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NorthEast => Connecticut Renaissance Faire => Topic started by: Lady Annue Brandywine on August 08, 2008, 10:33:40 AM

Title: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Lady Annue Brandywine on August 08, 2008, 10:33:40 AM
I went to this faire last year. I have only been to 2 faires before NY and a small one in Cairo the whole thing is new to me. They have all been fun and we have been having a really good time. We (Husband, and Daughter7) went on to the Conn faire opening day last year and had a great time. The weather in late September was wonderful, perfect for wearing garb.  I was wondering if anyone else has been to this faire or is planning on going.
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Frederic on August 12, 2008, 09:12:31 PM
Why yes, my Lady of Brandywine, the Connecticut Ren Faire is my home faire.  I was there, as a Faire volunteer at the front gate on opening day last year, and its likely we saw each other.  'Twas my duty to peace tie all weapons carried by patrons, and I was especially vigilant for bodice daggers.  Had to tie down a few, too.  If your daughter participated in the Children's Court, she likely met my daughter, who was working there.  We both intend to volunteer there again this year, and I hope to see you.  Wear your RF pin!
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Lady_Claira on August 18, 2008, 12:32:13 AM
I hope to go this year. I wanted to audition, but after calling, the guy never called me back. Oh well, there's always next year right. Right now I am in touch with them though about possibly helping with costumes and that could be alot of fun. Who knows?
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: ladyhawke on August 18, 2008, 04:39:55 PM
We just got back from Sterling and are looking into attending this faire.  It will be the third fair for us and the second in garb.  Living in CT I can't believe I never knew about it. 
I am looking forward to going.   :)
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: laedyfaire on August 26, 2008, 10:11:10 PM
We hope to make this faire for the first time this year..if finances allow!  I see that  Blackenshear, The Curious Magician will be there and I highly recommend his show. LF
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Frederic on August 30, 2008, 11:05:37 AM
My favorite group is Sweet Amaryllis, and they will be there again this year.  Of course, I have to be there on 13 Oct - as the reigning  Man in Kilt, I have to be there to hand over my crown ... uh, blue ribbon ... or whatever ... to the next winner of the Men in Kilts Contest!

:-\ Hmm .. but I do have a hard choice to make.  I like to work the Faire opening day, but there is a Celtic music festival with Highland games in Hartford that same day  -  Oh, decisions, decisions.
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Capt Robertsgrave Thighbiter on September 14, 2008, 05:15:20 AM
Quote from: laedyfaire on August 26, 2008, 10:11:10 PM
We hope to make this faire for the first time this year..if finances allow!  I see that  Blackenshear, The Curious Magician will be there and I highly recommend his show. LF

M'Lady, seeing as you enjoyed hearing a part of The Brigands at opening day at NYRF, be sure to come on opening weekend at CTRF and catch us, when we will have all 4 members in attendance. We are flying up our First Mate from his diving the Spanish wrecks off the Keys and our bosun will have finished his stint in the local sponging house on the Isle of Rhode.  T'will be the same line up that blew the manhole covers off the streets at the Baltimore Pirate Invasion
( literally) this past Spring.
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Frederic on September 14, 2008, 08:02:48 PM
Well, I'm committed to be there as a volunteer on 28 Sep ( also 12, 13, and 18 Oct)- probably gate guard, peace-tier of weapons, or whatever they say needs to be done.   One of my duties I do know for sure - I'll be emptying the garbage at the end of the day!   At this faire its a duty of the Guild of Royal Guardians, so there I'll be.   Don't know what I'm going to wear the first day (the kilt, or the German merchant garb?) but I'll be there.  Assuming that I'm not way out in the parking lot waving folks in (and dodging cars in the process), if you're there stop by and say Hi - I'll be wearing the RF pin.
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Conrad Killigan on September 19, 2008, 05:08:14 PM
I'll be going every Sunday I can and hope to be there for Columbus Day. I'd be there every day but I can't seem to get my boss to give me Saturdays off.
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Brother Robert of Essex on September 22, 2008, 01:50:50 PM
Quote from: Conrad Killigan on September 19, 2008, 05:08:14 PM
I'll be going every Sunday I can and hope to be there for Columbus Day. I'd be there every day but I can't seem to get my boss to give me Saturdays off.


