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RenDezvous => R/F.com RenDezvous => Topic started by: Dragonlord on June 24, 2014, 11:11:01 AM

Title: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Dragonlord on June 24, 2014, 11:11:01 AM
Just wondering if there has been any decision on the 2015 RenDezvous. Or has the event sort of run it's course/lost interest?
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Butch on June 24, 2014, 12:04:52 PM
Yes please!  Any scoop for where/when next year?
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Merlin the Elder on June 27, 2014, 01:01:54 PM
I'm listening... Bristol perhaps? Haven't done one up north in a while. I know none of the last five have been in the north.
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Rowan MacD on August 27, 2014, 03:00:43 PM
    Bristol sounds great...I've never been-maybe I can get hubby interested in a one time road trip.

We don't have any other faires going on at that time, but all depends on his health.
   
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on August 27, 2014, 09:30:47 PM
Due to health reasons, I am not able to organize a RenDezvous at Bristol.  If there are any other Bristolians who would be willing to do so, we would attend.
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: RefMom3 on September 12, 2014, 12:22:22 PM
I'm sorry about your health challenges, Lady Renee.
I have no organizational skills at all, which is unusual for a librarian ;). I would be happy to help, though. And naturally, since Bristol is my home faire, I'd be thrilled to attend.
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Merlin the Elder on December 03, 2014, 08:47:58 PM
I thought I would bump this... Any ideas yet, Admins??
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Hausfrau Monica on December 04, 2014, 01:46:37 PM
I am interested to hear as well.  My time is somewhat flexible this year in the right place/right time stars align kind of way. 
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Gauwyn of Bracknell on December 05, 2014, 05:48:25 AM
Quote from: Hausfrau Monica on December 04, 2014, 01:46:37 PM
I am interested to hear as well.  My time is somewhat flexible this year in the right place/right time stars align kind of way.

Too bad it has already been at CoRF  ;)

Bristol would have been a great one!!
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Merlin the Elder on December 05, 2014, 07:37:55 AM
Well, Gauwyn, if you're going to be at Scarby opening weekend, we'll be there, and we're bringing RefMom3 and her cuz with us. We'll just have our own kind of fun!
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Gauwyn of Bracknell on December 05, 2014, 10:02:19 AM
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on December 05, 2014, 07:37:55 AM
Well, Gauwyn, if you're going to be at Scarby opening weekend, we'll be there, and we're bringing RefMom3 and her cuz with us. We'll just have our own kind of fun!

Should be there (I may also be at Sherwood closing weekend, if I can swing it - have not been to that one yet)
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Norfolk on December 06, 2014, 09:53:34 AM
The Duchess and I are also tentatively planning to attend closing at Sherwood and opening at Scarby next Spring!
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Merlin the Elder on December 08, 2014, 06:47:24 AM
I think you will like Sherwood, Your Grace.  We shant see you at closing of Sherwood, but we shall see you at opening of Scarborough! You, too, Lord Gauwyn! Fun times ahead!
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Norfolk on December 08, 2014, 09:50:19 AM
We're looking very much forward to both!
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Bogie on March 19, 2015, 02:23:27 PM
Do we have any update on the RenDezvous for 2015 or should I assume that it's not happening this year?
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Merlin the Elder on March 20, 2015, 10:07:16 AM
Anyone up for hosting the event? Seems the admin are busy with their own stuff, so if there is to be one, it would be up to us.  At this late date, I don't know that my bride and I could participate.

