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West => Pleasure Faire of Southern California => Topic started by: IndeanaSunday on March 11, 2011, 01:10:44 PM

Title: First Timer!
Post by: IndeanaSunday on March 11, 2011, 01:10:44 PM
Hi, Folks!
I just moved the the west coast and have plans to come to PFSC for my birthday in May. This will be my first visit to your faire; anything I should know? Any must-see acts or must-eat Faire foods? I'm so excited!
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: Becky10 on March 11, 2011, 04:11:29 PM
Ahahaha fresh blood! I mean...welcome!

Okay for me, Moonie and Broon are my personal favorite act, as well as the Washing Well Wenches and Hey Nunnie Nunnie.

Food: Sin on a stick, and the little greek place whose name I can never remember are great. I love the fish n chips but beware the malt vinegar pourers tend to shoot out everywhere (clearly I have experienced this more than once).

It can get hot! So make sure you're well hydrated.

By any chance have you heard of Koroneburg Faire?  It's a smaller faire that's just starting up but is a pretty neat place.

Where were you previously located?

Okay. This post ended up a little all over the place and I am sure someone else will come along to fill in, we are a small little heard on here but hey we have fun! Welcome the west coast!
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: IndeanaSunday on March 11, 2011, 04:38:12 PM
Sin on a stick!? Tell me more please!  :D

The Hubs and I used to live in Upstate NY near Syracuse. So Sterling is my home Faire but I doubt I'll be making it back for this season.  :P

Does PFSC do themed weekends? I'll be there on May 14th.

Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: Becky10 on March 11, 2011, 05:21:12 PM
Sin on a stick mmmm.
You take a slice of cheesecake and impale it on a popsicle stick then you dip it in chocolate and freeze it. It sells out almost every day. Its sold at the Toad in the Hole which will be your last food stand, closest to the stage.

There are usually themed weekends, but I am not seeing them any where on the page so I am not sure if they're doing them this year. There are some cast members on here that will hopefully be able to help some but I'll answer what I can so this thread can stay to the top till someone rolls by.

Uh, from memory there has been May Day with celebration, gay day, a whole lot of pirate days...I want to say a fantasy day but i am not positive.
......Sir Michael Geare or Carl Heinz would probably know.

Some randomness for ya.
The site has a bit of a problem updating its information but their Facebook page is wonderful!
We dont have spring so it will probably be hot, i have no idea what New Yorks faire weather is like so i figure i should warn.
Parking is in the dirt and there are some rocks and weeds and parking can fill up fast.
The closing parade is great!
If there is a lull in the food court area you should probably go then cause it can get busy.
Commedia Volante is great!
Hmm, I shall have to think.


Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: Lady Rebecca on March 11, 2011, 07:22:48 PM
Thanks for starting this thread! I'll also be there for the first time this year, the weekend of Apr 16-17. I'm excited!
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: The Lady Mercedes on March 11, 2011, 08:22:52 PM
Yea! New folks! I think Becky's pretty much covered the bases so far...I've only been twice myself & have yet to see the shows, but I'm sure they're great. hopefully I'll be able to do so this year...hopefully I'll get to see you all there!
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: Blushing on March 13, 2011, 01:16:40 AM
I second Moonie and Broon. Owain Phyfe is an amazing musician.

If you enjoy bawdy entertainment, the Merry Wives of Windsor and the Poxy Boggards are not to be missed.

As for treats, the chocolate from Lady Rowley is fantastic.

I will be there visiting in May too!
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: Kruzar on March 15, 2011, 05:26:19 PM
Just a few additional tidbits.. they do have themed weekends, and you can normally find them on their site (at work, so can't access right now or I would post a link).  One of our favorite weekends to go is the Bacchus weekend, which means drinking wine and all that...

One of the neat things that they do at this faire is they actually have classes that you can sign up for and learn how to do different medieval crafts.  Different levels of courses and good for kids and adults.  Last year, I actually took 2 courses in chain mail weaving, and it was very cool to actually leave with a piece of garb I made.

There are some great shows at this faire, and one thing I like is California is on a different circuit so different entertainment.  This is coming from a Arizona and Scarborough veteran where some of the acts overlap.  :)

I think the only other thing I can add is that this faire is fairly large, for a non-permanent site faire it is big.  It was shocking to us the first time we went, and it is something to be aware of.  There is just a lot of stuff to see and do... and you will want to come back for more. 

