So I had some folks ask me today what I would tell someone before their very first visit to faire ... kinda of like a Beginner's Guide to Faire. Any thoughts?
And while I was momentarily tempted to say EVERYONE dressed in period-correct garb, I refrained. ;D They were rather relieved the jeans/shorts and T-shorts would be fine - if not as much fun.
Don't be afraid to play along... In fact it's encouraged!
Laugh, have a good time....
When a cast person talks to you, don't look at them like they're crazy. You PAID for this experience, might as well get your $$$ worth! ;)
That is was theater all day
That I should be aware of tipping
That there are other cast members besides the King and the Queen
And that they encourage you in interact with them.
......what I didn't know the first time I ever walked thru the gates of a renfaire...... Absolutely nothing at all. Just the idea of a period in time I might get to experience.
And as all faires have something different to offer. I still can get that feeling from time to time. Or at my home faire where every once in awhile, a new show, act, street performer has invented something clever, or food item, theme, ......whatever. Change can be good.
*And change will be in the air for me first weekend*
Look for something completely different, yet very familiar.
Dont eat the Turkey Legs, Tipping is not a city in China, and if the Elephant is bearing down on you, get out of the way.
Make sure you drink something more than alcohol.
Eat something. Be adventurous and eat something different.
for the ladies: Don't wear high heals. Its okay for your next trip when you learn the terrain.
Enjoy and interact with the people dress differently than you.
And always: Don't Forget the SUNSCREEN.
.... That Faire is basically a giant, open-air Halloween costume party where everyone, adults and children alike, get to play!
It's a great place to people watch
As Avan Said but drink lots of it and NOT alcohol i.e. water
Lots of money not required but could make te day funner
Talk to people in garb they don't bite
Be prepared for extreme hot to extreme cold for the time of year and expect rain
Bring your camera
Dressing in period style clothing inhances the experience
Comfy shoes never High heels ever unless you want to injury your anckles
Compliments to others bring smiles
Try to sample all you can as there is so much to see but try not to spend to much time in anyone place
Eat at off hours as the lunch time rush will take much time out of your day
if you want to dodge crowds, go left from the gate and work around counter clockwise (widdershins. it's the UN-doin.)
if you want the easier path re: hills & incline, go right & clockwise.
Shade hop and don't stand in the sun too long.
don't tease the elephants. they can and will reach you if they want to.
don't get irritated at the hawkers. banter back.
if you came cranky, yer gonna stay that way.... so don't
if the guy from vegetable justice makes you angry, he wins.
sit down and watch the shows.
if you just want to shop, and not be entertained, go to the mall instead.
if you want to start a fight, remember that the participants weapons are not peace tied. yours is.
Tip the foodies, not just the bartenders, it's only polite. Even if it's just a coin or two. It adds up and we always appreciate it - that's why we say "Huzzah!"
No need to rush around the site, you have all day to take it all in. It's probably a good idea to take a few minutes with the program map and outline the shows you want to see, so that you can make sure to see them. Even better if you plan out a route to hit all the shows on the way.
You don't HAVE to come in garb your first time out - in fact it's probably better if you don't, because I remember my very first time at faire quite vividly BECAUSE I was in plainclothes and got made fun of for being naked. It just made a lasting impression that made me want to come back. We love the 'danes just as much as we love playtrons and rennies, because honestly, without the 'danes, we probably wouldn't be in business anymore.
Think twice about buying a clothing item or weapon that's very expensive that you may not ever wear or use again - as cool as it is, you will probably feel remorse about it later. If you feel like you're going to come back, wait till that second or third trip to commit to new garb, because there's nothing worse than blowing a lot of money on something that you might never use again.
It's okay to ask questions of people in booths, foodies, people in garb...if you're lost we're happy to help you find the way.
Play along! It's a party!
(All these tips are great - my beau is coming to faire for the very first time this season and I'm definitely going to read him some of these tips!)
When someone tries to play with you....dont go >:( and walk away,. If you don't want to play and be interacted with, then you just wasted $26. Its like going to Disney and punching Micky Mouse....you just dont do it. Its not a place for you to come and ignore people, because I promise ....someone will see you being a scrooge and pick on you mercilessly. :P
I agree with Zoe about the not buying super expesive stuff your first time. A souvenier is cool, and regardless of what you buy its going to be overpriced so just resign yourself to that fact right now lol. But you really don't want to spend hundreds of dollars on garb or anything that you may never wear again. I would also wait and see if you are goin to like the fair enough to come back several times before investing in garb.
however! if you have, or can borrow garb, come dressed in it! It makes the experience 100 times better I think.
off topic... sorta.... if you are in garb, people tend to get out of your way. it's funny how you get used to it, and begin to take it for granted. then you go to...the zoo, or spring spree, or the mall, or the airport... and people don't move and it takes a while to figure out why...and it's annoying.
the you start wearing your costume to the zoo, and the mall......
Also on a lighter note ....
When people ask me what they should do to prepare for their first visit to the festival, I say the first thing to do is fill your bathtub with sunscreen ....
