Hey good people of Colorado.... there are some tiny secrets about our faire here at Scarborough.... some things not added to the web site and I was wondering if you guys could give a little insight to the CORF?
DRINK MEMBERSHIPS:Here...they check your ID and give you a sticker...that way you don't have to keep showing your ID. Do they require any sort of membership in Colorado?
BEERS AND LIQUOR: Is there a wide selection of beers or do they only have Coors...being Colorado and all... lol. Also... any place for mixed drinks?
FOOD: Is there an actual sit down restaurant type place that serves great meat pie and shepherds pie?
PRE-CANON TAILGATE: We have row 8. Most of us regulars are what is called "Friends of Faire" and are given front row parking... we always gather on row 8 for morning treats such as mimosas and breakfast pastries usually starting about 90 minutes before canon. Is there a place that you guys do that?
Quote from: Merlin on April 29, 2011, 04:58:20 PM
Hey good people of Colorado.... there are some tiny secrets about our faire here at Scarborough.... some things not added to the web site and I was wondering if you guys could give a little insight to the CORF?
DRINK MEMBERSHIPS:Here...they check your ID and give you a sticker...that way you don't have to keep showing your ID. Do they require any sort of membership in Colorado?
BEERS AND LIQUOR: Is there a wide selection of beers or do they only have Coors...being Colorado and all... lol. Also... any place for mixed drinks?
FOOD: Is there an actual sit down restaurant type place that serves great meat pie and shepherds pie?
PRE-CANON TAILGATE: We have row 8. Most of us regulars are what is called "Friends of Faire" and are given front row parking... we always gather on row 8 for morning treats such as mimosas and breakfast pastries usually starting about 90 minutes before canon. Is there a place that you guys do that?
Lets see....
Drink memberships: no you have to show id each time, there is a descent selection, but i havent explored it yet as i just started having drinks at faire last year
Food: huge selection of food but no sit down restaurants, there are tables and picnic areas, irs more of a quick service type thing, foods that you can hold and walk around with, but very tasty
Pre-cannon tailgating: you cant have grills because most of Colorado is under a fire ban, but i have seen people having pre faire snacks and such. dunno what the rule about alcohol is...
Yeah... unfortunately, the short answer to most of this is: No.
Coors is a sponsor, so they exclusively serve only Coors products (I think even on beer-tasting weekends). Coors likes to say, "if you serve our beer you can't serve anyone else's." Not just at the faire, either. It makes Golden an interesting town to live in, beer-wise, since it's the home of the Coors brewery, but also rich in microbrews. But I digress.
Far as mixed drinks go, I'm afraid I don't actually know... but I'm guessing probably not. I don't do a lot of drinking at faire, so I'm really not sure. The only other adult beverage I can remember definitely being served, off the top of my head, is cider. Woodchuck? I think it's Woodchuck... but I could be wrong about that.
As for food, Widget has it nailed. Nothing more to say there, really.
And regarding the tailgating, I don't think there's any reason one could NOT do it, however I don't know of any specific place or group of people.
Only serve Coors??!? No beer??!?
Nope. No "real" beer.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on April 29, 2011, 06:55:33 PM
Only serve Coors??!? No beer??!?
This makes me sad.
Dad...we had better bring multiple flasks. I don't do Coors.
I'm glad to hear that, boy...you learned well!
Good questions, Wizard. Here's my take:
Being a proper nobleman, I drink beer only under duress -- it makes my clothes shrink. However, I do know that there is more to be had at CoRF than Coors and Coors lite. To my certain knowledge, there is Bud and Bud lite. Also, I seem to remember a couple of darker brews (Killian's???). There are also a couple or three varieties of meade, red wine and white wine. For the anachronistically inclined, there are frozen margaritas and daiquiris. As for mixed drinks, Captain Morgan's and perhaps other hard booze is available at the Pirate's Pub. Finally, there is a stand that sells Uncle Mike's Hard Lemonade.
There are no sit-down eateries, but the food is remarkably varied. Although there's nothing to compare to Scarby's italian gourmet eatery, there's something for nearly every taste as long as it doesn't involve fresh fruit or vegetables.
