At the campgrounds now it is EXTREMELY DRY. Rules are of course smoking in designated areas only. There are 2 areas the drum circle and there's one by the Rogues camp. If you are caught smoking in your campsite they will fine you 2000$ and kick you out of the campgrounds. Lets be smart people me and Heidi teared up when we saw the devastation on the way in on 1774. They have lost enough in the area.
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Where might the Rogues Camp be compared to PR's camp?
The Celtic rogues camp is right as you enter the main camping area. They have the flags around their camp. There is no more fence by the rogues. So that whole area behind them is camping as well.
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Quote from: Glaodian on October 07, 2011, 12:48:38 PM
Where might the Rogues Camp be compared to PR's camp?
The other end of the camp... you'd think that they'd have another down at our end of camp.
Already gonna report multiple people for smoking in their campsites. I'm not risking my family or my faire friends because of some morons who can't abide by the rules.
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Not sure how the $2000 fine will to hold up. It is on private land, so the cops cant ticket those smoking unless they tag every driver that passes through and every smoker that lives in the county that smokes in their yard. I do hope that folks follow the rules and only smoke in areas that have marked off. As a smoker, I can see a lot of my time will be at the other end of the camp. I am sure smoking in vehicles on the property is not allowed as well.
Lets hope for lots and lots of rain.
Should set up a hotline for that. Keep up the good work man!
Supposed to rain all weekend.
If it does rain, I have a feeling it won't reduce attendance. IMO everyone in the area and those of us travelling there, would be out dancing in it.
You got that right... Rennies love the rain (Danes don't). Must be the "hippy" part in us... :D
I am almost tempted to rent a sprayer truck or a crop duster. ;D
Quote from: Laird Fraser of Lovatt on October 07, 2011, 06:01:04 PM
You got that right... Rennies love the rain (Danes don't). Must be the "hippy" part in us... :D
I wanna see Fraser dancing in the rain... ;) :D
Quote from: Rani Zemirah on October 07, 2011, 08:04:32 PM
Quote from: Laird Fraser of Lovatt on October 07, 2011, 06:01:04 PM
You got that right... Rennies love the rain (Danes don't). Must be the "hippy" part in us... :D
I wanna see Fraser dancing in the rain... ;) :D
Please PLEASE please get video if this happens. I'd paid to see it happen...only if he DOESN'T show us what Scots really wear beneath their kil- oops! WENCHMOUTH! :D
Quote from: eloquentXI on October 07, 2011, 08:12:24 PM
Quote from: Rani Zemirah on October 07, 2011, 08:04:32 PM
Quote from: Laird Fraser of Lovatt on October 07, 2011, 06:01:04 PM
You got that right... Rennies love the rain (Danes don't). Must be the "hippy" part in us... :D
I wanna see Fraser dancing in the rain... ;) :D
Please PLEASE please get video if this happens. I'd paid to see it happen...only if he DOESN'T show us what Scots really wear beneath their kil- oops! WENCHMOUTH! :D
;D ;D ;D
Just asking your opinions on here, going to check with the officers as well when we go down in a couple of weeks. My wifes a smoker, i'm not, we are planning on camping a little closer to the drum circle this year so she can smoke, but this year we are bringing a popup camper (friend loaned it to us). fairly nice one to, shower, table, stove, ac, heater etc and would prefer it if, especially as it gets later in the night and the drunks get worse, if she could smoke inside the camper. No real chance of fire, ash tray and its completly inside, even bringing a fire extingisher encase something crazy happens, but just want opinions on here on weather they think it will be a problem.
She might just have to make do with ecigs for most of the weekend.
Understand the worries for sure, last year when we got back from inside faire a fire had started and burned within about ten feet of our car, halloween weekend if anyone else remembers.
Dependent on what type of database they operate and being that it is private property private security can charge a 2000.00 fine that is payable to TRF. They can then deny access to the grounds until the fine is paid.
Also, keep in mind that TRF is in Todd Mission, Texas. King George is the mayor of Todd Mission and pretty much owns that town.
Quote from: MrHyde on October 07, 2011, 11:20:51 PM
Dependent on what type of database they operate and being that it is private property private security can charge a 2000.00 fine that is payable to TRF. They can then deny access to the grounds until the fine is paid.
