Inspired by a thread over on the Scarby board...
some favorite things which are now changed/gone from TRF?
Mind you, My first year at TRF was I think 99 or 2000, but my PARENTS went when I was just a little (back in teh good old days)
but things I remember:
The cursing well!
the scary crucifix in the chapel
the rose garden back when it was JUST a rose garden
Flaming Idiots!
ok, your turn!
Bellevivre, The Cursing Well is still there...you just have to search for it a bit harder than you used too.
I miss the graveyard that was behind the chapel. Some of the gravestones we great.
Most of all, I miss the Battle Mound and the combat that SCA would display there.
I miss THE TREE.. not just a tree, but THE TREE (the oldtimers remember). And the carousel- not the silly new thing with the cartoon character "horses", but the REAL awesome elaborate beauty of a carousel from the early nineties (which used to be mine, but that's another story entirely).
There are other things, of course, but I'm supposed to be leaving for work already- I'll have to come back to this thread later.
The Farting Troll he was a riot. The battle mound. The Savage that had the rope slings up in the trees. Camping without ravers.
Lizzy & Celia. Oh yeah actually ordering a draft and they would take your drinking vessel and fill it up instead of the shot glasses they serve now.
Ok...not sure if anyone else will remember...so forgive me for showing my age...
The Singing Executioners!!! I LOVED them!!!!
(early 80's)
This is a new one to add to the I remember.
Rev and Troy of Rev's Leather Works will no longer be at TRF. :( I really love those guys and it will be odd to not see Rev doing custom work right there in front of the lane. :'(
Quote from: Bonny Pearl on June 10, 2010, 08:04:24 AM
This is a new one to add to the I remember.
Rev and Troy of Rev's Leather Works will no longer be at TRF. :( I really love those guys and it will be odd to not see Rev doing custom work right there in front of the lane. :'(
yep, and it's all by TRF's choice too... I can think of other leather shops to boot OVER Rev and Troy! Faire wont be Faire without them...lol one less stop for Hubby the social butterfly to drag me to, though...
Quote from: KeeperoftheBar on June 10, 2010, 07:01:44 AM
Bellevivre, The Cursing Well is still there...you just have to search for it a bit harder than you used too.
where IS the well? If I had seen it in recent years I wouldve taken a picture of it... I thought it used to be where that Dragon Maze is now...
Yes Bell, I know how it went down and I have to say it is dissapointing. They are good people. They will be in NC I believe. BUT! Rev did say something about trying to visit for a weekend and have some fun! That would be awesome! ;D
Quote from: BryanPopp on June 10, 2010, 07:47:57 AM
Oh yeah actually ordering a draft and they would take your drinking vessel and fill it up instead of the shot glasses they serve now.
This makes me cry inside
Quote from: bellevivre on June 10, 2010, 10:50:54 AM
where IS the well? If I had seen it in recent years I wouldve taken a picture of it... I thought it used to be where that Dragon Maze is now...
I think it is next to one of the devil horns booth. From the front gate head to the center row you go past Ravenwood, Authentic and Whimsey muse to the end of the row and hang a left and it is on the other side the Devil horn booth. Please correct me if I'm wrong.
I think my mom still has her old Real Musgrave maps- bet I can find it on the old map then try to find it on the new map...
Quote from: bellevivre on June 10, 2010, 10:50:54 AM
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Quote from: KeeperoftheBar on June 10, 2010, 07:01:44 AM
Bellevivre, The Cursing Well is still there...you just have to search for it a bit harder than you used too.
where IS the well? If I had seen it in recent years I wouldve taken a picture of it... I thought it used to be where that Dragon Maze is now...
If memory serves, it is right around shop 313-314, tucked way back.
Damn I may have been right then. First time for everything.
The carved trees, one at the gate of a dragon, I have pictures of the old grounds. I also have 20+ years of brochures/maps. The ogre, the guy on stilts that did most of the stain glass work you still see there. So very much is gone now. I took these when I was 19, I'm 45 now
(http://i103.photobucket.com/albums/m146/Manducat/renfair.jpg)
I wish I could find pictures but for a few years there was a wall where Leonardo Da Vinci painted 'The last supper' during the course of the season, then it would be cleaned off and painted again.
didnt that become the last supper stage... which I think is also no longer there...?
That was where I first performed at TRF... such melancholy memories!