Well now that NYRF is closed.. I must seek faire elsewhere.. this looks like a good start..  ;D

Bit of a drive though from NJ. Hrm..
Title: Opening weekend Report - kind'a damp
Post by: Frederic on September 30, 2008, 09:18:05 PM
 Well - opening day (27 Sept) was pretty wet, so attendence was very light.  I wasn't there that day, but I was
part of the 'Guild of Royal Guardians' - a fancy name, although I was mostly parking cars - on Sunday.  It was overcast
but only sprinkled a little, so it was relatively dry.  A good time.  The cast was energized and there was about an
average attendence.  And wonderful news for me at the end - the Guardians don't have garbage duty at the end of the day!
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Lady_Claira on October 04, 2008, 09:35:03 AM
I'm hopefully going to the faire tomorrow. I'm even hoping to take my little brother with me. Maybe I can make a jr rennie out of him! HUZZAH

I was gonna go the last weekend of it, but I was hanging with my friends who work there, and they both said I was going tomorrow, no if's and's or but's about it. HA HA HA! I'm really hoping I can get my little brother to come with me though. I don't really want to go alone and I know he's been interested in going. This way I can take him and not be alone.

Sadly though, I won't be in garb. That's all at school and right now I'm at home and have no access to it. Dang. But it could be worse. I could have no garb at all, true? Well, I can't wait and hopefully I'll be there! HUZZAH!
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Frederic on October 04, 2008, 09:57:38 PM
[Lady_Claira, quote  But it could be worse. I could have no garb at all, true? Well, I can't wait and hopefully I'll be there! HUZZAH!
[/quote]

My Dearest Lady Claira,

Oh my .... I suppose you could go as Lady Godiva.  A bit chilly for that this weekend, though.
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Lady_Claira on October 05, 2008, 08:36:45 PM
Ha ha ha, very funny Frederic! Good one! No, I didn't go as Lady Godiva. Something told me there were laws against that. I just went in mundanes...

I did go today though. Very fun. Bought an ocarina, which was cool. I did bring my little brother and I think we have a rennie in the making. He was completely enthralled by the whole thing. And he says he'd love to go again, so that would be awesome!
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Brother Robert of Essex on October 06, 2008, 10:19:17 AM

How does that Faire compare to the NYRF one? I assume they are probably very much alike? Same food and drink etc?  Any particularly interesting items for sale that you saw?   

I keep wanting to go to this one but I have trouble getting myself to drive that far lol

My inherent laziness comes to the surface when faced with long drives.. :D

Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Lady_Claira on October 06, 2008, 05:19:59 PM
Well let's see Sir Robert...

As a patron, I like NYRF better. Some of the shows are the same. Some are better some are worse. I think the over all set up and the quality of the shows are far better at NYRF. Or it could be just me being biased. I feel like the CTRF is not as good because it is set up as like a weekend faire thing rather than NYRF which is a permanent site and has buildings and such that are permanent and that made it somewhat more appealing. On the other hand, I could just be biased. It was still a ton of fun and I still loved it.

Though I talked to a good friend who works at both faires and she says from the point of view of someone who works at faire, CTRF is far superior and has no where near as much drama or political junk that revolves around the NYRF behind the scenes.

It was still a fun trip and i still love them both. But I like NYRF better. Only my opinion though.
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Brother Robert of Essex on October 07, 2008, 10:54:37 AM
Thank you my good lady!

It sounds like I really need to get out there and see it then.  I found some mini Ren-faire around my neighborhood put on by some group and it was pretty bad ( Read: Inflatable castles and Moon walk rides ) - obviously couldn't compare it to a real faire.  So as long as its not that, I'm good!