Also, keep in mind that TRF is in Todd Mission, Texas. King George is the mayor of Todd Mission and pretty much owns that town.
About the only part that would stick would being kicked from the property. And being living in a small town, Mayors have little to no power. They could have you harassed, but that is about it.
Though, I believe being kicked from the park is WORSE than a $2000 fine anyways.
They could always boot your vehicle until it's paid... or tow it off.
Just wondering, how is security doing?
I am not camping but speaking as a patron today they were all over the place but people were smoking all over the place. Only once did I see a glowing butt on the ground. Most people rubbed them out and then threw them in the trash. Security was tolerant on the grounds today. Toward the evening they had to handle some intoxication issues around the Sea Devil but they did it quietly and without any ruckus.
Quote from: Glaodian on October 08, 2011, 03:20:52 AM
Quote from: MrHyde on October 07, 2011, 11:20:51 PM
Dependent on what type of database they operate and being that it is private property private security can charge a 2000.00 fine that is payable to TRF. They can then deny access to the grounds until the fine is paid.
Also, keep in mind that TRF is in Todd Mission, Texas. King George is the mayor of Todd Mission and pretty much owns that town.
About the only part that would stick would being kicked from the property. And being living in a small town, Mayors have little to no power. They could have you harassed, but that is about it.
Though, I believe being kicked from the park is WORSE than a $2000 fine anyways.
There's a reason they call him KING George. He literally owns the major part of Todd Mission & I really don't remember much of a mayoral "election". Grimes County cuts him a large portion of legal slack.
The Lady selling cigarettes near the Sea Devil said, "Smoking inside is allowed, please field dress then dispose of the filters in the trash cans. Smoking is not allowed out side the gates or in the parking lot."
We had a LEO come by and shoot the Bull with us. If you are smoking within your car or truck, they don't care. No ground extinguish in camp.
Quote from: Laird Fraser of Lovatt on October 09, 2011, 04:43:21 PM
We had a LEO come by and shoot the Bull with us. If you are smoking within your car or truck, they don't care. No ground extinguish in camp.
Would that include the bed of a pickup truck?
That's where we were. ;)
I had to talk to some kids behind my camp they were standing around drinking and smoking and just throwing the butts on the ground not even field dressing them or rubbing them out. I said you know there is a $2000 fine for smoking outside the smoking areas with the five of you that is $10,000 and in case you haven't seen them the firetruck or Police ATV come by about every 20 minutes or so. But hey its your choice if 10 grand doesn't mean anything to you go ahead and continue smoking. I guess it worked they asked were the smoking section was and wondered over to it.
Quote from: Laird Fraser of Lovatt on October 09, 2011, 04:43:21 PM
We had a LEO come by and shoot the Bull with us. If you are smoking within your car or truck, they don't care. No ground extinguish in camp.
That bit of info will put a smile on pops face. Thanks!(I have been 10 years with out smoking)
I asked 5 different people inside before I got what I think is the proper answer on designated smoking areas inside the Faire. I was told anywhere there are tables/chairs or on the paved walkways. Early on most places did not have the butt-buckets but they eventually seemed to make their way around. They said there were supposed to be signs but I never saw any.
Quote from: SirRichardBear on October 09, 2011, 05:15:45 PM
I had to talk to some kids behind my camp they were standing around drinking and smoking and just throwing the butts on the ground not even field dressing them or rubbing them out. I said you know there is a $2000 fine for smoking outside the smoking areas with the five of you that is $10,000 and in case you haven't seen them the firetruck or Police ATV come by about every 20 minutes or so. But hey its your choice if 10 grand doesn't mean anything to you go ahead and continue smoking. I guess it worked they asked were the smoking section was and wondered over to it.
You handled that issue perfectly. I just hope the kids showed some respect when they asked where the smoking area was.
we were camped in a fairly large group, and our smokers were discreet and had their own ashcups, the kind that look like a cup, but have a funnel sort of thing on the top. ALL cigs over the weekend went into those, which were dumped into our trash buckets once they'd cooled & I think a bit of water put in them. I didn't see a lot of people walking around smoking in camp, though there were a lot that I saw in faire.