The Ogre, yes, I miss the Ogre. He'd wave a hand full of turkey leg bones, one between each finger, and then fart like it was a birthday present. The dead cart in the parade. The SCA battles on the mound. Of the Sturdy Beggars, Billy Billy Von Billy is the only one left from the original cast. The gypsy village and Sherwood forest was just past the falconers stage, and all the gypsy's had was a little nest of tents to sell their wares from. The horse and chariot races actually used to ring the lake, next to where the joust arena is now. Revenge. And Celtic Stone would perform in the lanes. I can still hear their music drift through the trees if I close my eyes a listen hard enough...
Celtic stone...I still have a ancient cassette that I still listen to,even though it's a bit rough
You can buy one of their CDs on CDBaby.com. There has been noise in the recent past about reforming the band, but I don't know if anything ever came of it.
Byran, Rapier, you're confusing the Ogre with the Tree Troll. Ogre, about 7 feet tall, green, farted a lot, had a pus bag,(I miss Craig, he also did most of the stained glass, as Shandi mentioned), The Tree Troll, black, made a rope 'nest' in the trees in Sherwood(Bevin is still running around at Faire, but cannot physically do the Troll any longer).
How many other people here can remember the Japanese Gardens?
The Maypole (instead of that [gag] bungie jump).
Pre-opening performances on top of the gate.
Wow, bringing back so many memories! I have a picture of that knight/dragon carving in my wedding book!! Wasn't the tree troll also called the jaborwaky? I remember lots of open space... And the chariot races!!
Quote from: captfletcher on June 10, 2010, 04:37:59 PM
Byran, Rapier, you're confusing the Ogre with the Tree Troll. Ogre, about 7 feet tall, green, farted a lot, had a pus bag,(I miss Craig, he also did most of the stained glass, as Shandi mentioned), The Tree Troll, black, made a rope 'nest' in the trees in Sherwood(Bevin is still running around at Faire, but cannot physically do the Troll any longer).
How many other people here can remember the Japanese Gardens?
I said Ogre, yeah, sure I did. That's the ticket. And I was never near the wood nymph.
Wow ... great idea for discussion. The history of TRF is the stuff of legend. Several of the things I'll mention have already been brought up, but are treasured memories of past years at New Market Village.
The Ogre was one of the most talented and unique thespians I've ever seen. For the better part of a decade, he made people both laugh and cringe. His costume, makeup, mannerisms, props and routine distinguish him as one of TRF's most exceptional performers ever.
The Battle Mound and SCA are sorely missed. There were some seriously hard-fought contests that thrilled audiences on a regular basis, and the wedding ceremony after the battle was a nice touch ... made especially interesting if it was a woman who won the contest!
I remember a couple of talented men who called themselves "The Duelists" who did a lane act at TRF years ago. They were excellent swordsmen and had a great comedy routine to go along with their swashbuckling skills.
Ah yes ... the chariot races ... certainly more dangerous than the modern jousting. The pond was a bit smaller back then. Not sure, but I'm guessing that the modern jousting show took over because the participants are closer to the audience, the royal court has a presence on the dais, and the joust maidens are used to encourage audience participation.
As mentioned, The Cursing Well is still at TRF, but it is significantly smaller than its original configuration. The majestic tree with human features is gone, but the well itself (surrounded by skulls and accompanied by a posted poem) can still be found behind Dave Shepard's Satyr Horns (shoppe 314).
Carol Shannon's belly dancers did a great job back in the day.
The Player's Podium served as a nice venue for performances. I remember it fondly, but can't say that I long for it's return because it was replaced by The Odeon, which is a much larger and nicer theater.
Before The Sea Devil Tavern was established, the pub in that location was known as The Stella Artois Inn.
The wood carvings were majestic, and something of that nature should surely be restored in the village. A renaissance/medieval theme carved into wood would offer both charming ambiance and a great photo op for patrons.
Remember back in the days of the chariot races, they would have a cannon marksman contest where they would shoot the length of the pond. I really doubt they were actually shooting anything but it was still exciting when the cannon would roar and a splash would fountain up.
I also miss the Dragon Slayer who would give out glass "dragon tears". I ran into the gentleman a few years ago but he no longer does that part.
A few from 1979 or 80:
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs472.ash1/25904_413316085089_739460089_5651922_2542431_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs472.snc3/25904_413316230089_739460089_5651930_5626756_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc3/hs472.snc3/25904_413316130089_739460089_5651925_3742208_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs472.ash1/25904_413316215089_739460089_5651929_7135110_n.jpg)
(http://sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash1/hs472.ash1/25904_413316295089_739460089_5651934_7621058_n.jpg)
Great pictures Lady Laura!
Thanks for the pictures. How neat!
If my memory serves, TRF was my very first Ren Fest. One of the memorable things about it was the fact that my bride was wearing an all-white outfit (civies) and we stopped to watch the mud-divers. Talk about your judgment errors...