Pre-canon tailgate: I will to defer to Spleen on this topic.
Beer: Sadly everyone hit it. Coors Products. Killians is as far from Coors as a Coors products gets and the ONLY Coors product next to Blue Moon which is the one they sample and is a good beer dispite it being part of Coors. Sadly if I had a fair it would be serving New Belgium brewery. As NB is one of the top 5 in the US beating out Bud and Coors and it's a Micro made in Fort Collins with a REAL Live Belgium Brew Master. They win Internatonal compitetions all the time... IU am beginning to sound like I work for them. Well I tried, but I do go there often to taste the new brews they have. And I would agree... i do not do Coors. They do serve 2 or 3 flavors of Mikes Hard in a plastic bottle as our Baron mentioned
Tail-Gate: No Friends of faire. its get there when you get there and park where they tell you. get there by 9AM and you can be rest assured you will be in the first 3 rows if not closer. best thing to do is just disignate a spot
Aye, heartily agreed about New Belgium! Gotta love some Fat Tire... mmmmm....
And of course, I totally forgot about the Mike's kiosk, as well as the rum being sold at the Pirate's Pub (I know, I know, sad, right? I should really be the one person who knows EXACTLY where the rum is :D)
Other than that though, the Baron's info is quite good to know! Although I don't remember ever seeing Bud products... I should definitely go seeking out the mead sometime though. This whole alcohol thing is a new concept to me (being previously of a teetotalling mindset), haha.
I'm sure I will survive regardless. Most important is visiting with friends, making the new acquaintances, and returning to see Colorado again after a long absence.
now i will be having a few flasks of loki i made with me. Now they arn't as good as the stuff from the experts down south but they are always good to wet the whistle when you need it.
Well, Sir Garath, I'd be beholding to you. I've yet to sample Loki. I'll be traveling with my dear friend Lord Jackson Daniels as well.
I'll vouch the frozen margaritas are tasty!
Now that on a hot day might be pretty good. I could be swayed...
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on April 30, 2011, 07:19:18 AM
Now that on a hot day might be pretty good. I could be swayed...
Were you referring to Ms. Trish or the beverage she was endorsing? :o ;)
Quote from: Marietta Graziella on April 30, 2011, 10:30:26 AM
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on April 30, 2011, 07:19:18 AM
Now that on a hot day might be pretty good. I could be swayed...
Were you referring to Ms. Trish or the beverage she was endorsing? :o ;)
(** SHHH! Is Nimue listening?? **) Uhmmm... Can I get back to you on that?
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on April 30, 2011, 10:41:24 AM
Quote from: Marietta Graziella on April 30, 2011, 10:30:26 AM
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on April 30, 2011, 07:19:18 AM
Now that on a hot day might be pretty good. I could be swayed...
Were you referring to Ms. Trish or the beverage she was endorsing? :o ;)
(** SHHH! Is Nimue listening?? **) Uhmmm... Can I get back to you on that?
Oh my! *blush*
Quote from: Ms Trish on April 30, 2011, 11:03:40 AM
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on April 30, 2011, 10:41:24 AM
Quote from: Marietta Graziella on April 30, 2011, 10:30:26 AM
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on April 30, 2011, 07:19:18 AM
Now that on a hot day might be pretty good. I could be swayed...
Were you referring to Ms. Trish or the beverage she was endorsing? :o ;)
(** SHHH! Is Nimue listening?? **) Uhmmm... Can I get back to you on that?
Oh my! *blush*
*gigglesnorts*
Ah-hem! To return to the theme of this thread before it went all ribald, here is a link to last year's CoRF program http://www.coloradorenaissance.com/Embedded%20Images/2010%20Program%20PROOF%207.pdf
on page 8 and 9 of which one can find a listing of the foods available.
Having said that, please note that given a choice between a discussion of festival food and ribald repartee involving Ms Trish, I would without the slightest hesitation choose the latter!
Quote from: Baron on April 30, 2011, 03:17:26 PM...Having said that, please note that given a choice between a discussion of festival food and ribald repartee involving Ms Trish, I would without the slightest hesitation choose the latter!