So I am thinking of being the electric DrunkMonks this year and use lights to light up our area. What did everyone else do this past weekend with no fires?
I hate generators but will bend for this year.
Quote from: Glaodian on October 10, 2011, 09:27:53 AM
Quote from: SirRichardBear on October 09, 2011, 05:15:45 PM
I had to talk to some kids behind my camp they were standing around drinking and smoking and just throwing the butts on the ground not even field dressing them or rubbing them out. I said you know there is a $2000 fine for smoking outside the smoking areas with the five of you that is $10,000 and in case you haven't seen them the firetruck or Police ATV come by about every 20 minutes or so. But hey its your choice if 10 grand doesn't mean anything to you go ahead and continue smoking. I guess it worked they asked were the smoking section was and wondered over to it.
You handled that issue perfectly. I just hope the kids showed some respect when they asked where the smoking area was.
Pretty much so said they hadn't been in a couple of years didn't know there was new rules and did I know were the smoking sections were. I explain that were was a fire ban and how close it had come to faire, Told them to go down to the bondfire area it was one of the smoking section and beside that we were everyone was parting. off they went and didn't see them till morning well I saw feet sticking outside the tent figured it must be them.
Quote from: Brother Octavius on October 10, 2011, 02:55:00 PM
So I am thinking of being the electric DrunkMonks this year and use lights to light up our area. What did everyone else do this past weekend with no fires?
I hate generators but will bend for this year.
we had solar powered tiki torches, these circular LED lights from walmart that were battery operated, and LED solar powered christmas lights in multi, orange, and purple. even with all that, we really didn't have much light to see. the christmas lights helped a lot in locating our camp after walkabouts though.
Quote from: Brother Octavius on October 10, 2011, 02:55:00 PM
So I am thinking of being the electric DrunkMonks this year and use lights to light up our area. What did everyone else do this past weekend with no fires?
I hate generators but will bend for this year.
my solar torchs worked well only stayed on about an hour friday night but Sat having time to charged all day they were still on when I turned in around 3:30. going to replace the pvc with MEC before AHE
I have not read anything about the unwanted tweeking asshats. Were they afraid to get wet?
No bonfire no asshats maybe?
oh, there were still asshats around, just a different variety. we watched a bunch go "mudding" around the campgrounds sunday midday. it was incredibly unsafe and i was worried they would spin out into tents with how reckless and close they were driving. it was very fulfilling to see them get stuck in the mud and stupidly rev their engine until the truck started smoking.
wow, I'm surprised no one stopped them! They could have hurt a lot of people doing that...
Not only that, but it makes the problem with mud-holes even worse for the next time. What would have been fun is taking out their tires with my 03A3... 110 gr JHP up around 3200-3300 fps... the tires would have disintegrated...
where we were (row 20, G-H ish) was not nearly as full as it usually is, and it seemed that the ones who didn't show were the really obnoxious ones who stumble through other people's camps at all hours, and play their techno crap full blast all night long. It seemed to me that the campgrounds were about 1/4-1/3 empty, compared to other years, but that could be just the areas I saw, and honestly, if it wasn't between our area and family camping (where I went to visit friends who camp there) or on the main drag between our area and the gate, I didn't see it, because I didn't do my usual camp crawl.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on October 11, 2011, 05:50:41 AM
Not only that, but it makes the problem with mud-holes even worse for the next time. What would have been fun is taking out their tires with my 03A3... 110 gr JHP up around 3200-3300 fps... the tires would have disintegrated...
....and probably the rims as well. ;)
Quote from: DonaCatalina on October 11, 2011, 08:58:15 AM
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on October 11, 2011, 05:50:41 AM
Not only that, but it makes the problem with mud-holes even worse for the next time. What would have been fun is taking out their tires with my 03A3... 110 gr JHP up around 3200-3300 fps... the tires would have disintegrated...
....and probably the rims as well. ;)
OOOH! AAH! :D
Has anyone heard about what happened opening weekend with the two drugged out ravers that were hauled off via ambulance/police around midnight Saturday? Not trying to gossip at all. Just asking because we were assaulted by one of them and it made for a really bad camping experience. Security was very slow to respond, and law enforcement seems unwilling to do anything about it. Seriously thinking of not camping anymore, just not sure if it is safe anymore at all. This is the first and craziest thing ever to happen to us. However, have heard many other people were assaulted by same two guys, apparently high on designer cocktail drugs, and it looks like DA isnt going to press charges????