Lady Laura if you need someone to scan the remainder of any old TRF pictures that you have, I will be more than happy to volunteer for the job. I have been looking high and low for pictures such as these.
how could I have forgotten "Merlin" I love that man!
Merlin
Chariot Races
Ogre and Tree Troll
The Battle Mound
Highland Games (actually being there all the time)
The Round Table
The Carved Trees (knight and dragon, etc.)
The Stone Crane (awesome as well as educational)
Carol Shannon
The Live Chess Match
Musgrave Art
Improve Non-Restricted/Scripted Street Characters
Wolf Runs (show of hands of all those who did one... show of other hands for the guys who did one and a random branch or other protrusion made them regret it :D )
I could go on and on, but that's my short list
I did forget to mention Real Musgrave. I appologise for my oversight.
The one I miss the most are the Highland Games. They were one of my favorite things to watch.
I used to do the Highland Games with the McClue on the battle mound back in the 90s, it was a blast. Before that, I worked with Wyrdsmith's Forge over where the haunted castle thing is now. Before that I was one of the hangers-on with the Barbarians when it was Toruk (Jeff), Tiny, Lumpy, Kryll (Dan), and so on. The forge where I am now was in the hands of Chris Poor, and DAMN did he make some good weapons (still does, but you'd have to sell someone's kidney for them). I miss those days and want to try to get them back. Best I can do is try to get as good at weaponsmithing as Chris (no chance in hell, but I can try), since none of the other stuff that I loved about faire is going to come back :'(
Nostalgia's a bytch, a sadistic one at that.
I actually really miss the fighters mound and the SCA involvement at TRF. I've never really gotten the story on why an end was put to that.
I did know the reason at one time because I was there, but so many years have passed that anything I said would most likely be completely wrong.
What happened to all this stuff? I guess if it wasn't making TRF money, it got canned? They should kick it old school one weekend and bring back all of those characters (and if the people who played the characters aren't able to, get a "nice try") just for the people who are long time faire-goers.
I did go in the early 90's but I was a kid then and don't remember much of it.
I guess there are always pros and cons at having such a large well-attended faire.
A few for me that have already been mentioned:
The Ogre: I always looked forward to seeing the Ogre. In addition to his pus bag, he also had a booger bag. He would pull long "snotty" looking stuff out of his nose and throw it at people. If one was particularly appealing to him, he would save it in his booger bag. His bouts of gas/farting was classic. Always a great laugh for all involved.
The Battle Mound: The battles that took place on the mound were always something to look forward to. As I remember, they fought with rattan swords. Nobody got seriously injured, but some of those folks walked away with some serious bruises. My brother in-law did that for several years, and he showed me some on his back and the back of his legs that were huge.
Tree Troll in Sherwood Forest: Always fun to walk along look up in the tall pines to find the Tree Troll.
Last thing I miss........many of the hand made items through out the Faire. Seems to me that in recent years there sure is allot of mass produced items in many of the shops. I guess it's a sign of the times.
Quote from: Deckard And Zhora on June 15, 2010, 08:46:01 AM
What happened to all this stuff? I guess if it wasn't making TRF money, it got canned?
There's more truth to that than I care to remember.
ditto on the hand-made stuff. However, people come to us and ask how much it would cost to get a custom sword made, hear the price tag (anywhere from $400 on up, depending), and then scoot down a few booths to the Pirate Ship and buy a cheap Pakistani wallhanger for $50. It's the customers that drive the market, and they want cheap, not quality, so they go where they can get a souvenir for the least amount of money. I love Nina and Liam to death, so I am torn between my friendship with them and my desire to see TRF go back to being a predominantly artisan-based faire as opposed to retail-central.
It's the Walmart mentality; it permeates everything.
Now if only they would start rolling back prices, because I have already seen enough wal-creatures dotting faire on a lookey-loo vacation enough for the criteria to be met.
Don't all new vendors have to be approved by all the existing vendors?
Quote from: Rapier Half-Wit on June 15, 2010, 11:33:41 AM
Don't all new vendors have to be approved by all the existing vendors?
No, all new vendors are approved by the vending coordinator (Shelley) & their merchandise is juried in by a committee. They are starting to put the screws down. The vendors started receiving letter this year that all merchandise must comply, within only slightly flexible guidelines, with their
original or officially modified contracts. Threatened us with nasty fines & seizures, they did.
DANG!
As BryanPopp mentioned, camping without the ravers and not having to worry about your belongings, the MANY actors playing in the lanes, the refill of your own cup, the maypole , and what I miss most are the vendors & empoyees not using the Kings language, I loved that .