As my good friend Squire Curly the Howard would say..."Soitenly!"
Oooh I'm gonna tell the Baroness :o ;)
Quote from: Adriana Rose on April 30, 2011, 10:16:45 PM
Oooh I'm gonna tell the Baroness :o ;)
Flower Floozy Extraordinaire? Nay, I say! Flower FINK Extraordinaire!!
.....less we forget that there is served in various pubs (not all varieties at all pubs/taverns) .... If i do recall....... Smithwicks, Paulaner, and Paulaner Hefeweizen, and another mixed sweet drink of frozen Pinacoladas, where the frozen Magaritas are served.
And I beleive there is a Jack Daniels drink cart near the inside misting area between the Globe stage, and the Maze.
I beleive there are others, however, drink menus have changed over the years, and I'll be certain to acsertain what libations will be available this year after some RenDezvous reconnaissance in the early stages of faire and will report back about all selections that are being served.
Oh! Well that's a lot different than serving only Coors. And you mentioned by oldest and dearest friend, Sir Jack Daniels. That is a relief, to be sure.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on April 29, 2011, 06:55:33 PM
Only serve Coors??!? No beer??!?
I went to school with Tres Coors, heir to the Coors empire, and he's a snot nosed little son of a wh... You get the idea. I
refuse to pump any more money into that assh... nice young mans trust fund. I'll go dry before I'll defile my taste buds with Coors. So I'm glad to hear that real beer is served. As to tailgating, I would personally love it if we were to start something like that! How fun!!
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on April 30, 2011, 04:34:47 AM
I'm sure I will survive regardless. Most important is visiting with friends, making the new acquaintances, and returning to see Colorado again after a long absence.
And I for one look forward to meeting you, if I can!
I am thoroughly glad to stand corrected. As previously mentioned, I never paid much attention to the alcohol served at our faire.
Quote from: Baron on April 30, 2011, 03:17:26 PM
Ah-hem! To return to the theme of this thread before it went all ribald, here is a link to last year's CoRF program http://www.coloradorenaissance.com/Embedded%20Images/2010%20Program%20PROOF%207.pdf
on page 8 and 9 of which one can find a listing of the foods available.
Having said that, please note that given a choice between a discussion of festival food and ribald repartee involving Ms Trish, I would without the slightest hesitation choose the latter!
Yes, I'm going to tell my cousin the Baroness, as well!!! Shame on you, Baron!!
As per the beer query.....I do know for a fact that they serve more than Coors and that there are at least a couple of Amber or Dark Ales served. How do I know this? Well, not because I drink beer at faire, but because I had the honor of wearing someone's beer all over my noble garb last year. Yes, beer smells and looks quite lovely on a Duchess, you know.
I concur - I would drink Killian (even though it is a Coors product - I used to work for Coors), but I would have been somewhat distraught if there were not some other ales available, and I was not "distraught".
And no, it was not me who bathed Lady Francesca with the noble brew :)
Quote from: Lady Ana Francesca on May 02, 2011, 12:18:39 AM
Quote from: Baron on April 30, 2011, 03:17:26 PM
Ah-hem! To return to the theme of this thread before it went all ribald, here is a link to last year's CoRF program http://www.coloradorenaissance.com/Embedded%20Images/2010%20Program%20PROOF%207.pdf
on page 8 and 9 of which one can find a listing of the foods available.
Yes, I'm going to tell my cousin the Baroness, as well!!! Shame on you, Baron!!
Well, welcome back from your slumber, Duchess! It was worth a spot of naughtiness on my part to awaken you, Your Grace. (I'll stop there, for I dare not call the Duchess a FINK!)
I would be careful with the flasks if you bring them inside. If I'm not mistaken they are one of those things that gets checked at the gate, unless you're really good at hiding them. Also many of the pubs serve hard cider, which I'm not sure has been mentioned as of yet.
As far as I'm aware there is no "official" tailgate, mainly because the majority of the folks who are on the CORF board also work at the faire. We do not have FoF here (management would highly frown upon patrons actually taking an interest in adding to the atmosphere of the faire) and as a result there's not too many "regular" playtrons, with a few exceptions, most of whom are on the board.