I guess my question would be, are you pressing charges? Would that not mean the DA has to press charges? I don't know...I'm just asking.
Were the ravers back Saturday night? We left the grounds quite late and could hear loud techno type music from the parking lot.
Has anyone ever thought of proposing a rule to ban electronic music other than personal stereos? That might cut down on those idiots out there.
That would be fantastic...
Look, I'm not against anyone having a good time, but there is no reason that the entire camp has to 'enjoy' their music.
As a side note, I caught wind last year of a lady who had a port-a-potty flipped with her inside of it. I didn't see it, but was warned to keep an eye on my people. *shrugs* Take it for what its worth.
Quote from: xed on October 16, 2011, 11:21:42 AM
That would be fantastic...
Look, I'm not against anyone having a good time, but there is no reason that the entire camp has to 'enjoy' their music.
As a side note, I caught wind last year of a lady who had a port-a-potty flipped with her inside of it. I didn't see it, but was warned to keep an eye on my people. *shrugs* Take it for what its worth.
If someone was to flip a port-a-potty on me or one of my friends, the law need not bother with them. Just send the coroner. Somethings, are just taking it too far.
Well said. Yes they were set up still but I think they were done by around 2a.m. They were up late Friday. Still going after 4 when I crashed. They are not all together to bad at the "smoke"circle, and there were some performing going on. Friday I saw hula hoop dancing and some decent drumming on Saturday. I am very happy, Renboots took ALL my pirate beads off my hands(please go check them out)!
Quote from: Nina on October 15, 2011, 09:23:46 PM
Has anyone heard about what happened opening weekend with the two drugged out ravers that were hauled off via ambulance/police around midnight Saturday? Not trying to gossip at all. Just asking because we were assaulted by one of them and it made for a really bad camping experience. Security was very slow to respond, and law enforcement seems unwilling to do anything about it. Seriously thinking of not camping anymore, just not sure if it is safe anymore at all. This is the first and craziest thing ever to happen to us. However, have heard many other people were assaulted by same two guys, apparently high on designer cocktail drugs, and it looks like DA isnt going to press charges????
I was out Opening Weekend, didn't hear anything about them until I got home though. From my understanding there were 3 by the end of the weekend. They have no clue what the drug is, but that apparently it produces a crazy intense high for 30-45 minutes. Then the person is fine, and doesn't even know what they did. I do know all three with at least detained, not sure about 2 of them, but I know one was let go within an hour. I am also not sure of the three, but again from my understanding one of them they think were "slipped" the drug, and was not voluntarily taken. That is as far as I am able to say, as that information was given to me by 6 different people and it is the only information that match's from person to person. Again, all the information is 3rd hand though and needs to be taken as much.
Editing for Slipped as should be "slipped" as I am unaware of how the drug is administered and therefore do not know how plausible it would be to slipped it to someone unknowingly.
NINA, what exactly did they do to you or others at your camp? I'm asking because it's just me and another female friend, and my daughter and her friend camping together a lot of the time. I want to make sure that we are able to handle anything that might occur.
Due to the fire ban we won't be camping this year :( but our plan was to camp in the "family" section just to see if getting away from the ravers would actually give us some sleep! No reason to play that loud at 4am when your not even camping to go inside the faire.
I still don't know why management puts up with the ravers. Can they really be that big of a source of revenue?
Banning their excessive lighting and music seems an easy solution.
I do honestly think that to enter the camping area you should have to check in all members of your party, pay the camping fee required, show the tickets for Faire entrance for every member of the party. If the member does not have a Faire ticket they have to purchase one at that time to be allowed to enter. The tickets should be scanned at that time to not allow people to give the ticket to someone else. A band on the wrist issued at that time to each member. The TRF beefeaters can then cut the band off when you enter the gate. If you are attending both days you are issued two different color bands. These bands are put on you at the entrance when the ticket is scanned. If security finds someone without a band that person can either pay the full admittance fee at that time or they can leave.