This forum has dwindled considerably.  How many die-hards are left?
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Butch on March 20, 2015, 10:56:12 AM
I thought YOU were hosting it?
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Merlin the Elder on March 20, 2015, 10:59:25 AM
Anyone is welcome to rendezvous with me for an ale or two, but my home faire hosted just a few years ago.
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Rowan MacD on March 20, 2015, 12:31:47 PM
  I would say you could set up a page on the Book of Faces and move the topic there....
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Jade on March 20, 2015, 04:11:36 PM
That may be a smart plan. I've always wanted to go, but could not swing it. Now that I've got a teacher's salary instead of minimum wage....
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Butch on March 21, 2015, 09:39:25 AM
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on March 20, 2015, 10:59:25 AM
Anyone is welcome to rendezvous with me for an ale or two...
Well, I'll just have to do that, then!
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: RefMom3 on March 22, 2015, 12:14:21 PM
Looking very much forward to taking you up on that, Master Merlin!
Ok, probably not the ale part, but *something.*
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Sir Ironhead on March 22, 2015, 01:18:25 PM
Past iterations has a meet and greet on Friday, then tailgate Saturday morning, another get together that night, tailgate Sunday morning then an "official" photo Sunday afternoon.  And a couple times there have been official activities at the faire as well.  Not saying this is bad at all, just maybe a bit overwhelming to someone who has not organized anything of this magnitude, and we haven't even mentioned setting up hotels, etc for the out of town folks.

Maybe we could try for an abbreviated version, we pick a weekend and throw it out for the "masses" to see and comment on.  I vote for Bristol on Labor Day weekend, mostly because it's a big enough faire that it would take most of those three days to see it all and for those that are "weather challenged" there is plenty of shade and with three days you don't have to rush anything.

My three cents  :D
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Merlin the Elder on March 22, 2015, 01:39:00 PM
Where is your homing beacon these days, Sir Ironhead? I think the last time we crossed paths, you were in west Texas...but, I could have been drunk...
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on March 23, 2015, 05:45:23 PM
Quote from: Sir Ironhead on March 22, 2015, 01:18:25 PM
Past iterations has a meet and greet on Friday, then tailgate Saturday morning, another get together that night, tailgate Sunday morning then an "official" photo Sunday afternoon.  And a couple times there have been official activities at the faire as well.  Not saying this is bad at all, just maybe a bit overwhelming to someone who has not organized anything of this magnitude, and we haven't even mentioned setting up hotels, etc for the out of town folks.

Maybe we could try for an abbreviated version, we pick a weekend and throw it out for the "masses" to see and comment on.  I vote for Bristol on Labor Day weekend, mostly because it's a big enough faire that it would take most of those three days to see it all and for those that are "weather challenged" there is plenty of shade and with three days you don't have to rush anything.

My three cents  :D

Unless there are others from Bristol - or folks from far away willing to do it - I have already mentioned that I am unable to set up and host a RenDezvous this year due to my health issues.  If someone wants to put it together, I am happy to give some suggestions but I will not be able to participate in making any arrangements.
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Merlin the Elder on March 23, 2015, 05:47:30 PM
We could just invade Bristol...  I'm working on logistics of doing it this year.
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Gauwyn of Bracknell on March 24, 2015, 06:12:31 AM
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on March 23, 2015, 05:47:30 PM
We could just invade Bristol...  I'm working on logistics of doing it this year.

MNRF invades every year on one weekend - maybe coordinate with this and have a 'flash' rendezvous
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: RefMom3 on March 24, 2015, 08:33:15 AM
A "flash" rendezvous sounds fun; I've never been part of a flashing (of my own volition, anyway...a cousin perpetrated something once). I love having things to look forward to ;)
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Sir Ironhead on March 24, 2015, 12:11:19 PM
Merlin, Gauwyn and RefMom3 -
You hit the nail on my head, or is it in my head.  An arranged "flash" RenDezvous, that's pretty much where I was going.


Lady Renee - I understand completely.  For whatever reason people are no longer able or willing to make all the arrangements and there is nothing wrong with that.  Reality, no matter your version of it, gets in the way sometimes.  I get it.  Frankly, I don't need a big "production" for RenDezvous.  It's nice but not a requirement for me.  I am satisfied with a few group photos and for the people who haven't been to a particular faire, advice.  Stuff like how soon should I get there, what's the traffic/weather/terrain like.

Last RenDezvous I remember going to was in Colorado in 2011.  I would swear that Minnesota has hosted one.

Merlin - Moved back to Iowa in 2013 after I retired.  Plan on being at Scarborough Memorial Day weekend.
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Merlin the Elder on March 24, 2015, 12:30:56 PM
RenDezvous is where the friends are... I met enough of the folks here that I could go to probably any faire and know someone, even if it was only a cyber-friend.   