Sunscreen
Water
Oxygen
Leave the stroller at home. You will be happier carrying the kid. Wagons are good. Pulling is easy than pushing. Especially uphill.
Take it easy. Don't try to see it all at once.
Watch the 2:30 joust - it's the best.
Bring cash for food and drink. I wasted a lot of money on ATM fees the first year.
It is perfectly OK to sit down, take a breather and watch people.
Wave back at the parade.
Watch your children.
Sunscreen - can't say that enough.
Also, water - can't emphasize that enough, especially for out of staters. It's Dry here.
Play nice.
In addition to the "no high heels", I'd add "no flip-flops" - many a sorry set of toes have I seen from either mud or rocks or the random dumped-on-the-ground ice cream! Make sure those shoes are the most comfy thing you own and you don't mind getting them dirty.
Don't fear the rain. The most fun can be had at Faire when it's raining.
Whether garbed or not, hats are awesome as that little extra bit of shade for your impending sunburn after you've sweated all your sunscreen off and forgot to bring it inside the gates with you.
When buying garb for the first time, machine washable is a HUGE plus!
Try the mead. If you don't like it, it's not a huge loss, but if you do, what a wonderful new drink you've found! (your mead mileage may vary by Faire)
In addition to tipping the bar wenches and foodies, always tip the shows if it's a hat-passing venue. Leaving just before they finish to avoid a tip is in horribly bad taste in my opinion. If you enjoyed your 1/2 hour, show it with whatever you can. If you can't afford the tip, most shows will ask you to just tell them you liked the show. At least do that, don't sneak out.
If you see something you are just lusting after to purchase, and have the financial means to purchase it, just do it. If you don't, you'll spend the next 10-11 months agonizing and regretting not purchasing it, and then learn the vendor isn't there the next year!
Embarass your significant other by bribing an act to drag them on stage. It's much fun!!!
WOW thanks for all of the first-timer advise. I am going to be attending my first faire this year LARF. I'm so nervous and excited all at the same time. I'm going in garb, I made the dress myself. I feel like deep down inside of me is a really out going soul and I'm planning on having a blast.
Quote from: Capt Spleen on May 25, 2010, 11:36:45 PM
......what I didn't know the first time I ever walked thru the gates of a renfaire...... Absolutely nothing at all. Just the idea of a period in time I might get to experience.
And as all faires have something different to offer. I still can get that feeling from time to time. Or at my home faire where every once in awhile, a new show, act, street performer has invented something clever, or food item, theme, ......whatever. Change can be good.
*And change will be in the air for me first weekend*
Look for something completely different, yet very familiar.
I miss the Nun with Spam.
I tried remember my very first visit to faire ... and honestly all I remember is liking it so much I went back on my own tthe next weekend! These are great tips/hints ... and many are rather important no matter how many times we've visited a faire!
FYI - I always have a large tube of sunscreen at my booth. It's amazing how many parent don't protect their children. If you need to reapply stop by!
.....and that begs the thought as well, for kids...... not only sunscreen, but hand sanitizer!
Quote from: Mistress Charlotte on May 28, 2010, 12:06:29 PM
FYI - I always have a large tube of sunscreen at my booth. It's amazing how many parent don't protect their children. If you need to reapply stop by!
I HATE THAT when the parents dont take care of their little ones!
I personally am NOT a fan of parents that bring the wee little ones to faire. My own boys were 7 on their 1st visit and enjoyed it much, as they could appeciate it more then and they were MUCH easier to take care of.
Quote from: Hey- Arent You? on May 28, 2010, 12:15:52 PM
.....and that begs the thought as well, for kids...... not only sunscreen, but hand sanitizer!
Good gravy yes! Gallons of it for me!
Quote from: Lady de Laney on May 28, 2010, 01:27:42 PM
I personally am NOT a fan of parents that bring the wee little ones to faire. My own boys were 7 on their 1st visit and enjoyed it much, as they could appeciate it more then and they were MUCH easier to take care of.
ye know what......
>:-/
never mind.
hamsters!
The one thing I know about CRF is they are very child friendly. The petting zoo, the maze, modern food for the finicky little ones, misting tunnels by the fairy garden, the unicorn, puppets (even though there is a change this year), fight school, and so much more that I don't even notice because I don't have a wee one.
Personally I love having the kids there. I love the look in their eyes when they get to see the elephant or when they get a favor from a fairy or even me. Some may need a bit of manners or discipline, both parents and children. I don't let the bad apples spoil it.
As for having to be a certain age to appreciate things, I was 18 months old when we went to Disney Land and rode the Pirates of the Caribbean ride. I still remember things from it today. I was greatly impressed. Was it difficult for my folks? Probably. I applaud parents who don't just sit their children in front of a TV and expect them to be entertained. The parents who bring their kids are opening their child's mind to a magical experience and are encouraging creativity.
My favorite "act" last year was a screaming man in green running away from a wooden sword wielding toddler who giggled as he chased him. I would still find them the most enjoyable even if I wasn't a wee bit biased.