This is Renaissance FAIRE camping. It is not a KOA.
One of the issues I see with that though are that there are those that come in on Saturday, and not on Sunday. They stick around the campgrounds until sunday evening or even stay until Monday. They don't cause any trouble, they are there for the love of faire and do go in one day, but do to money or what have you they can't go in both days. I'm sure there are other issues with that as well, however the concept is a wonderful idea. I do agree something needs to be done it is just how we are to do it.
Tactical strobes.
Just sayin'.
Surround raver camps with vehicles and shine headlights on them and blast car horns at them until they get the idea... and do it early enough in the evening that it won't be waking everyone up.
I'd rather NOT wear a wristband, or check in and sign my name to anything, thanks...
Small EMP.
EMP would be nifty, but I'd worry about hosing the gear of people we like.
I was also thinking that while we are blessed with some great photographers who beautifully showcase the best of faire.
Those awesome pics help market TRF, because people want to come and be surrounded by those beautiful people.
What they don't see are the things that we are talking about now... fringers and hangers on that have no intention of contributing to the faire in a positive way, and instead treat faire, and camping in particular, as their personal party venue. Maybe it's time. I'm thinking photos of stoned a$$hats having a nice puke might run somewhat counter to the g-rated image faire is trying to portray. If you don't allow the activity, then there's no problem.
Who am I kidding?
Unfortunately, it's going to take a 16 year old kid achieving room temp via a booze and pill cocktail for the KING to fix it.
The problem is you are right. A day will come when an underage person overdoses and dies at the campground. The family will sue TRF and George individually. They will get an out of court settlement and the campgrounds will be closed. Someone will open one nearby and will institute many of the policies and procedures we have discussed here. They will be successful with it and not deal with what is being dealt with now. People not from the area will either follow the new camping facilities rules and regulations or stay at a hotel. The days of wild abandonment are numbered. You can bet the bank on that for sure.
only at the low, low price of somebody's life... I think I speak for all of us when I say to George- 'let it not come to that!'
Hope they listen...
Quote from: Breandan on October 17, 2011, 04:08:43 PM
only at the low, low price of somebody's life... I think I speak for all of us when I say to George- 'let it not come to that!'
Hope they listen...
Is anyone even telling them? It has been a few years since I have been out at the campgrounds, and have no current experiences to report to them. On the other hand, those of you that have recent experiences need to voice them to those in charge at TRF. If no one is reporting these issues, then nothing will ever been done about it. And seeing as how the new admin group in charge is wanting to make changes, this might get done.
We never know unless we try.
AHE is in 2 weeks.
Seems like a good time for a conclave.
I'll bring the Coors Light.
Quote from: Glaodian on October 17, 2011, 04:13:58 PM
Is anyone even telling them? It has been a few years since I have been out at the campgrounds, and have no current experiences to report to them. On the other hand, those of you that have recent experiences need to voice them to those in charge at TRF. If no one is reporting these issues, then nothing will ever been done about it. And seeing as how the new admin group in charge is wanting to make changes, this might get done.
We never know unless we try.
Which is exactly what I was saying in the other camping thread. Use the 'contact us' link on their web page and tell them exactly what happened, and how it affected your experience at TRF. They NEED to hear this stuff directly from the people it affects. I know for a fact that those emails DO get read.
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt80/Drewb1967/nerp.jpg)
*EMP gun* ;) ;D
Quote from: Laird Fraser of Lovatt on October 17, 2011, 05:30:46 PM
(http://i599.photobucket.com/albums/tt80/Drewb1967/nerp.jpg)
*EMP gun* ;) ;D
YES
You know things have gotten a lot better over the years, but for all whom quimbule over a few little things well here's your fix! "No pun intent-ed" Put a fence around the camp ground with only two ways in and guards to check people in and out, and NOBODY UNDER 21, with out a guardian. There that will stop it, Or better yet close camping. And I bet you will find it's not just the ravers that causing all the problems. I'm sorry to unload on everybody, but y'all kick this can around every year and y'all have beat this horse to death. George has done a lot to make camping better, if you don't watch it he might just say to hell with ya and close camping, he has long sen-ts made his money off of TRF.