Colorado was our first RenDezvous (I stumbled onto this site a week... A WEEK... after my home faire hosted a RenDezvous).  We did North Carolina and Kansas City gatherings as well.

Hope retirement is suiting you, Ironhead!  Don't know if I can handle another Scarby Memorial Day... did a couple that nearly killed me from the heat! 103° is more than I can handle safely.  We'll be there for opening weekend, and a trip to Castleton (OKRF) in May, if things don't fall apart.  If we can pull off the Bristol trip, it will be our first time doing 5 different faires in a year.
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Butch on March 24, 2015, 02:18:01 PM
I'm interested in a flash RenDezVous!  If we can settle on a date, we may even be able to (electronically) scout the area and set up a meet and greet(?)
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on March 24, 2015, 09:23:07 PM
Like I said, having attended Bristol for 19 years this summer, I will be happy to give any suggestions or help that the organizer may want or need.  And for sure, we will try to make that weekend, or at least the Sunday.
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Butch on March 25, 2015, 08:23:57 AM
So 5, 6, and 7 Sep at Bristol?  Are we considering an invasion those days?  That looks to be their closing weekend.  Who's all interested?
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: RefMom3 on March 25, 2015, 10:39:30 AM
I'm interested! I go closing weekend, anyway. This sounds like a marvelous idea.
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Merlin the Elder on March 25, 2015, 10:52:45 AM
We are interested...just have to work out the logistics ... feasibility study, don't you know?
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: RefMom3 on March 26, 2015, 08:02:11 AM
meetings; Skype chats; conference calls...
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Gauwyn of Bracknell on March 26, 2015, 12:31:31 PM
action items - we need action items :(

and synergy

Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Butch on March 30, 2015, 10:56:33 AM
OK.  I have never been there, so I don't know the lay of the land.  Looking at Google Maps, the two closest cities are Pleasant Prairie, WI and Russell, IL.  I believe the most time sensitive thing we'll have is getting a block of rooms at a lower priced (but not ghetto) hotel.  A nice bonus is having some sort of conference area for a Friday night meet-n-greet.  Who can make some recommendations?  We need to hop on this now.

The rest we have time to plan.  Again, more of an Invasion than a formal RenDezVous; but we have enough time to make this a success.

Recommendations on a place for the main group to stay?
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Gauwyn of Bracknell on March 30, 2015, 11:06:35 AM
Kenosha, which is a just a few minutes (maybe 15 or so) away has many hotels
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: RefMom3 on March 30, 2015, 11:43:14 AM
I agree, sir; Kenosha is very close, and is probably an easier choice. On the Illinois side, Waukegan is also close, and likely to have more hotels. Illinois Beach State Park is in Zion, IL, and I believe they have camping facilities. (I used to live up there, about 25 years ago. My ex-husband was in the Navy, stationed at Great Lakes.)
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Butch on March 30, 2015, 11:55:04 AM
On a quick KAYAK search, I found a Super 8 Kenosha/Pleasant Prairie for $87 per night, and a La Quinta (next door) for $95 per night.  It looks like they have some stuff around Racine for about $70 per night.
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Butch on March 30, 2015, 03:45:32 PM
Do those sound in the price range?  I can get on the hooks to them tomorrow to see if they'll work a deal with us.  Maybe we can get a meeting room comped on Fri night.  I can also ask if they can do some gate tickets to the ren fest.  We got that stuff for the KCRF in 2013. 

Unless someone else wants to take this? 
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Merlin the Elder on March 30, 2015, 05:22:53 PM
Organizing is such a pain in the back of the front. As I said earlier, I don't even know if I can pull it off (coming, that is), but if we decide on a weekend, I will try very hard!  We could just make it a free for all...everyone worries about his/her own bad self. We only have a few of Bristol home folks around here, one is in the middle of a move, another has physical limitations, and the other is fresh to the scene (of the three I know). 
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on March 30, 2015, 05:25:07 PM
I would not recommend Racine.  Some parts can be iffy.  Of you are willing to go between 20-30 Mn. From faire, Mundelein and Libertyville have some nice Super 8s and Days Inns for around $50-60.