Somebody warn them we're coming, Zoë?
On the flasks at such.
I always bring in gatorade and such in my sailors bag so unless you are flaunting it you shouldn't have a problem. So merlin hide it in your robes.
MaybeI have been lucky, but I carry my flask on my belt (like any good nobleman :) ) and have never been asked.
I think as long as you don't flaunt it (especially when accessing and using it) you would be fine. Discreet is a grand idea.
With all the festivals that I attend, I've learned that having a flask full of water is a good idea, anyway, so I should be fine! ;D A Scot with a flask full of water... ::) What a let down...
Haha, no I totally understand, and agree with the sentiment! I myself am a pirate with a "rum" bottle perpetually filled with water :D
Quote from: Baron on May 02, 2011, 10:14:20 AM
Well, welcome back from your slumber, Duchess! It was worth a spot of naughtiness on my part to awaken you, Your Grace. (I'll stop there, for I dare not call the Duchess a FINK!)
Ah yes, your naughtiness was only to awaken me! I suspect you think I believe that, Baron! hahaha
I haven't been slumbering....I've only been spending the past 12 months trying to post a silly avatar. So no time to post my thoughts about faire. You may still call me a FINK if you wish, although it will probably make me cry.
Quote from: Lady Ana Francesca on May 03, 2011, 03:43:30 PM
Quote from: Baron on May 02, 2011, 10:14:20 AM
You may still call me a FINK if you wish, although it will probably make me cry.
No, no, anything but that! I HATE to see a noblewoman cry. Especially when I'm the cause. More especially when the noblewoman in question is married to a Duke. MOST especially when said Duke is thrice my size!
Quote from: Baron on May 03, 2011, 04:19:22 PM
Quote from: Lady Ana Francesca on May 03, 2011, 03:43:30 PM
Quote from: Baron on May 02, 2011, 10:14:20 AM
You may still call me a FINK if you wish, although it will probably make me cry.
No, no, anything but that! I HATE to see a noblewoman cry. Especially when I'm the cause. More especially when the noblewoman in question is married to a Duke. MOST especially when said Duke is thrice my size!
Indeed, you are a wise man, Baron!!! Kisses to the Baroness from me!
Quote from: Baron on May 03, 2011, 04:19:22 PM
Quote from: Lady Ana Francesca on May 03, 2011, 03:43:30 PM
Quote from: Baron on May 02, 2011, 10:14:20 AM
You may still call me a FINK if you wish, although it will probably make me cry.
No, no, anything but that! I HATE to see a noblewoman cry. Especially when I'm the cause. More especially when the noblewoman in question is married to a Duke. MOST especially when said Duke is thrice my size!
The Duke of whom you speak has gotten smaller? :P
Quote from: Gauwyn of Bracknell on May 03, 2011, 08:21:37 PM
Quote from: Baron on May 03, 2011, 04:19:22 PM
Quote from: Lady Ana Francesca on May 03, 2011, 03:43:30 PM
Quote from: Baron on May 02, 2011, 10:14:20 AM
You may still call me a FINK if you wish, although it will probably make me cry.
No, no, anything but that! I HATE to see a noblewoman cry. Especially when I'm the cause. More especially when the noblewoman in question is married to a Duke. MOST especially when said Duke is thrice my size!
The Duke of whom you speak has gotten smaller? :P
No. I've put on a few pounds.
Quote from: Zoë on May 02, 2011, 07:51:07 PM
I would be careful with the flasks if you bring them inside. If I'm not mistaken they are one of those things that gets checked at the gate, unless you're really good at hiding them. Also many of the pubs serve hard cider, which I'm not sure has been mentioned as of yet.
As far as I'm aware there is no "official" tailgate, mainly because the majority of the folks who are on the CORF board also work at the faire. We do not have FoF here (management would highly frown upon patrons actually taking an interest in adding to the atmosphere of the faire) and as a result there's not too many "regular" playtrons, with a few exceptions, most of whom are on the board.
That's just....... sad.
7 weeks away....
This Merlin will be clad in kilt on the day....I believe I'll wear the Texas Bluebonnet one day and Clan Gunn tartan the next.