As a side note - Interesting - you know I hear people mention from time to time - that there is "drama" and 'politics' at the Faires. I have never witnessed either ( knock on wood ) and I always find it kind of humorous that something like a Faire, could actually create its own mini political system and drama.

Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Lady_Claira on October 08, 2008, 02:38:23 PM
I know what you mean. But the drama and politics are always behind the scenes and not an in character thing. The actors are not going to break character, especially if they know they can be scene by patrons. So unless you had an in to the backstage stuff, you wouldn't know of it. I go to class with someone who works at CTRF and NYRF. So I have an idea of what is going on behind the scenes.

But I still love both faires. Very fun.
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: oignuc on October 08, 2008, 04:22:38 PM
This faire is unique among all the faires i've been to . the interaction with patrons is incredible . i've been a vendor here since 1999 and it has grown and gotten better every year in every way . the owners / management treat everyone with a level respect unmatched anywhere . definatly worth attending , but you may need to come more than once to see all the shows never minds the 100+ vendors .
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Frederic on October 09, 2008, 07:01:08 PM
Well, I'll be there this weekend - Sunday working and Monday as a patron.  Looks to be a good weekend.  Weather
is predicted to be sunny and pleasant, and the fall foliage is just about prime.  Good days to be outside.

Looks like German merchant garb on Sunday and the kilt on Columbus Day.

Lady Claira, I'm glad you had a good time with your visit, and maybe I'll see you, Sir Robert, one of these days
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: oignuc on October 10, 2008, 07:03:33 PM
this would be a great weekend to go , the weather will be excellent . not too cold and not too hot and of course dry !
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Lady_Claira on October 12, 2008, 05:34:47 PM
Quote from: Frederic on October 09, 2008, 07:01:08 PMLady Claira, I'm glad you had a good time with your visit, and maybe I'll see you, Sir Robert, one of these days

One of these days we probably will meet up at faire. But probably not this year. I am not returning to faire this year. I am done for the year. *tear*

But next year, it is quite possible!
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Jay Byrd on October 13, 2008, 08:24:30 AM
I went the 11th and 12th, last minute decision type of thing.  It was a good faire.  The shows we saw were good, the vendors were good.  Though I must echo Lady Claira's sentiments that it did not have the feel of the NYRF due to the setting.  Like I said I did like this Faire, but at NYRF you can, if you let your imagination run wild, feel like you are at a village from the time period.  The trees,  the permanant structures, the selling of Ale, and just the general layout, all adds to the feel of the faire.  Just goes to show how lucky we are to have what we have in NY.  But I went two days and had a great time both days.  I saw people I recognized, saw shows that I had not seen, and got some cool stuff.  I'll have to go again with adults as I always get a different perspective, as I do whatever my kids want when they are with me.

Jay Byrd
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Lady_Claira on October 13, 2008, 09:32:11 AM
CTRF is a great faire. But after this weekend I now know 4 people who work at NYRF and the things that they all said is that the cast of CTRF is far better. They love how the cast of CTRF interacts with the vendors more than at NYRF. They love how there is a strong friendship among the cast of CTRF that doesn't exist among NYRF. So while NYRF seems better because of the atmosphere of it, behind the scenes CTRF surpasses NYRF and gives that cast a run for their money...

On the other hand, they are still both quite enjoyable and I love them both.
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Brother Robert of Essex on October 13, 2008, 01:28:48 PM

Quote from: Jay Byrd on October 13, 2008, 08:24:30 AM
I went the 11th and 12th, last minute decision type of thing.  It was a good faire.  The shows we saw were good, the vendors were good.  Though I must echo Lady Claira's sentiments that it did not have the feel of the NYRF due to the setting.  Like I said I did like this Faire, but at NYRF you can, if you let your imagination run wild, feel like you are at a village from the time period.  The trees,  the permanant structures, the selling of Ale, and just the general layout, all adds to the feel of the faire.  Just goes to show how lucky we are to have what we have in NY.  But I went two days and had a great time both days.  I saw people I recognized, saw shows that I had not seen, and got some cool stuff.  I'll have to go again with adults as I always get a different perspective, as I do whatever my kids want when they are with me.