Just thought of another....larger mead cups for less money!
I think more than anything else, I miss having a piper up on top of the front gate wall before opening. It was fantastic to hear the wafting tune of a bagpipe as you walked in from parking. It really set the mood for the day.
I do vaguely remember the bagpiper on the wall in the morning. And some of the cast sitting on the wall at the end of the day.
Not sure where I heard this but I understand that the gate wall is no longer stable enough to support non-maintenance personnel.
I don't know about the wall, but the stairs that lead up to it looks like a deathtrap.
yeah, EJ used to get up there and pipe, I miss that.
That was awesome!!! Hearing him play on the wall on some foggy mornings was magical!
Quote from: ravic on June 17, 2010, 11:36:20 AM
Not sure where I heard this but I understand that the gate wall is no longer stable enough to support non-maintenance personnel.
That is what I have heard also. But it would be nice if they would either repair it or tear it down and rebuild it. Didn't they used to do the pre-opening show from up there? That would be great if they could start doing that again.
$$$ alas
Quote from: Breandan on June 18, 2010, 03:19:19 PM
$$$ alas
Oh I know it won't happen, but it is a nice thought though. I can dream can't I? :P
Quote from: eldatari on June 18, 2010, 08:55:19 PM
Quote from: Breandan on June 18, 2010, 03:19:19 PM
$$$ alas
Oh I know it won't happen, but it is a nice thought though. I can dream can't I? :P
The old gate wall at Scarborough Faire was rebuilt in the late 90's when it became rotten/unsafe. I don't know how much larger the gate wall is at TRF, or its current actual condition, but at some point they'll have to invest in a re-build when/if pieces start falling on people. :o ;)
Quote from: dbaldock on June 19, 2010, 12:37:22 AM
Quote from: eldatari on June 18, 2010, 08:55:19 PM
Quote from: Breandan on June 18, 2010, 03:19:19 PM
$$$ alas
Oh I know it won't happen, but it is a nice thought though. I can dream can't I? :P
The old gate wall at Scarborough Faire was rebuilt in the late 90's when it became rotten/unsafe. I don't know how much larger the gate wall is at TRF, or its current actual condition, but at some point they'll have to invest in a re-build when/if pieces start falling on people. :o ;)
For years we have seen awesome photos of the Scarby cast on their front gates. It would be great if TRF management could reinforce the impressive front gates to accomodate cast members.
Quote from: dbaldock on June 19, 2010, 12:37:22 AM
Quote from: eldatari on June 18, 2010, 08:55:19 PM
Quote from: Breandan on June 18, 2010, 03:19:19 PM
$$$ alas
Oh I know it won't happen, but it is a nice thought though. I can dream can't I? :P
The old gate wall at Scarborough Faire was rebuilt in the late 90's when it became rotten/unsafe. I don't know how much larger the gate wall is at TRF, or its current actual condition, but at some point they'll have to invest in a re-build when/if pieces start falling on people. :o ;)
Re-invest?? You do realize that we are talking about George Coulam here, right? He tends to hang on to his tuppence until long after they cease screaming for mercy.
There was time when Robin Hood and his Merry Men swung from ropes off the front gate and "relieved" KHVIII of his coinage during the opening gate show. But that was when the Robin Hood Stage was in Sherwood, and they swung from ropes and zip lines back there also.
I started in 1997 and do remember the piper(s) on the front gate wall. These days, if you weigh enough, you can probably break through the top of the wall. I never saw it. Ever. But I always heard it. I've been a patron before '97 but most of my memories are from then on.
Another thing I kind of remember was the battle mound. Again, never saw it, however with my smart weed puller mouth, I was always challenged to go there and fight. Naw, not for me.
I do specifically remember the track around the lake. THAT was a show. The sounds of the horses and chariots thundering past at break neck speed. THAT was something else!!
Human Chess game, Maypole, gypsy area... very depressing they're gone.
good memories.
TRF was the first faire I went to. Never knew they existed until my father-in-law took us out there when we visited them in Houston.
