New Southern California Faire

[Lord Figaro]

Brandi was going to post this, but I'm a little excited. She'll beat me later I'm sure. Any how on to the announcement. Brandi and I have been appointed to the planning committee for a new start up fest in Needles California. It is being planned for just one weekend at this time. Running in Nov -14-15 & 16th. There is planned to be camping accessible. This is a first year for this fest and wee would LOVE to get it off the ground to be successful, and I know with you all here as support it could be great. Brandi had a meeting with the city planner for the event and they threw out some ideas, and she was very impressed with the amount of info she had. But we worked out a few other ideas last night in the main meeting. There were two woman who came out to represent S.C.A. but the planner also would like to work out something that is also fun for others that may not be that into the whole HA part of fest. I know we have a great group of fun loving people here. Okay now that we got some parts started, here is what we need.

Looking for help or ideas for vendors and actors and acts that can do this event for that time frame. Keep in mind this is just a start up event, so the budget is limited. But they are looking for ideas that will help get this puppy off the ground. Any help or suggestions you, you wonderful friends and ren-family could suggest or offer would be greatly and lovingly appreciated.

I posted this in the Southern Cali boards but got zero responses. Sorry for the second posting if needed I'll delete the other one.

[Marcos Charron]

Fig,

Let's see, keep it simple, make sure the townies know that they are invited and welcome, contact the local groups (church, scouts, high school clubs) for help with the planning and execution of things like food and drink and crowd control/ticket sales, etc.

Will send more when I think of them.

Viscomte

[Lord Figaro]

Cool any advice is welcome. The main planning person is very big on the advert idea and well as getting vendors and such. Right now she is looking to find what she can on a budget. That seems to be the main thing right out of the gate. Then building it up from there. She is very intent on doing it as right as she can.  She is looking at getting vendors to come down as well as getting actors to help. The offer has been put forth from a local SCA group. Now don't get me wrong, I would like to see help from any source possible. But I don't want to see it become a strict SCA only event and listening to the offers of help the two women who came to the meeting last week. I get the strong impression that they are looking forward to trying to take over the event rather than it be a true ren fest like We here seem to enjoy more. 

[Marcos Charron]

Fig

Reduced entry fees for those in garb would be a good way to "flesh out" the cast without breaking the budget. More people dressed up would inspire the townies to embrace the event, rather than just put up with it.

Also think about hitting the local hotel and eateries first, that way they will see support in the form of reservations from out of towners. How close to a local casino is this?, they might be a source of support worth talking to, make some sort of event to run with the faire.

Viscomte

[Lord Figaro]

I know there have been talks wit local businesses already and they are getting some good support there. The closest casinos are up in Laughlin NV. Which actually isn't to far away, depending on how one drives there. SO that is a great idea. Brandi has some paper work around here with what already has been worked out. So I'll see if I can find it and put up some stats.

Thank you Thank you Thank you  for the advice. I'd love to get in on the ground floor with this, and make it work.

[Marcos Charron]

Fig

Simple to Start

Make big gestures to the locals (When we did this for a local event, we went to the local trash hauler for disposable trash bins with their logo, used them for recycling, donated the proceeds on the the glass, metal and paper to a local charity) The trash haulers got the press for the recycling effort, the Boy Scouts got a s**tload of merit badge opportunities, the charity got the money from the effort, we got the all the support in the world the following year because we made the community a part of the event.

Viacomte

[Lord Figaro]

Well the event is being planned BY the city of Needles, so I know they are going to be very conscientious about getting community involvement and everything. I love getting the Boy Scouts involved though, that is a great idea. We worked out the name for the fest yesterday and once the web page is up, I'll be making sure we get the fest info put in on this site too. I'm really looking forward to it, and from the sound of it. This event is going to go pretty darn well. There is talk of a moat monster or dragon of some kind with pyrotechnics too.

[Marcos Charron]

Fig

Good to hear, I will keep an eye open for the website.

Viacomte