Yeah... I mean... I'm not sure it's necessarily THAT bad, but we do have something of a dearth of "regular" playtons, compared to other faires (from what I understand, not having actually been to said other faires). I'm not sure management specifically has a problem with patrons adding to the atmosphere of the faire... it's mainly when people start thinking they're performers and tipping them. Or when a playtron does something offensive and someone thinks they're a faire employee, and thus blames the faire for that individual's actions (Which, incidentally, is precisely the reason Disneyland doesn't let adults dress in costume inside the park). Sometimes innocent situations are mistaken for these sorts of situations, and this does occasionally cause some playtron/management tension.
It's a fine line, really. A renaissance faire is, by nature, supposed to be an immersive and interactive experience, with the guest taking an active roll in the story going on around them. But sometimes this can raise problems, as mentioned above. The management here in CO does seem to be particularly sensitive to these problems. The general result of this seems to be (unfortunately) that many people don't dress up and play, and those who do (sometimes even those on cast) typically try to keep their proverbial heads down, and shy away from doing anything particularly out of the ordinary.
That being said, I'm not trying to bash our faire in this regard. We have some wonderful actors and wonderful playtons, all of whom add to what is, in my opinion, still a very fun and interactive experience. But different faires are... well... different, and this is just one of this faire's particular quirks.
As I said earlier...anyone warn them we're coming? I doubt that I'll be much of a problem to them with my age approaching 1160 years old, but I never could keep a lid on that boy of mine ;)
Haha, I doubt you guys will have any problems, honestly.
But still, it raises a good question: DOES the management know anything about the RF.com meetup?
Apparently they do now.
*they do read the boards*
Yes, this is a public site that the entire world can access
Yeah, I'm aware. I just didn't know if they were "keeping up" as it were, or if they had been "officially" notified. Like, is it a faire-sanctioned thing, or more informal?
We've been in contact with a few members of management to try and arrange for the use of one of the pavilions the weekend of, so they are aware that there will be a sizable crowd coming in that weekend.
I may have missed it, but did no one mention that at least 2 of the beer places serve Chaucer's Mead? The booth closest to Zoe's pop stand has mead, but not warm nor advertised. The booth with beer down elephant's loop - where the funnel cakes are, and just downhill from Charming and Dashing had warm mulled mead last year. It was a delightful treat opening weekend, let me tell you. Warmed me twice over.
The wine mentioned is not available at all alcohol outlets, but is available at the large eatery near the jousting arena. It's tucked into the corner, and most people get stuck at the soup in a bread bowl window - which is understandable because it is really really really good.
Side note: I am 99% sure that all food and beverage is cash only. (Zoe can confirm or deny this) There are ATMs within the realm; they charge fees. Be prepared.
Ive been told that the ATM asks for an arm a leg and maybe a first born lol
Thanks Zoe, that's what I was wondering!
And the more I hear the more I wonder WHY I've never explored the food and drink at my own faire more :o
I'm definitely going to make a concerted effort to sample around a bit more this season!
O.o how can you not!!! then again im a foodie making a career of it...
Yes, the food vendors are cash only. I can't tell you how many times folks have held out a credit card to me and I've been tempted to lean forward so they can swipe it through the "goods"....which is about all you can do with a credit card at my (or any other food) booth.
The best way to avoid ATM fees is to 1) bring an abundance of cash with you in the morning, or 2) visit the ATM once and take out more than what you will need...at least either way you can re-deposit the excess later and avoid paying the fee as much as possible.
Quote from: Zoë on May 10, 2011, 10:38:24 PM
I can't tell you how many times folks have held out a credit card to me and I've been tempted to lean forward so they can swipe it through the "goods"...
LOL!! What a visual!
Everyone has already chimmed in on the food and drink sellers but an FYI not all the vendors take credit one i do know that dosen't is "No Name Leather" that is right next to Adriana's flower shop. They only take check or cash.
Check? What's that? ;D
Funny...there was a time when no one would take a check, but everyone would take credit card. I guess the fees have gotten so high that it's not worth it for the vendors. I can certainly understand that.
I know what you mean Merlin Sr.
