I've just heard a terrible rumor that the Scarborough Faire grounds are on fire- and reports are it's not looking good. Can anyone confirm!!! :-[
Yes, it is so. People who live down the street have seen the flames. Everyone, please do not panic and fan the rumor-mill flames. No one knows how bad it is. It has apparently gone to six-alarm, there is probably building involvement. I say probably, I do not know for sure, but the location of the flames make it probable.
Those in the know will post facts when they are hard and fast. Radio and TV do have tiny blurbs about it, but no details are posted.
For now, everyone pray to your lords, gods and minor deities of choice!
Marga/Jofranka
Well, thanks for the info. I do hope that the damage isn't bad.
A short, 34 second video has been posted on YouTube by the TexasStormChasers -
8/22/2011 - Scarborough Renaissance Festival Fire - Waxahachie, TX (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=N9A4lSmuvlk)
There is a certain amount of information in the description below the video.
Here's a link to an article about it. It doesn't sound good.
http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/Fire-at-renaissance-festival-one-dead-128229888.html (http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/Fire-at-renaissance-festival-one-dead-128229888.html)
It's been confirmed that one male worker died, and 7 buildings were totally destroyed... I've been up all night talking to a friend who works at Screams, on facebook, and listening to the police scanners for Ellis county... after awhile though they took everything off the main frequency to keep them open for other needs.
But WFAA posted this awhile ago-
http://www.wfaa.com/news/Fire-at-renaissance-festival-one-dead-128229888.html
I am so so so sorry to the family, and to everyone. This is a sad day.
The mans identity hasn't been released yet for obvious reasons...
The cause of the fire is still under investigation.
I'm sure by the morning news at 5am, lots of channels will have picked up the story and we'll all have more info.
This is terrible. The buildings can be replaced, but the man cannot. My energies are being sent to his family. I will be monitoring this at work today... please keep us posted, or linked to more information.
It's on channel 8.1 wfaa news right now, the story will be playing off and on all morning I'm sure...
News on channel 11 when they come back from commercial...
The cause is still under investigation, they think it started in the apartment of one of the grounds keepers.
His identity still has not been released.
It took 40 firefighters over 4 hours to put out.
1 firefighter was injured and taken to Baylor, but he should be fine...
Oh no. This is awful. I dread finding out who was killed.
They wont release his identity until his family has been properly notified, obviously... But I'm right there with you. They did say it was someone that lived on premisis though. It's all over channels 4, 5, 8, and 11 news right now though, so I'm sure you can see more info as it becomes available this morning.
Thanks for the info, Angel. Do any of those stations run live feed online? I'm in central Arkansas, but Scarby is our home faire, and we are very attached to the people and the faire, whether we personally know them or not. Some way to monitor the situation would be most appreciated.
About 7am the news reporter on site said the owners were calling FDs back-out again as some hot-spots were flaring up.
This drought and blazing heat couldn't have helped.
That's so terrible. My sincere condolences to the whole Scarby family for your loss.
My prayers are being sent to the family and to everyone affected. This is so sad.
Privies next to Dirty Duck pub to the candle shop were damaged.
Unconfirmed reports say that it was not Rick.
The fire went from the Junque backstage area, the privies, the candle shop, the Falcon stage and down to the Dity Duck. WFAA is continuing to do reports
and you can also access Friends of Scarborough Faire page (http://www.facebook.com/groups/69208956070/) for any updates.
Our thoughts are with everyone involved since this has also been a dangerous situation for the firefighters and other emergency personnel.
All reports are all still unconfirmed. Family, if there is any, has to be informed. They deserve to find out officially. When there is an official statement from Faire, there are those people here on this and other forums that will post. For now, prayers are always appreciated, not just for family, but in thanks to those firefighters who fought to save a place where we go for fun.
Any names are still rumors, please do not post names here. However, Wes has checked in on FB, so it's certainly not Wes. FB is aflame this morning with every kind of post.
Thank you to everyone for support and understanding!