We live in San Diego, and actually come up to this faire 3 or 4 times during the season if not more.  :)
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: The Lady Mercedes on March 15, 2011, 06:06:52 PM
Problem solved, here's the link!: http://www.renfair.com/socal/  :) And Kruzar, have you been to the Escondido faire? Sounds cool & way closer to you... http://www.goldcoastfestivals.com/Escondido.html
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: Becky10 on March 16, 2011, 12:37:49 AM
Owen is amazing! I would definitely stop by the Italians and see their show they're one of the most...talkative? Of the groups. Their stage show is quite funny. The faire is pretty big but it's impossible to get lost as it's pretty much single lane. I did have something important to add but as of this moment it's escaped me. The condor brothers are a juggling duo of a boy about twelve and his older brother they're pretty amazing for their age. Van kleaver brothers! They are another one o my favorites.  The shows in rouges reef can be REALLY raunchy so unless youre absolutely okay with that sort of humor I would avoid it ir some shows do a cleaner shows outside of rouges reef. 
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: LadyStitch on March 16, 2011, 09:06:12 AM
I think that this is the faire that the PP and I went to 2 years ago.  We found that the faire's culture and feel is much different from many of the midwestern and east coast faires.  We still had fun, but it was different for us.  Have alot of fun, we did. :)
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: IndeanaSunday on March 16, 2011, 02:33:44 PM
Wow! Classes sound great! Where do I find information on those? I'd LOVE to do something with ceramics if that's available (I'm either having a bad internet day or they're missing some handy info!)

I saw that some shows are NC-17... they're really that bad?! Are we talking like, "Louis C.K. standup" bad or "American Pie" bad? I'm fine either way, just surprised!

Based on what the website's showing me, it seems like this faire is pretty adamant about authenticity. True? I LOVE authenticity and I'll be honest, the "Pleasure Fair" part of the name made me worry it would be all Jedi Knights and Supermen! =/ lol
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: Becky10 on March 16, 2011, 04:31:10 PM
Theyre site is slow to update cause they pretty much fill in the info as its set in stone so it can take a while. I am not sure about ceramics, there are some wonderful merchants there but I think most of the classes are things that can be done quickly like making leather bookmarks, making pomanders out of orange and cloves, sewing simple things but I am not sure as I haven't been to them in a while.
Some of the shows arent too bad and are more suggestive and others...well sing about the difficulties that you can come across when making love to your dog except in more detail. Most of the shows are bawdy so if it's in Rouges Reef you can guess its going to be pretty interesting. The man who plays Shakespeare is really sweet and funny and will give you some tips if you catch him when he's not doing a show.
The cast works pretty hard to stay HA but patrons come as they please. Its pretty tame, there are the fur bikinis and Sweeney Todd was there last year but I havent seen any Trekkies or Superman. Its pretty much people in garb and mundanes split 50/50.
The guild area by the joust is extremely HA and will teach you different things. Another thing is it can be a little tricky telling where you can go and where you cant the first time esp. with the guilds cause it looks like a camp ground, but as long as it's not roped off generally its free to visitors. The Queen's area is usually pretty empty cause I think a lot of people aren't sure if they can go there. I am fairly confident you can and they do skits and dances and things. Oh and I have heard rumors that faire is going to be smoke free this year so id you do smoke you might want to contact them and check with that.

Okay. I think that's all. Sorry for typing errors I've been working off an ipod the last week so using a keyboard is a bit weird right now.
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: Kruzar on March 17, 2011, 03:38:36 PM
Lady Mercedes... thank you for the linkages, and yes... I go to Escondido every year.  :)  Only bad thing is the spring time conflicts with the Pleasure Faire.  :)  I still make one of the weekends during the spring, since it is so close to home.

By comparison, the Escondido faire is a very small faire, but it is still fun to attend. 
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: Baron Dacre on March 17, 2011, 05:52:23 PM
Quote from: Becky10 on March 16, 2011, 04:31:10 PM
The Queen's area is usually pretty empty cause I think a lot of people aren't sure if they can go there. I am fairly confident you can and they do skits and dances and things. Oh and I have heard rumors that faire is going to be smoke free this year so id you do smoke you might want to contact them and check with that.

Hiya!

I'm a member of Queen's Court. Usually the Glade area is empty because the court is small and we are usually out with her Majesty. (The primary function of a court is to be her Maj's supporting cast).

