: Ideas and Suggestions for Future TRF Development

[nolekhan]

I was looking at Scarborough's Friends of the Faire. I didn't know that they have (had? their page may need updating) annual projects. Two birds, one stone for TRF for these suggestions.

[Merlin the Elder]

I think 2011 funds went toward the rebuild after the fire, and some memorials to Will, but I could be wrong.

[DonaCatalina]

I think 2011 funds went toward the rebuild after the fire, and some memorials to Will, but I could be wrong.

Yes I believe you are correct Merlin. The trees, the herb garden, some buildings and the custom bench that was built to resemble Will's pickle cart.
I'm surprised that TRF didn't start FOF passes years ago. A lot of other Faires including Sherwood have jumped on that bandwagon. I think that I would buy FOF passes even if we only made 2-3 weekends just for guaranteed parking, water and a protected seating area inside.

[Merlin the Elder]

I think 2011 funds went toward the rebuild after the fire, and some memorials to Will, but I could be wrong.

Yes I believe you are correct Merlin. The trees, the herb garden, some buildings and the custom bench that was built to resemble Will's pickle cart.
I'm surprised that TRF didn't start FOF passes years ago. A lot of other Faires including Sherwood have jumped on that bandwagon. I think that I would buy FOF passes even if we only made 2-3 weekends just for guaranteed parking, water and a protected seating area inside.

Nim and I have done the FoF at Scarby for several years now. Even when we were only doing one weekend a year, we got our money's worth, with the passes for folks traveling with us, and discounts at the souvenir shoppe (we ALWAYS buy shirts and yearly mugs/goblets), and the water has saved our tushes on numerous occasions!

[KiltedPrivateer]

We do FoF at Sherwood every year, however, Sherwood's pricing makes it very difficult not too (o:

[Riff Raff]

Howdy! Glad to see this thread here. I've been going to TRF since '90, and the biggest thing for me is simply that the Festival grounds themselves need to expand. Your crowd sizes have gone way way up, but the only real land expansion I remember happening was when the Sherwood section opened up way back when. The Magic Garden is a nice recent addition, but it's set up specifically to not have crowds back there so that didn't really relieve any congestion elsewhere.  There simply needs to be a significant increase in the main Festival grounds, so that these huge crowds can spread out more.  The parking and camping areas seem much improved to handle the crowds, but I still feel like I'm dodging foot traffic on a New York City sidewalk sometimes in the Festival itself.  That feeling has specifically been what's kept me from going to TRF as much as I used to.

And I agree with others that full-contact jousting would be a great addition.  I've always thought of TRF jousting as a watch it once type of event, whereas Sherwood Forest Faire's jousting is more of a must-see show for everyone.  Though it was entertaining the last time I was out there watching the TRF jousting successfully complete their performance during a downpour of rain.

Friends of Fair passes would be well received also, I'm sure.  I'll be picking those up for both Sherwood and Scarborough next year.  Even though I'm only able to make it to Scarborough every other weekend or so, it's worth it for the side benefits.

One other thought is that it seems like there's not enough entertainment in the side of the Festival by the Odeon.  There's the Odeon itself certainly, but that's pretty much it apart from the stage by the entrance gate and the arena.  On a typical Festival day I usually spend much less time on that side of the grounds, due to all the entertainment being concentrated elsewhere.

And finally, I assume this has been mentioned many many times (or perhaps I just hope it has) but please... please... get rid of the people trying to give away a car at the front gates.  That's about the worst greeting I can imagine for a Renaissance Festival of any sort. Save that sort of thing for your convention booths and other promotional appearances outside of the actual Festival.

[Zardoz]

Howdy! Glad to see this thread here. I've been going to TRF since '90, and the biggest thing for me is simply that the Festival grounds themselves need to expand. Your crowd sizes have gone way way up, but the only real land expansion I remember happening was when the Sherwood section opened up way back when. The Magic Garden is a nice recent addition, but it's set up specifically to not have crowds back there so that didn't really relieve any congestion elsewhere.  There simply needs to be a significant increase in the main Festival grounds, so that these huge crowds can spread out more.  The parking and camping areas seem much improved to handle the crowds, but I still feel like I'm dodging foot traffic on a New York City sidewalk sometimes in the Festival itself.  That feeling has specifically been what's kept me from going to TRF as much as I used to.