Marga/Jofranka
Some pics from WFAA
(http://media.wfaa.com/images/festival+fire2.jpg)
(http://media.wfaa.com/images/festival+fire.jpg)
(http://media.wfaa.com/images/festival+fire3.jpg)
(http://media.wfaa.com/images/festival+fire4.jpg)
(http://media.wfaa.com/images/festival+fire5.jpg)
(http://media.wfaa.com/images/festival+fire6.jpg)
Full link
http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/Fire-at-renaissance-festival-one-dead-128229888.html?gallery=y&img=0&c=y
Sending prayers to everyone at the faire.
Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers. The staff and family out at Scarby / Screams appreciate each and every one.
A few requests, though:
- Please do not go to, call or e-mail the faire site right now. The staff has been up all night and is running on fumes. They need time and space to deal with this and to get out of emergency mode.
- If you've heard the name of the person who was killed, please do not post it in public forums or even pass it along as an "I heard..." until official announcements are made. You could be wrong about who it is, or even if you're right, it is important that the family be fully notified through official channels before hearing about it on the internet or through the rumour mill.
- There have already been rumblings of people saying "We'll come out and help rebuild!", and while the love of faire and enthusiasm are great, again, please hold that enthusiasm in check for now. Let the faire get over the initial shock, have time to grieve, and assess the situation on their own before they are inundated with "helpfulness".
There is a lot of shock and sadness today. It will be made harder because no matter how everyone feels, there is a show to be ready for in one month. People are going to be dealing with high levels of stress and grief. Please be understanding of that, be aware that there will be hiccups in things (even things that normally go smoothly), and tempers will probably be shorter than normal for some time.
Again, I'm not an official spokesperson for Southwest Festivals, but I've been closely involved with the faire, Screams, and the site for over a decade, so I can speak fairly confidently on some things. I can tell you that they all appreciate every good thought, every ounce of supportive energy, and every prayer that is going up right now. They also appreciate your courtesy and understanding.
Thank you for pulling together to support Scarby / Screams in this difficult time.
Thanks, Lys... I'm sure you will pass along when there is something positive we can do to help... I wish I was a lot closer than I am.
Sending prayers and love from Western PA. So very sorry to hear of this tragedy.
Thank you for your comments Lys. I always appreciate your level headedness.
I have been hearing rumblings about what was said on the WFAA video. Please keep in mind that the newspeople clipped a many hour ordeal down to a 5 second sound bite.
I know everyone involved in Scarborough grieves the loss on one of our own even as we are saddened by the damage to the festival.
We all are well aware while fairs can be rebuilt, Rennies are irreplaceable.
sending hugs and prayers to scarby family from Ga
Sent: 8/23/2011 11:27:29 A.M. Central Daylight Time
Subj: Scarborough Update
In an effort to keep you informed, I want to pass on to you the most current & accurate news available at this time. A fire on the grounds of Scarborough Renaissance Festival was reported to authorities last night about 10:30pm. The County Volunteer Fire Department was the first on the scene followed by several other fire departments in the area. The fire endured for several hours before it was contained and finally put out. In all, seven structures burned to the ground, four of which were festival owned. The owners of the three privately owned booths that were lost have been notified. The structures that burned were: the Duck Privy, Ravenburg Chain Maille, Festival Souvenirs, Dra's (currently rented by Son of Sandlar), Festival Rental booth (rented by Domba's), Festival Rental booth (rented by After the Fire Pottery), and Legendary Candles.
It is with a heavy heart, that I pass on the news of one fatality in this fire. Their name has not yet been released, as we are in the process of locating and notifying their next of kin. Please be respectful of this fact when speaking to others regarding this tragedy, and do pray for this person's family in this time of grief.
The Fire Investigators and other officials are currently assessing the situation. I will pass on more information as it becomes available. Please refrain from "coming for a look". All can be recovered in due time and everything will go on as it always has, save the one life that was lost. I will keep you informed of details and plans as these are determined. This is all for now.
Updates will be posted on the Scarborough Facebook site as they are available.
Virginia Sevier
Craft Director
Scarborough Renaissance Festival
972-938-3247 x35
Fax- 972-938-1890
crafts@scarboroughrenfest.com
I have to say the Rennie community is one of the few places that all you have to ask, and there are people out there are willing to help when tragedy strikes. For now the only thing my family can do is pray for the family, and people are scarby. I know that should scarby, or any of those vendors who lost shops, have but to ask and the Rennie community will do everything in their power to help any way they can.