I want to live in that universe :)
I guess im either weird/lucky/or threatening enough not to have had a problem with the party hounds (ravers is a little to specific). Few times ive had a problem with music/loudness/generaly stupidity grab an extra beer or two and walk over give them one and ask them to turn it down abit and they have. I know roughly 25% of people i talk to every year at the camp site say they arnt going into faire they are just camping, which seems crazy to me since they still have to buy a ticket, but have no personal problem with that if they act like human beings. Its a fun place to b, plenty of people to walk around and chat with, sitting around a campfire with your buddies talking all night, even listening to a bit of music at a appropriate lvl, all fun and the more the merrier.
I rly dont think that these people are the huge problem, its just general idiocy compounded with lots of drinking. Security should b stepping up and being more active. If for example (as happened last year) a man with no shirt on keeps wondering up to your fire and asking while trying to stand upright 'Do you know who stole my shirt?" and then stumbleing on to the next fire, he should b grabbed and either escorted to his tent and told to just sit his butt down or arrested for his own safety. Not against the idea of a drunk holding area to keep them over night till they sober up enough to b told to get out of there. If people are complaining about music to them the offenders should be forced to turn it down or leave. I enjoy the hands off approach they take in many ways, but ive only been camping for 7 years and have noticed it get seemingly worse every year.
On a lighter note, anyone ever had a song come on that they had to turn it up a little to loud while camping? Was trying to put iris and rose on to convince someone to go to there show the next day but when i hit the radio american pie was on. Turned it up abit and everyone at our campfire and a few around sang along lol, was a fun memory.
Lady Lara & any others who might be interested, i can only relay what happened to us. Sorry so long in advance. We had a nice long day at faire and turned in relatively early, somewhere near the end of row 20. At around 11pm we were awakened to the sound of a body slamming up against the side of our rv so hard it left a dent. We didn't know what had happened, (we later found out that a guy was pulled from his tent and thrown up against the rv), my husband ran out side to see what was going on. What he saw was a naked man running with several people chasing him thru our small camp area. During the first few minutes he punched a guy right in the face so hard his mouth bled, while screaming and shouting things at people as he stumbled and ran around in circles then came back thru our camp, hit our rv again with his fists this time, and was punching people in the arm, face and where ever his fists landed, as he ran around at top speed in a crazed rant. My husband had enough and tackled the guy to the ground. He had just yelled for someone to call security when one of the guy's buddies came up to the scene and tried to choke my husband telling him to let his friend go. Just as my husband got the 2nd guy's fingers off his throat, the guy on the ground bit my husband on the torso so hard it started bleeding. My husband jumped back, the guy kicked him in the arm, jumped up and ran across the road, grabbed a small young woman and punched her in the face, then ran in someone's trailer. The people in the trailer yelled for him to get out, then dragged him out by his feet. Then a tall guy tackled him again, but it took about 5 or 6 guys to hold him to the ground. By now he seemed to have super human strength. He was still screaming and writhing, fighting them and begging to be let up. Security took easily 15 to 20 minutes to arrive, during which time the tall guy was also bitten. When they did get there they just let the guys keep holding him, which i found odd. When the paramedics arrived, they had to strap the guy down really hard to a back board to keep him from kicking and hitting and biting them. He was still screaming and saying where am i what did i do, and still struggling and trying to hit people. It was easily a 2 hr ordeal, so someone should check on the accuracy of it only lasting 30 to 45 min. And even if that were true, people could have been severely injured during that time, including the guy who took the drugs. The cops said it was a designer cocktail drug called cpe2 or something like that. A mix of LSD, PCP, and several other very strong halucinogens. As for us, we had to wait 3 days to get a blood test back saying my husband doesn't have any dreaded disease, so far. To date we are out $300 on doctors, tests, antibiotics, etc. Gotta get tested again in 6 months to be sure AIDS wasn't involved. Never though fair camping would come to this.
And there you go.... a lawsuit waiting to happen....
let's see you have numerous cases of assault, damage to property, breaking and entering on the RV, neglect of a law enforcement officer since the security detail did nothing. Then you have the possibility of infection (the human mouth is actually a pool of disease), the blood all over the place is a biohazard emergency
yet some people feel that nothing needs to be changed....
your opportunity legally was when he broke in the RV at that point the RV owner could of blown the guy away and it would of gone down as self defense.