Agree with this, I've had this general feeling for the last couple years.

[dlswope]

I have seen several suggestions for additional seating -- however, on behalf of old folk like me, I would like to see some seating with backs -- it's a lot of walking about, and sitting without something to relax back upon is difficult.

[mpullen]

I can't make any comments for anything within the Faire area, as I tend to stress the Patron's campgrounds, since that's where I'm involved every weekend.

We have relocated the Family/Quiet campgrounds from the Deerwood entrance to the new campgrounds entrance along CR302, thus farther from the Iron Dragon (train).

Added a large Quickie Mart at the campgrounds entrance, with flush toilets nearby, along with potable water supply along the road.

Converted the previous overflow parking rows 1-21 to Patron's camping (rows 6-21) and camper parking (rows 1-5 with row 1 being for handicapped parking). Rows 6-21 are becoming VERY popular for small and large groups.

Moved the small Quickie Mart to the area by the bonfire (row 11), along with a beer/meade sales booth, and a burger joint.

Increased security presence.

Added dumpsters all over the area, in addition to the regular trash receptacles. This has vastly reduced the trash pileup of previous years.

Yes, Terre has listened to suggestions. Some items are easy to take care of, some require some long-term planning. Please bear with him, as he has more than enough items on his table.

[PollyPoPo]

I have seen several suggestions for additional seating -- however, on behalf of old folk like me, I would like to see some seating with backs -- it's a lot of walking about, and sitting without something to relax back upon is difficult.

The Leopold benches at Sherwood have backs and are sturdy enough to hold full-figured ladies and gents without tipping.  Just a thought.

[mrsmccunn]

I've not seen those benches. My back does appreciate support too

[PollyPoPo]

The benches are deceptively simple looking, made of lumber, but they do have a back on them.  We saw some at Ink's Lake last year, too.  They are a bit modern in appearance, but could be stained and dinged up.  Unfortunately they are also light weight compared to stone benches and could be picked up and moved around by the none-too-bright crowd.

[mrsmccunn]

Terre:

noticed something in water garden that could be tended to.....
some of the beautiful statuary is being covered by the plantings.
A bit of a trim to reveal some of the pretties is in order, please.

Also, the "English Potter" booth area could use some tapestry or such coverings over all his mundane cardboard boxes behind his wonderful displays.

Thanks for all the hard work and blessings of our Festival. I appreciate you and your team so much. Each day while wandering the path I hear patrons expressing fun and delight. As my dear husband slaves away working with the performance company (lol, he loves it and would pay ya'll probably to let him work!) I end up frequently wandering the paths: people watching, helping the lost, and watching the gardens grow. I particularly enjoy engaging patrons in conversations about their day's adventures. There is much positive shared by your audience.

It has been a very good year! Looking forward to Highland fling and Celtic Christmas (my favorite weekend!)

[maeven]

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.

***WARNING! This could get weird...***

This is my first time posting in the suggestions thread because for the most part, I'm more or less okay with things. This suggestion is something I definitely agree with. Also, and I'm not sure if a lot of people will agree with this part here and if it does offend anyone, please accept my apologies in advance, there are a lot of mothers who feed their children "naturally" (some people don't like the "BF" word) and it's hard to find a place to do that when it's not a handicap accessible stall. I think a small bench would be very helpful for those mothers who choose to feed their child away from the eyes of a bunch of strangers. I, myself, do not feed naturally (I use a pump) so I just head into the handicap accessible stalls and hang out in there for a little bit while I express my daughter's milk. But I also know how hard it can be to carry around a diaper bag, a baby, and other things when a baby must be fed. As for the baby changing table in the men's restrooms-that would be so awesome!

I think it's great that we can voice our suggestions here. It's kinda nice that we can be heard without shouting-if that makes any sense...

[Queen Bonnie]

 I got sick on second hand smoke from the Sea Devil tavern on Halloween weekend- and had to visit my Dr twice to get over it. There is no where I can go at TRF where I can breathe smoke free air. It is upsetting to try to spend most of my time at faire avoiding smoke and smokers.It is getting increasingly difficult - with the sale of cigars at faire. How about no smoking performances and eating areas?  Or designated smoking areas?  Many are allergic.