Most hotels do not give free or discounted faire tickets. The Raddison includes tickets in their room rates and also provides a bus.  The Brat Stop on Rt. 50 is a bar/restaurant that will let a group use a private room as long as there is drinking and eating going on.

Bristol does NOT allow tailgating at all.  And they are quite good about taking things away if they catch you with anything. I would suggest to not even try.

More stuff as I remember it.
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Butch on March 31, 2015, 10:27:52 AM
I just wrote to the marketing director at Bristol (I dealt with the marketing director for the KCRF).  I gave them a heads-up that we are looking at a gathering during Labor Day weekend.  Let's see how they respond, and if they offer us anything.
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Gauwyn of Bracknell on April 02, 2015, 06:24:31 AM
I think Labor Day is quite a crowded weekend at Bristol; Minnesota does an invasion usually in July - maybe coordinate with that (I know the FOF has a special offer for the travelers)
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Butch on April 08, 2015, 11:25:03 AM
I haven't heard anything back yet, so I resent the email yesterday.  I'll probably send it to a few other people in their office today.
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Butch on April 08, 2015, 12:25:08 PM
I just got off the phone with Shawn Henry 847-395-7773 X100.  I told her that we are considering a gathering at Bristol, and I went over the ltr I sent earlier (cut and pasted below).  I told her the date was not definite.  Here is the letter, and her responses by the asterisks:
Hello, my name is Michael Gregg.  I'm a member of the online community "renaissancefestival.com".   We are planning a gathering and we are seriously considering your faire, Bristol Renaissance Faire, for the site!  We don't have a count yet, but for our gathering at the Kansas City Renaissance Faire in October 2013, we had over 60 people in attendance.

We are looking at Labor Day weekend 2015 to invade your fair shire!

I organized the 2013 event in Kansas City (and I live in the KC area).  I was wondering if we could get any "deals" or "discounts" for our event?  I see that gate passes are $23.95 per day.  I also see that there are special group rates.  I believe that most of our attendees will be there for two days, and some will be there all three days.  Can you give any multi-day discounts?  **Yes.  $15.95 group rate for groups of 15-100.  No multi-day additional discount.  If going closing weekend, gate price MAY be less (2014 it was $15), if it is less, we will pay the lower price.

We usually play a game during the event:  Musical Men.  It's like musical chairs, but this has our gentlemen down on one knee (as the chair) and our ladies (one more than the gentlemen) circling the gentlemen, until the music stops.  Do you have an area that we could use for about an hour on Saturday, 5 September 2015, to play?  It is certainly not a demand, it's just a "nice to have" if something like that is available.  **Most likely, yes.  We need to decide on a date and talk more.

Would you be willing to donate any prizes for some of our attendees?  Things like tickets to your Pub Crawl, t-shirts, posters, mugs, or any other swag from your faire would be most welcome!  **Probably not.  She said they haven't in the past, but we may be able to get some stuff?  Again, more if and when we talk again.

What is your weapons policy, please?  Some of our members have pointy things as part of their garb.  **Sheathed and peace tied.

Also, do you have any relationships with any of the local hotels?  I see the ones referenced on your website, but would certainly appreciate any insight or recommendations!  **They recommend the Radisson.  They have a shuttle and a ticket deal.

Finally, we usually have some sort of "tailgate" in the parking lot before the morning show and opening cannon.  I have heard that your faire does not allow this.  Since I have your ear right now, what is the official word?  Either way is fine, I just don't want our members to assume it's alright when it's not!  **NO!  No tailgating on their property

I appreciate your taking the time to read this mail!  I would love it if we could invade Bristol!  I have never been there myself, but have heard wonderful thing about it!

I look forward to hearing back from you.

Sincerely,


**********OKAY, so do we wanna do this?  What is the consensus?  And if so, what dates?
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Lady Renee Buchanan on April 08, 2015, 05:52:39 PM
As I mentioned, Bristol gives NOTHING away!  The Radisson is pretty expensive, even with the ticket deal.  Up on Route 50, there are many hotels.  Super 8, Country Inns and Suites, Best Western, Holiday Inn Express, and more whose names I can't think of.  Plus lots of restaurants and bars in walking distance.  Most of the hotels have some knd of breakfast, so you can meet up in the parkng lot, just no eating or drinking.