As a past paramedic I can tell you that when people are on these designer cocktails I really don't care how strong you thing you are you will not stop them. I watched 12 Harris County Sheriff Officers use 10 pairs of handcuffs to handcuff a 150 pound guy to my stretcher. He then broke out most his teeth trying to chew through the cuffs and bent the stretcher he was on. One of my co-workers was on a scene where they had a guy come at the officer's with a machete. They shot the guy 12 times before he dropped. Nina your husband is lucky.
I have no solution to offer for the illegal drug use, since many drugs can't even be sniffed out by dogs, although there have been K-9 units out there on occasion. But as for the annoyance of people playing extremely loud and obnoxious music until 4-5am, well, that's a different matter... Something can, and should, be done.
Say though, that 1000 vehicles come into the campground every weekend, at $20 a shot... that's and extra $20,000 per week, and $160,000 per season, give or take... I don't think George is going to give up that revenue because a few idiots don't know how to behave... OR because a group of regulars complain about it. There would have to be a pretty concentrated effort to show mgmt that it's not in their best interests to allow the disturbances to continue for them to even care, I'm sure. They know they've got the cheapest, most convenient place to stay for miles around, and most people are going to show up and camp no matter what they have to put up with... mostly because they would rather deal with it than NOT go to Faire. And that's just the way it is.
Charlie is right... this is hashed over every year, and this year there are even TWO threads running the same basic complaints, at the same time, and I don't think either of them started out as complaint threads.
The bottom line seems to be that mgmt isn't going to deal with it, so it's eventually going to fall to whoever is there at the time. If it continues until someone with too much booze in their blood, and too much heat in their attitude just explodes all over the offenders, then that will be unfortunate. Sooo... non-violent, LEGAL methods of dealing would definitely be preferable, I'm sure.
I still like the idea of surrounding their camps with vehicles, blinding them with headlights and blaring car horns until they pack up and leave, or shut it down and play nice. Next time I make it down I'll volunteer my time, gas, headlights and horn... anyone else?
Quote from: Nina on October 17, 2011, 11:06:03 PM
It was easily a 2 hr ordeal, so someone should check on the accuracy of it only lasting 30 to 45 min. And even if that were true, people could have been severely injured during that time, including the guy who took the drugs. The cops said it was a designer cocktail drug called cpe2 or something like that. A mix of LSD, PCP, and several other very strong halucinogens.
Thank you for posting your experience. As I said that was 3rd hand information. I know the original source was a police officer, but not sure which one. Thank you for the correcting the information.
Sorry Riot, wasn't trying to nitpick, just venting and informing. We are hoping that it was just a handfull of selfish people who hopefully will not be there this time. We are going to try it again this weekend. Looking forward to a wonderful but uneventful camping experience. I did hear some one saying they didn't think those people were even going into the faire. That only one of them actually bought a ticket and went in to set up then everytime they had friend show up they would run out to meet them at the gate with the one ticket. This problem could easily be solved by marking the ticket upon entering the campground in some way - stamping or punching the ticket that is shown. That way it could only be used once. JMHO.
I don't know if those 3 actually went into faire or not, I do know that the one of the 3 that they believe it might of been "slipped" (again I say this because I have no idea how it is administered and therefore do not know if it is even possible for it to of happened) was spotted headed up to faire right after release. The person who mentioned it, remembers it because they were amazed they were let go that quickly and allowed to go into faire after the incident.
Nina,
I am very sorry for what your husband had to go through. But people have been complaining about problems at TRF (http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=4045.0) camping for as long as I have been on this forum.
The reality is that George and his managers over the years see the camping fees as extra income period.
It took an act of supernatural proportions for them to require faire tickets in the campground. I am afraid that someone will have to die before any serious changes are made. And in that case the camping will probably be shut down. We resigned ourselves to this years ago and accepted the fact that we would not be able to go as often.
I'll give Terre credit, he's already instituted some changes and is pursuing the matter further. Whether George backs him or not is an entirely different matter, and whether the LEOs do their jobs is also up in the air, but I'm optimistic.