Jay Byrd



Ahh! Well if you go again Jay, perhaps we can coordinate efforts/timetables. With enough notice I can attempt the journey..

Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Frederic on October 13, 2008, 07:26:43 PM
Just got home from the faire today (13th), and was there yesterday as well (Sunday volunteering, and today with my wife as a patron - huzzah for the free passes!).  I finally met Oignuc (seller of fine incense), and stopped by Scotchswatch's booth - Scotchswatch wasn't there but he had told the folks manning the booth that someone from the Forum would stop by, and they were quite friendly. I had to be there today, and free of duties, as I was in the Men in Kilts contest - I didn't win this year, but a rauchus good time was had by all (especially by the wenches running the thing!)

Not having attended a lot of other big faires, I can't really compare the hidden workings and behind the scenes politics very well, but I was always impressed by the interaction between the cast and patrons, and between the main cast and the 'supporting cast' (aka volunteers).  As a patron, it was the free and amusing interaction with the cast that led me to first volunteer (about 4 seasons ago), and its the interaction with the other members of the cast (both main and support) that helps keep me coming back  - that, the free passes for volunteers, and the food they serve in the cast's 'green room'.  Let me tell you - the guy in charge of feeding the cast is good at his job!  On Sunday it was made-from-scratch onion soup and sheppards pie - oohh, good eating!

One more weekend to go, and I work on Saturday.  I'm looking forward to it.
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: oignuc on October 13, 2008, 08:08:24 PM
Quote from: Frederic on October 13, 2008, 07:26:43 PM
Just got home from the faire today (13th), and was there yesterday as well (Sunday volunteering, and today with my wife as a patron - huzzah for the free passes!).  I finally met Oignuc (seller of fine incense), and stopped by Scotchswatch's booth - Scotchswatch wasn't there but he had told the folks manning the booth that someone from the Forum would stop by, and they were quite friendly. I had to be there today, and free of duties, as I was in the Men in Kilts contest - I didn't win this year, but a rauchus good time was had by all (especially by the wenches running the thing!)

Not having attended a lot of other big faires, I can't really compare the hidden workings and behind the scenes politics very well, but I was always impressed by the interaction between the cast and patrons, and between the main cast and the 'supporting cast' (aka volunteers).  As a patron, it was the free and amusing interaction with the cast that led me to first volunteer (about 4 seasons ago), and its the interaction with the other members of the cast (both main and support) that helps keep me coming back  - that, the free passes for volunteers, and the food they serve in the cast's 'green room'.  Let me tell you - the guy in charge of feeding the cast is good at his job!  On Sunday it was made-from-scratch onion soup and sheppards pie - oohh, good eating!

One more weekend to go, and I work on Saturday.  I'm looking forward to it.

be sure to visit again ;)
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Lady Briana on October 15, 2008, 10:51:29 AM
Hello, I'm new!

I attended this faire on Oct 13 and enjoyed myself thoroughly. I've now been to 3 different faires (PARF, King Richards, and CT RF), and in my opinion, the cast interaction on the streets was superior to the others. The atmosphere, I agree, was lacking...but it's hard to beat the very rustic, wooded grounds and permanent structures that King Richards has. But I found I enjoyed myself more at CT because the characters were engaging and natural.