This is dreadful news. My thoughts to the victim's family and friends; he is irreplaceable.
I heard a blurb about this on the radio. They were talking to one of the groundskeepers & he said 'I got the call that Holly Field was on fire'.
Holly Field.
Holly Field is where I listen to Frank play the carillon. Its where I cheer for the good guys (or sometimes the bad guys!) at the chess match. Ravensburg is where I buy a piece of jewelry every year. I love the fish & chips shop. Legendary Candles is where my kids & I love to go & smell (& choose if they are lucky enough to get a free candle coupon during the parade). This is part of my home away from home during April & May & now its gone & I am so sad. Please do not misunderstand. I mourn the loss of life & I know that buildings can be rebuilt. But hearing 'Holly Field' today really brought home for me just what has been damaged & destroyed.
Taken from Diana F. on facebook. If I can find a pic I'll post it as well.
In case you have not heard, the familiy has been contacted & the name has been released on the noon news. Will Ross was the lost gamekeeper from Scarby and a very sweet man!! You may remember him as one of the pickle guys.
His sister, Marie Tucker, has posted the following:
"A beautiful but sad thing about grief is that it brings thoughts of the heart to the surface. The news of my my brother's passing is spreading quite fast. I want everyone to know that his biological family's thoughts and prayers are with those of his extended family, whom I know, he loved you guys with his whole heart. Thank you for loving and taking care of him as you have."
Many hugs and prayers.....from Sterling to our sister faire! So sorry to learn about the fire.
Your friend and his family. will be in our thought and prayer.
Blessings, to you all....
So very tragic to hear about Will Ross. He will be missed. Sending prayers to his family.
I guess the WFAA website has made it's quota for the day and isn't posting any more information. When you find out, please let me know where I can send some flowers or if a memorial is preferred, then that info. Thank you.
I'm pretty sure that Lys or Marga will keep us posted.
Thank you for posting the words from his sister.
So sad and sorry for the loss of Will Ross. He was a favorite of mine. The would is a sadder place without him. :(
Also, Scarby lost another family member in the past few days, when a booth worker was found shot in his apartment in Arlington
http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/08/22/3305553/man-in-his-20s-found-fatally-shot.html
That's 3 now, just this summer...
Quote from: raevyncait on August 23, 2011, 04:07:24 PM
Also, Scarby lost another family member in the past few days, when a booth worker was found shot in his apartment in Arlington
http://www.star-telegram.com/2011/08/22/3305553/man-in-his-20s-found-fatally-shot.html
That's 3 now, just this summer...
This planet needs a reboot... just too much crap going south...
I agree! Today was a very strange day. too much bad going on- not even a full moon to blame it on!
I'm raising a glass to the memory of Will, and to the young man that Raevyncait mentioned.
..a swift journey to the other side, gentlemen...
I would be willing to bet the Stalkwell's have a picture of Will Ross. It is tragic to hear of loss. My family just started attending Scarborough this year and my children fell in love with it. I have to admit I personally ate the Fish and Chips over there 2 times this year.
Will, Tyna and the other gentleman lost this summer we will see you at the Eternal Faire on the other side.
A very moving tribute and a picture have been posted on Facebook (http://www.facebook.com/notes/patrick-costa/in-memorium/10150344763855867).
I believe this is Will Ross. (https://lh5.googleusercontent.com/-pfc3VyUTxMc/TlRGH7vhfCI/AAAAAAABikc/yKoNkLdIxxw/s512/l.jpg)
He has a page on myspace: http://www.myspace.com/renmaniac
I must say I will miss Will very much. Each day that I would first see him at faire he would tip his hat make a dramatic bow and then come up to me and say while shaking my hand, "Welcome home sir." We have truly lost one of the many sparks that ignites the magic we all know as Scarborough Faire. Rest in peace my friend, Rest in peace.
I took this shot of Will 3rd weekend Scarby 2008.
(http://i656.photobucket.com/albums/uu284/Scott6057/Scarby2008/DSC_0441.jpg)
Being a Rennie myself I know how everyone feels. Our faire lost a good friend and character this year also. My thoughts and prayers are with the families of everyone lost at Scarborough this summer. Also mu thoughts and prayers go out to the firefighter's and vendor's who lost boothes.