We are looking into how the glade can be more inviting. Our cast for the most part is pretty friendly. (PS not everyone in velvet is part of our cast  ;D)

As far as smoke free, the *park* is smoke free, however we are leasing the land during the run and are allowed smoking areas, these will be marked on the map and with a marker (I think a flag or some such.)

I'm excited this year, my GF and I are playing married this year. New part for me! Yay!

Gregory Fiennes
10th Baron Dacre of the South
(Baron Dacre)
(Formerly Master John Davies)
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: Baron Dacre on March 17, 2011, 06:10:20 PM
Quote from: IndeanaSunday on March 11, 2011, 01:10:44 PM
Hi, Folks!
I just moved the the west coast and have plans to come to PFSC for my birthday in May. This will be my first visit to your faire; anything I should know? Any must-see acts or must-eat Faire foods? I'm so excited!

I think the big difference between us and eastern faires is the guild system. (Guild usually means something a bit different than back east)

We have a large cast of volunteer (unpaid) performers (Court, Military, townsfolk) with a smaller cast of theme (paid) characters - Queen, Shakespeare, Mayor, etc...

This is opposed to what you might have back east - a smaller cast of paid actors. I don't think either is better or worse. Each has their own advantages.

Think of our guilds as performance troupes. We are contracted or owned by the company to portray a certain portion of Elizabethan Society. Court, townsfolk, inventors, etc... Each guild is responsible for casting their own members for the most part. It is then the responsibility of REP to coordinate the look of the guilds into the faire. (Court started on our costumes back in October or sooner, we will be approved this weekend.)

NYRF may have something similar since they are also owned by REP (tho I think not to the extent of RPFS)

Generally when I've spoken to someone from the east it is best described as performance guilds (west coast) vs "social" guilds (east coast) (Rogues, Wenches, etc). While the social guilds might perform, this is not their primary function.

Gregory Fiennes
10th Baron Dacre of the South
(Baron Dacre)
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: Sir Michael Geare on March 17, 2011, 11:47:33 PM
As Lord Dacres has stated, our guild system is quite different than other faires.  Those being that actually have guilds since I have been to faires in other states that do not have them.  Our guilds help enhance the experience and interaction of the visitors.

I do believe that Becky has summed up some of the things to see and eat quite well.  As a cast member, it is a bit hard to recommend specific shows since we are a bit biased as they are all good and worth seeing.  Fan favorites like Moonie and Broon are a must along with any of the shows at Rogues Reef.  I would say that you should catch the return on Manly Men in Tights to the stage of our faire.  we also have a new jousting troupe this season as well.

This year also marks the return of the Feast to faire.  It is basically something in the lines of a dinner show where you get catered food served to you with special entertainment.  Seating is limited.

The theme weekends are as follows:
   
     April 9th & 10th  -  Openning Weekend
     April 16th & 17th - Marketplace Weekend
     April 23rd & 24th - Swashbuckler Weekend & Easter Sunday Service
     April 30th & May 1st - Swashbuckler Weekend & Gay Day
     May 7th & 8th - Wine Tasting Bacchanal & Masquerade
     May 14th & 15th - Costume Contest & Military Appreciation Day
     May 21st & 22nd - Last Call
 
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: limelizzard on March 24, 2011, 06:07:00 PM
Thanks everyone for all the great info in one place! I am also originally from the east coast, where I spent 7 years on volunteer cast. We didn't have guilds.... so I've been very confused about that concept. I have lived in San Diego for just over a year now, so I've made it out to the Esco Faire, but this will be my 1st visit to this faire (What do we call this faire for short? lol). The Esco Faire is nice, but.... it just does NOT do the trick when it comes to satisfying my faire desires! I'm looking to come visit on Bacchanal/Wine Tasting weekend. :)
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: Becky10 on March 24, 2011, 06:45:31 PM
QuoteWhat do we call this faire for short? lol
....I have no idea haha. I used to call it the pleasure faire but...yeah.
I have heard some people call it Southern though.
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: Blushing on March 24, 2011, 06:49:35 PM
Quote from: limelizzard on March 24, 2011, 06:07:00 PM
What do we call this faire for short?

I'm looking to come visit on Bacchanal/Wine Tasting weekend. :)

I've heard people call it "Big Faire" which drives those faire folk not from California a wee bit nuts.  Southern works.  So does SCRPF if you're typing it.