Also, 4 of our men participated in the Men in Kilts contest, with one tying for first. My friends and I were also lucky enough to be caught on camera by a local journalist: http://www.instantimagegallery.com/iig/p/772/2269483?state:cat/Album=BrO0ABXcgAAAAAgEAByRCb3JkZXIAEG9yaWdpbmFsQ2xpZW50SWRzcgARamF2YS5sYW5nLkludGVnZXIS4qCk94GHOAIAAUkABXZhbHVleHIAEGphdmEubGFuZy5OdW1iZXKGrJUdC5TgiwIAAHhwAAADBHcKAAAHYWxidW1JZHNxAH4AAAABVpo%3D (http://www.instantimagegallery.com/iig/p/772/2269483?state:cat/Album=BrO0ABXcgAAAAAgEAByRCb3JkZXIAEG9yaWdpbmFsQ2xpZW50SWRzcgARamF2YS5sYW5nLkludGVnZXIS4qCk94GHOAIAAUkABXZhbHVleHIAEGphdmEubGFuZy5OdW1iZXKGrJUdC5TgiwIAAHhwAAADBHcKAAAHYWxidW1JZHNxAH4AAAABVpo%3D). I'm the one in the red gown.

I look forward to attending again next year.
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Frederic on October 15, 2008, 05:59:10 PM
My fair Lady Briana,

Well, if you were at the crowd at the Men in Kilts contest, you saw me - the goofy middle-aged wierdo with the greying beard in
the Morrison plaid (Fred).  I made the first cut, then had to bow out before a taller and younger man.  Oh well ... you wenches just had no appreciation for years of experience and a fine set of hairy calves!ยจ In any case it was a blast - So who were your contestants?  One of them wouldn't have been 'B J' would it?   
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Lady Briana on October 16, 2008, 10:55:10 AM
I am very sorry that you did not advance further, but you fared better than 3/4 of our crew, who didn't make the first cut. I can claim wee Conor who departed early from the kiddie (and puppet) competition, his father, Neil, and "Sean Connery as Highlander" as good friends of mine. I think next year we'll have to return so my husband can attend and compete.
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Frederic on October 16, 2008, 06:24:47 PM
Fair Briana,

I remember Conor, a fine lad, and a sure heart-breaker when he gets older!  And the man he was with is certainly competition for me next year.   But bring him on, and give Lady Reddy and Mistress Scrumptous another fellow to grope and oogle! 

Anyway, there was a decent photo spread in our local paper on the Faire-

      http://www.theday.com/re.aspx?re=ab7ba716-429b-4c2a-bd1b-cdf3a89f1c9e

Mostly faire stock photos, but hey - the publicity is good - I'll be there again on Saturday, so lets hope the advertisement boosts the crowd.  Last weekend, so lets make it a good one.
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Jay Byrd on October 17, 2008, 10:40:11 AM
Sir Robert,

I don't think I'll get here this year but if it isn't a last minute thing, like this was, and we are going to go to other faires, I will ren mail you and see if you can journey with us, probably my two children which you have met, and myself.

Jay
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Frederic on October 19, 2008, 08:56:16 PM
Well.... It's Sunday night and another season is done....  A decent weekend weather-wise, clear, dry, but chilly enough to need those wool cloaks.  Crowd was a little over average, but we had hoped for more since it wasn't raining and it was the last weekend.  The chill probably kept them away (I thought we were dealing with New Englanders here?)  Oh, well ... the vendors I talked to seemed to think it was a good run.  I certainly had a good time.

And now to think and plan about next year.
Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: Brother Robert of Essex on October 20, 2008, 09:59:19 AM
Quote from: Frederic on October 19, 2008, 08:56:16 PM
Well.... It's Sunday night and another season is done....  A decent weekend weather-wise, clear, dry, but chilly enough to need those wool cloaks.  Crowd was a little over average, but we had hoped for more since it wasn't raining and it was the last weekend.  The chill probably kept them away (I thought we were dealing with New Englanders here?)  Oh, well ... the vendors I talked to seemed to think it was a good run.  I certainly had a good time.

And now to think and plan about next year.


It was a great weekend, weather wise. I wish we could have more of these days than those sweltering 90 degree ones.

Indeed! A full year to save up for the next round! I was shocked how much cash I blew through in 2 short months of the Faire LOL!  I've changed the Christmas Club account over to the Ren Faire Account now!

Title: Re: Any one else go to this faire?
Post by: beeboy on October 07, 2009, 11:17:42 AM
I'm here for the last 2 weekends