Oh and yes... Sunscreen is very important! I can't remember how many times I have been burned.
Cast/performers are MORE likely to pick on you and tease you if you don't play along...also be smart in your shoe choices!
HAMSTERS how many will you have?
Quote from: Hey- Arent You? on May 28, 2010, 03:41:31 PM
Quote from: Lady de Laney on May 28, 2010, 01:27:42 PM
I personally am NOT a fan of parents that bring the wee little ones to faire. My own boys were 7 on their 1st visit and enjoyed it much, as they could appeciate it more then and they were MUCH easier to take care of.
ye know what......
>:-/
never mind.
hamsters!
Well, to be accurate- there were no children during the renaissance...There once was a time when the word "
whipper snapper" really had some kick to it...
For a first visit and every visit- if you have children- please bring them and all their little children buddies! :) We have Pizza!!
I think it has been said to drink plenty of water, but if not... Drink plenty of water. This is a very dry site and even though they spray the grounds before they open the gates, the dust gets into everything.
Sandals or open toed shoes could be worn, but Watch where you step. Small lakes or large puddles after the parade are usually not water. ??? Elephants not only relieve themselves when they have to, but also when they are bothered or have attitude. Luckily it happens more in the pen than out. Even so, giving puddles a wide berth is highly suggested. ::)
Take your time with the hills. Go up them, but if you are not used to the altitude it will wipe you out!
Oh and did I say to drink water? Drink Water!
Personally I don't mind the kids, it's the neglectful parents that drive me nuts. The kids generally don't know any better, but the parents should. I had an amazing experience with a child last year at Santa Fe that just brought tears to my eyes and made me really grateful that I do faire, because it's that sense of wonderment that is really what we do it for. I can't wait to bring my little ones to enjoy faire from the time that they're very young (this'll be in a few years, don't worry) but I also plan on paying attention to my children unlike some parents I've seen at faire (and other places)....and think about it, without the kids, Mistress Charlotte would probably go out of business! It's really the parents who mess things up, the ones who leave their children at the face painting booth or let them wander around or order them a large Mountain Dew...
Holy Mary Mother of God! Kids on Dew are dangerous!
Quote from: Zoë on May 26, 2010, 11:25:17 AM
Think twice about buying a clothing item or weapon that's very expensive that you may not ever wear or use again - as cool as it is, you will probably feel remorse about it later. If you feel like you're going to come back, wait till that second or third trip to commit to new garb, because there's nothing worse than blowing a lot of money on something that you might never use again.
THIS. And also about the water and sunscreen.
My first time at faire was with a group of friends that were (and I assume still are) big rennies. They dressed me in garb and knew the good shows and places to see. I has sprained my ankle the day before, but even limping around I had SOOOO much fun. I've been hooked ever since!
Only a few items to add. if bringing children write your cell number on their arms with a sharpie! And know where lost and found is... Visit the information booths for information We know all the new stuff and were to go pee with out a potty parade... Bring Head ache medicine. First aid won't give it to you and nobody sells it.
If you forget your sun screen, see the information/ souvonier shops they have it, and hats, and water, battaries. cameras... and clean shirts for when you spill or drip....
If you loose something ALWAYS look at lost and found (IN CO it's the last booth before the exit) We usually have it, Faire people are very honest people! Last year, we found a wallet with $600.00. and returned it to the owner.
If it rains, Don't run out. This is Colorado after all and most of the time it will clear up. Then you will have the run of the site, as all the fools ran out.
I find it gets sillier when it rains.
I would have loved to have known when faire opened, my mom and I got there at like 4 on the last day.
If you are a contact-wearer, bring a small bottle of contact solution or eye drops, because the dust WILL irritate your eyes during the day and you'll wish you had something to make it feel better. Learned that the hard way last season.
I wish I knew to buy all the Limited Edition Mugs. :(
Thank you for this super thread! I appreciated the tips on kids' activities, too. My munchkin is pretty tiny but we're going to give it a shot under close supervision. Before I had a kid, I never liked 'em running wild. And now that I have one, I like it even less.
There are a couple rides for the little ones, some of which can even be accompanied by mom if said little one doesn't want to go alone. There's also a free petting zoo down by the jousting area that they can explore and pet the animals and such. Plenty to keep the tiny ones entertained. :)
Yep... LOTS to do for the little guys.....
and Elijah says everyone is welcome in HIS area....... http://legendsofsherwood.net/Elijahs09Faire.html (http://legendsofsherwood.net/Elijahs09Faire.html)
All hail Lord Adorable! :D
SOOO freakin' cute!
Total utter apocalyptic cuteness overdose!!!
1. That packing a cooler with drinks and goodies is a good idea.
2. That getting there well before opening gets you a much better parking space, and leaves you time to enjoy the goodies in your cooler.
3. Making your own garb is not that difficult and really makes you feel part of the faire.
4. Comfortable sturdy shoes are the best garb investment you can make. (Especially when its uphill both ways)