I'll be at faire that weekend ... maybe we should plan a rf.com meetup?
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: Baron Dacre on March 25, 2011, 10:18:05 AM
RPFS (Renaissance Pleasure Faire South, the same company used to own Northern, They also own Bristol, NYRF.)
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: Baron Dacre on March 25, 2011, 03:31:03 PM
Quote from: Becky10 on March 24, 2011, 06:45:31 PM
QuoteWhat do we call this faire for short? lol
....I have no idea haha. I used to call it the pleasure faire but...yeah.
I have heard some people call it Southern though.

This was my first exposure to faire. So it will always be "Faire" to me....

Many of the people working this faire also work Northern, and since they were once owned by the same company the designations of Southern (Spring faire) and Northern (Autumn) came to be....

Northern used to be closer to San Francisco. (was Permanent site, however many of the ancient trees we built around were destroyed to make way for condos and a golf course) *sigh*

If it seems strange that Gilroy should be called "Northern" instead of "Central" this is why.
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: The Lady Mercedes on March 25, 2011, 05:55:41 PM
I just call it ren faire  :)
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: Sir Michael Geare on March 30, 2011, 11:23:19 PM
Quote from: limelizzard on March 24, 2011, 06:07:00 PM
What do we call this faire for short? lol). The Esco Faire is nice, but.... it just does NOT do the trick when it comes to satisfying my faire desires!

As Lord Dacre has stated..Southern is the most common term when talking out RPFS.  Esco is a nice little faire but nothing compared to Southern.  I'm sure you will be able to get your faire desires satisfied.  Stop by and say hi, Blushing should know where to find me.
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: Valknut on March 31, 2011, 11:18:12 PM
Hello and Well Met!

I hope you all have a wondrous time at the Pleasure Faire.  I call it the Dam Faire or Southern as do many others.  The NorCal faire is called Casa De Faire for reasons that are clear to anyone who visits. :)

I second the lists of things not to miss: Moonie & Broon, Sin on a Stick, Fruit Ice (when it is hot), Commedia Volante, Washer Well Women, Poxy Boggards...among many more.

As for my role at the faire: "teaching" fencing at St. Jude's School of Fencing.  It's a lesson and a duel for a fee. While I am not one of them, we do have several top notch instructors who compete regularly. 

Hope to see some online friends again this year.

Cheers!
Eric
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: Amara Deegan on May 04, 2011, 08:11:45 PM
This will also be mine and my sister's first time to this Faire and I am looking forward to it! The Northern California (2001-2005,2007,2009) one is our home Faire and we have also been to the Texas Ren Faire (2006-2008) and the Arizona Ren Faire (new this year too).

After looking at the list of entertainment for this year, we are already familiar with: Moonie, Broon, Merry Wives of Windsor, Poxy Boggarts, Washing Well Wenches, Manly Men in Tights, Hey Nunnie Nunnie, and The Belles of Bedlam. I thought Sound & Fury go to this one too, but maybe not anymore. I miss them, but I know they are busy with other things and Shelby went off to his own thing.

We have been wanting to go to this Faire ever since we first started to go to the Northern California one. Looking forward to the 21st!
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: Sir Michael Geare on May 04, 2011, 10:04:30 PM
Shelby is doing a show called the Magnificient Humble Boys.
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: Amara Deegan on May 05, 2011, 01:42:26 PM
Quote from: Sir Michael Geare on May 04, 2011, 10:04:30 PM
Shelby is doing a show called the Magnificient Humble Boys.

Ah, thank you. I shall have to look into it.
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: The Lady Mercedes on May 05, 2011, 07:16:58 PM
Yea fresh blood faces! ;D I saw Moonie, the Merry Wives, Poxy Boggards, & Belles of Bedlam...all were great & I agree, not to be missed. Enjoy your day at faire!
Title: Re: First Timer!
Post by: Sir Michael Geare on May 06, 2011, 11:25:31 PM
Quote from: The Lady Mercedes on May 05, 2011, 07:16:58 PM
Yea fresh blood faces! ;D I saw Moonie, the Merry Wives, Poxy Boggards, & Belles of Bedlam...all were great & I agree, not to be missed. Enjoy your day at faire!

I love watching the Belles of Bedlam.  Catch them every weekend when I can.