That was mid to late 80s perhaps? We had been told by vendors just a few years ago that they didn't like to go to TRF anymore because of all the cheap trash. If I want cheap trash, I'll head to Wally World. I don't mind spending the money, but by damn, I want the quality to go with the price. So far (at Scarby), I haven't been burned. ...back to topic:
But TRF was the faire that started our interest in it all. We saw some amazing things there, the wife's white outfit fell victim to the Mud Diver's act. We saw glass being hand-blown for the first time. It was an adventure, to say the least. I've heard it's grown considerably in the last 25 years... :o
Cheap trash? There is still plenty of quality work being done for TRF... unless they are talking about the patrons and there are some that crawl out from under a rock but on a whole they are still good people. :D
Quote from: Fraser of Lovatt on July 19, 2010, 07:29:03 AM
Cheap trash? There is still plenty of quality work being done for TRF... unless they are talking about the patrons and there are some that crawl out from under a rock but on a whole they are still good people. :D
aawwww thanks fras! lol! ;D :D
I wasn't referring to TRF playtrons, Bonny (aka...US), more the general populace that attends our glorious faire.
But, now that you mention it, they DO let people, the likes of ME, in... ;D
I sincerely apologize...I didn't mean to imply that ALL the vendors had junk, but I was repeating what one of the vendors had told me. Since TRF vendors are being juried again, the "made in the republic of garabagé" label may never been seen again! My intention was not to offend...again, I'm sorry.
i know fraser, i just couldn't help myself lol!
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on July 19, 2010, 03:23:28 PM
I sincerely apologize...I didn't mean to imply that ALL the vendors had junk, but I was repeating what one of the vendors had told me. Since TRF vendors are being juried again, the "made in the republic of garabagé" label may never been seen again! My intention was not to offend...again, I'm sorry.
Merlin, don't sweat it... i make a joke out of the most serious subjects, (much to my employers chagrin) up to and including.... well, i just won't go there now. ;D
Quote from: Fraser of Lovatt on July 19, 2010, 04:11:56 PM
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on July 19, 2010, 03:23:28 PM
I sincerely apologize...I didn't mean to imply that ALL the vendors had junk, but I was repeating what one of the vendors had told me. Since TRF vendors are being juried again, the "made in the republic of garabagé" label may never been seen again! My intention was not to offend...again, I'm sorry.
Merlin, don't sweat it... i make a joke out of the most serious subjects, (much to my employers chagrin) up to and including.... well, i just won't go there now. ;D
That's what SHE said...
Yeah, but she knew where it had been... :D
Nothing as ugly as an aligator with trench mouth, right?
My first year of attendance was back in 1985, on the annual high school field trip for our English class. They told us that our tickets were covered, but we may want to bring about $20 for food.
Oh. My. God.
I was simply blown away by all the sights, sounds, and smells of the faire. We couldn't even see everything in one afternoon! A favorite spot was the Oriental Gardens; a vendor there sold foam-covered nunchuks. EVERY boy in my class bought a set, except me, who only brough $20 for food! (I think I spent the whole sum within the first hour!
Lesson learned: twenty bucks doesn't go at TRF.
I also remember they used to have let you try fencing with friends, with balloons on the sides of our noggins. Haven't seen that in a LONG time.
In years since, I miss the Robin Hood troupe (with Adrian of Tartanic). My friend and I used to 'sit in' with them once or twice a year, acting as the Sheriff's henchmen, because we both dressed as soldiers in black surcoats.
Good times. :)
1985 was my first year at TRF, too. A group of us went at the urging of our high school economics teacher. We were all just blown away! I saved up all that next year and was able to buy a Texas Body Hangings cloak (which I still have). I also remember being fascinated by Lancelot the living unicorn (who was really just a muddy goat with a weird horn grafted to his skull, but I was 15 so what the hell). I still have the pendant I bought from the Lancelot handlers, too.
I moved to Dallas after graduation and didn't go back to TRF for over 10 years. The first time I walked back through those gates though....it was like coming home. The thing that struck me the most was the SMELL. Fresh earth and pine trees, spices and perfumes; I hadn't smelled that in a decade but I remembered it immediately.
I know exactly what you mean about the aromas as soon as you walk into the gate BW! Isn't it awesome?! It immediately directs your thoughts to all that is faire.
ooh my sniffer is lonely for those smells!
I miss when there was a new garden, or SOMETHING every year, and when gardens were actually GARDENS, and not just cheesy wedding venues...
Cheesy wedding venues aren't nearly as bad as the stupid jumping thing they've installed. I won't even go over in that area any more. I hate that thing.
I just edit it out... What jumpy thing? ;)
Oh our son knows exactly where all the jumping and climbing things are..... But I look at it as a give/take situation. He is with us all day at faire and I know there are times when he is probably bored doing the things we want to do. Well, except for the pestering Advent part lol!
Quote from: Fraser of Lovatt on July 24, 2010, 01:14:16 PM
I just edit it out... What jumpy thing? ;)
Alcohol makes great blinders, don't it?
"What jumpy thing?" You talking about me after my early morning pot of coffee??