I wanted to get one of their lovely mugs and i had no cash on me and had to wait till next weekend. The plus is they will hold stuff for you.
Some of the merchants at faires we have attended give a small discount if you pay cash (I imagine their prices reflect an upcharge in aticipation of people using cards(.
Quote from: Baron on May 11, 2011, 09:06:04 AM
Quote from: Zoë on May 10, 2011, 10:38:24 PM
I can't tell you how many times folks have held out a credit card to me and I've been tempted to lean forward so they can swipe it through the "goods"...
LOL!! What a visual!
Some 'more' visual than others
Quote from: Sir Garath on May 11, 2011, 09:35:24 AM
Everyone has already chimmed in on the food and drink sellers but an FYI not all the vendors take credit one i do know that dosen't is "No Name Leather" that is right next to Adriana's flower shop. They only take check or cash.
Yup but he has some really good stuff too. ;D
Okay what is up with driving to work and having a car next to me cover in snow in May, oh and seeing snowflakes mixed in with all the rain. Just last weekend it was in the 80's.
Quote from: Sir Garath on May 12, 2011, 08:21:21 AM
Okay what is up with driving to work and having a car next to me cover in snow in May, oh and seeing snowflakes mixed in with all the rain. Just last weekend it was in the 80's.
This IS Colorado and I have seen snow in Longmont in July (Just north of Denver low altitude and all)
Quote from: Sir Garath on May 12, 2011, 08:21:21 AM
Okay what is up with driving to work and having a car next to me cover in snow in May, oh and seeing snowflakes mixed in with all the rain. Just last weekend it was in the 80's.
What it is, Sir Garath, is business as usual for springtime in Colorado.
You are making it really tempting to move there!! I'm a cold-weather person living in Mid-South Hell...
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on May 12, 2011, 09:31:27 AM
You are making it really tempting to move there!! I'm a cold-weather person living in Mid-South Hell...
I was thinking just the opposite! I have family living in Denver and they keep telling me how wonderful it is to live there. I'm NOT a snow person living in Minnesnowta of all places.
Sounds to me like Merlin Sr. & Ms. Trish should consider simply swapping places!
The interesting thing is we really don't normally get alot of snow in denver it normally hits the mountains. Like with the rain denver is getting they got 10 plus inchs of snow in the mountains.
Quote from: Baron on May 12, 2011, 09:59:22 AM
Sounds to me like Merlin Sr. & Ms. Trish should consider simply swapping places!
I'm not sure that Nimue would be amenable to swapping... OH! You meant lo
cations! Never mind!
By the way, Baron, some of the folks from our home shire of Scarbourough—led by Lady Kett, if I'm not mistaken—have come up with a way of keep references to myself and to my young namesake straight. As you know, he is quite devoid of any hair above his shoulders, and my beard is beginning to get long. Envision this: Speak the name "Merlin" as you run your open hand from front to back across your head to indicate my son, or speak "Merlin" as you draw your hand downward from your chin to indicate me. The person to whom you are speaking will then know to which Merlin you are referring.
We might need to make a You-Tube video to teach that, Merlin!
Well, my boy does have some film experience... Don't know how many stunts will be required, but as long as he does the stunts, I can do the handsome leading man part... (BWAAhhahahahaha, oh sh!*, that hurt!)
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on May 12, 2011, 10:41:29 AM
Quote from: Baron on May 12, 2011, 09:59:22 AM
Sounds to me like Merlin Sr. & Ms. Trish should consider simply swapping places!
By the way, Baron, some of the folks from our home shire of Scarbourough—led by Lady Kett, if I'm not mistaken—have come up with a way of keep references to myself and to my young namesake straight. As you know, he is quite devoid of any hair above his shoulders, and my beard is beginning to get long. Envision this: Speak the name "Merlin" as you run your open hand from front to back across your head to indicate my son, or speak "Merlin" as you draw your hand downward from your chin to indicate me. The person to whom you are speaking will then know to which Merlin you are referring.
No video required, Merlin. I get it. And I like it. You'll be one of the first that I seek out at the meet'n'greet -- after MG and Ms. Trish, of course.