I also suggest Labor Day Weekend, because it is big and there is so much to do, you still couldn't see all the shows and shop in the 3 days, but you'd see a lot more.  I am looking forward to seeing/meeting all of you at Bristol this summer!
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Sir Ironhead on April 08, 2015, 10:05:09 PM
I second Lady Renees recommendation and vote for Labor Day weekend.
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: RefMom3 on April 11, 2015, 10:22:28 AM
I will be there Labor Day weekend anyway, so this sounds delightful to me ;)
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Merlin the Elder on April 11, 2015, 05:07:55 PM
If Nimue can get the time off for Labor Day weekend, we will make the trip!  Does anyone know who has the RenDezvous banner?
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Butch on April 11, 2015, 08:46:15 PM
I sent the banner to Lairde Guardn for the 2014 event.
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: RefMom3 on April 12, 2015, 01:28:09 PM
No "ifs" for her scheduling, Master Merlin! Positive intent for positive result!

I'm so conflicted now; I am looking forward for Bristol to open, but I also have to look forward to closing weekend...???
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Butch on May 08, 2015, 08:56:57 AM
Somebody just wrote to me asking if there was any news from Bristol on the RenDezVous.  Here is how I responded:
"Yes, I posted everything from my phoncon with Bristol.  They seemed willing to give us some discounts, but not until we had 15 people coming.  I have seen minimal interest on that thread (like 6 people posting, including you and I).  I feel that rather than trying to set something up for just a few people, we may be better off just picking a weekend for an "R/F.com Invasion" and just going that route."

So, what does everyone think?  Shall we pick a weekend and just invade?  Gauwyn, you mentioned that MN RF does an invasion every year, do we know when that is scheduled this year?  Shall we bolster their numbers?
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Merlin the Elder on May 08, 2015, 09:10:15 AM
We are planning on Bristol for Labor Day weekend, and have a room at the Comfort Suites. There is a possibility that we might go to New York from there, and maybe even do a day at the NYRF in Tuxedo.
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Goody on May 09, 2015, 11:09:30 PM
Generally the MNRF invasion to Bristol is the third wkend in July which would be July 18/19 this year. I think it would be great to expand it to RenDezvous. I could help with some planning such as meeting places and lodging but wouldnt recommend going all out
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: William of Ware on August 11, 2015, 08:31:42 PM
Reservations made.... Looking forward to seeing everyone.
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Merlin the Elder on August 12, 2015, 05:36:48 AM
William, I don't know how many are going to be there, but definitely Nimue and I, RefMom3, and a couple others, I hope.
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Gauwyn of Bracknell on August 12, 2015, 06:35:31 AM
I know the 'Minnesota' crew will not be there.  the Minnesota faire is on during this time and I believe MG and Trish have an annual camping trip over Labor day weekend.  (I won't be there either - but then no one will miss me, they will just miss Lady Addilay :)  ).

Butch and the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk will be at the Minnesota faire that weekend also.
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Merlin the Elder on August 12, 2015, 08:04:15 AM
We'll miss you, Gauwyn...
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: RefMom3 on August 12, 2015, 12:27:06 PM
Well, bummer.
Title: Re: Any news on 2015 RenDezvous?
Post by: Butch on August 12, 2015, 08:53:01 PM
Quote from: Gauwyn of Bracknell on August 12, 2015, 06:35:31 AM
I know the 'Minnesota' crew will not be there.  the Minnesota faire is on during this time and I believe MG and Trish have an annual camping trip over Labor day weekend.  (I won't be there either - but then no one will miss me, they will just miss Lady Addilay :)  ).

Butch and the Duke and Duchess of Norfolk will be at the Minnesota faire that weekend also.
So...Gauwyn...will Lady Addilay be at MN RF on Labor Day Weekend?










...oh, and will you be there too?