My prayers for Will's family, both biological and faire. Prayers for the recovery of all involved.
A fire at Faire is one of my worst nightmares. My heart hurts for his family and for everyone involved, there are a lot of prayers for healing coming from me for his family and for the festival.
Adding our thoughts and prayers for Will's family. He'll be missed but the world is better for knowing him.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 23, 2011, 02:47:27 PM
I guess the WFAA website has made it's quota for the day and isn't posting any more information. When you find out, please let me know where I can send some flowers or if a memorial is preferred, then that info. Thank you.
Certainly one of us will post if we know more. If you wish to donate to a worthy cause, RESCU would be most grateful
for donations.
http://www.rescufoundation.org/
Marga
My heart goes out to all of the folks of Scarby. I'm so very saddened for the life lost as there can be no rebuilding that.
Hold fast.
My prayers and thought are with the family and friends of Will and of all those whose hearts are heavy with the sadness of this day. We are all one family, and even here in Cleveland I can feel it. May the brightest blessings and serene comfort come to you who have the heaviest burden to bear.
Hugs and prayers from everyone at Sterling. Our heart goes out to everyone at Scarby.
Healing thoughts & prayers to all our friends at Scarby from your friends in Sterling. Our condolences to the family of Will & his friends.
Thoughts and Prayers for the Entire Scarbarough Family from TN. Though I've not had the honor yet to visit, I still feel your loss, Take care of one another and please if there's anything his biological or fair family needs, please don't hesitate to ask. We'll be more then happy to spread the word and help any way we can.
my thoughts and prayers are with with the family and all at Scarborough. hugs also.
I'm sorry I didn't have the chance to meet Will when I visited Scarby. He seems a very special man. No doubt he helped bring the magic of your faire to life. My heart goes out to you all as you struggle with his passing.
Kim and I made a toast in his honor last night... we each had a shot of pickle juice. He has probably saved more lives at Scarby than anyone other than first aide. Pickle juice was always there for free, and he watched for people that were under heat stress and offered it when needed.
He will be missed...
Stalk well...
A few of us got together last night to have dinner and watch some DVD's. We also toasted Will...with dill pickles.
Three of us also have blue streaks in our hair for Tyna.
It was a fitting tribute to them both, I think.
http://www.nbcdfw.com/news/local/128242153.html
I am one of those people that Will saved with pickle juice and he will be sorely missed.
On the Scarborough Renaissance Festival Facebook page:
Thanks so much for all of your prayers and thoughts. We will be having a memorial for Will on Tuesday, August 30 from 6:30PM to Dusk. The Memorial Service will be at the Crown Stage with a potluck to follow at the King's Pavilion. You should enter through the Tower Gates and park at the far end of the parking lot. Walk through gate #5 (Falconer's Gate) and down to the Crown Stage.
Only the Crown Stage and King's Pavilion will be open to the public. The rest of the site will remain closed.
My condolences to the family.
Please let us know when you are ready to re-build. I know of a couple folks who are willing to come out to help. I can at least make sure everyone's fed.
i wish i could attend the memorial. please love and cherish one another and will's memory a little more for me since i am so far removed. he and his family and fairemily are in my thoughts and prayers.
I wish I could attend. I will be there with you all in spirit.
Hoist a dill for Will.
Prayers, tears, hugs, and thoughts from Sherwood. We will be having several memorials and dedications to Will and the Scarby family...as we consider ourselves part of that extended tennis family...this next weekend at our September Gathering. Any that cannot make the Scarby memorial should join us labor day weekend at Sherwood to send positive thoughts toward the rainbow where Will sits looking down on all of us.
I don't think I can pull off a 700 mile round trip between shifts at work, else I'd be there. Just let Will know we're thinking of him.
(http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/225582_1638773859461_1540226832_31196199_2033222_n.jpg)
http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=31196199&l=691228c43e&id=1540226832 (http://www.facebook.com/photo.php?pid=31196199&l=691228c43e&id=1540226832)
Has there been a determination made as to what happened?
The investigation has been closed - results inconclusive.
D--- it
Terribly sad for the loss.....Your can repiar and rebuild structures but you can't replace people....