It's Sunday morning, Oct 23. Poor me; I've already made my one trip to TRF this year; motel at night.
Sigh. :'(
Just curious – anybody camping bring their computers with them? My family has a couple members (uh, computer geeks) who take their laptops everywhere. The TRF RenFaire forum does go pretty dark from Friday night til late Sunday.
One of those things that makes me wonder.
We usually have access to internet everywhere we go (Laptop with air card), but not for the sake of playtime (sometimes for the fact that we keep it uber and super locked up).. The boyfriend keeps it on him for work in case there is such a big server or platform outtage at work the on call person calls "all team on deck" in which case he usually has about 5 minutes to be online even when he is considered "off grid". We have been known to check facebook or email once or twice during the weekend on it though. Both of our phones have access as well and we have those. It is rare when we are them usually though unless he is checking work status.
I do for work reasons (writing, not being a bullet-sponge) and for music, but only at night after I've retired for downtime
DonaCatalina, thank you for your kind words.
We went back this weekend at the urgence of friends..who we camped with in a completely different section than we did opening weekend. Though not in family area. Let me say it was an entirely different scene. We had a lovely time. The place was litteraly crawling with cops. Which at least for the time was a very good thing. I don't just mean that they were driving around patroling. They were circling the entire campground-all the gravel roads -on atv's and going thru the campsites on foot. You could be standing in your campsite talking with friends and suddenly in thru your midst came 6 or 8 policemen looking around making sure everything was as it should be, shining their flashlights in dark tents checking things out. And it got sort of quiet around 1am or so and then very quiet after about 2 or 3. I may be oldy moldy but it really did make me feel much more at ease after what we went thru. I saw some people were taken off and questioned/arrested after being smartoffs to the cops. Not sue what happened but it was done quickly and quietly. It may have been a bit much for some, but i think it was a necessary step at least until problem causers get the idea that it is no longer going to be tolerated. And the awesome artsy camp sounds could be heard everywhere, acoustic guitars, mandolins, drums, and other instruments, and singing was going on every few feet. It was like it was when i first started camping at TRF several years ago.
Quote from: Nina on October 25, 2011, 09:39:43 PM
DonaCatalina, thank you for your kind words.
We went back this weekend at the urgence of friends..who we camped with in a completely different section than we did opening weekend. Though not in family area. Let me say it was an entirely different scene. We had a lovely time. The place was litteraly crawling with cops. Which at least for the time was a very good thing. I don't just mean that they were driving around patroling. They were circling the entire campground-all the gravel roads -on atv's and going thru the campsites on foot. You could be standing in your campsite talking with friends and suddenly in thru your midst came 6 or 8 policemen looking around making sure everything was as it should be, shining their flashlights in dark tents checking things out. And it got sort of quiet around 1am or so and then very quiet after about 2 or 3. I may be oldy moldy but it really did make me feel much more at ease after what we went thru. I saw some people were taken off and questioned/arrested after being smartoffs to the cops. Not sue what happened but it was done quickly and quietly. It may have been a bit much for some, but i think it was a necessary step at least until problem causers get the idea that it is no longer going to be tolerated. And the awesome artsy camp sounds could be heard everywhere, acoustic guitars, mandolins, drums, and other instruments, and singing was going on every few feet. It was like it was when i first started camping at TRF several years ago.
With the exception of heavy patrols, that is exactly how camp should be (o:
Quote from: KiltedPrivateer on October 25, 2011, 09:45:57 PM
Quote from: Nina on October 25, 2011, 09:39:43 PM
DonaCatalina, thank you for your kind words.
We went back this weekend at the urgence of friends..who we camped with in a completely different section than we did opening weekend. Though not in family area. Let me say it was an entirely different scene. We had a lovely time. The place was litteraly crawling with cops. Which at least for the time was a very good thing. I don't just mean that they were driving around patroling. They were circling the entire campground-all the gravel roads -on atv's and going thru the campsites on foot. You could be standing in your campsite talking with friends and suddenly in thru your midst came 6 or 8 policemen looking around making sure everything was as it should be, shining their flashlights in dark tents checking things out. And it got sort of quiet around 1am or so and then very quiet after about 2 or 3. I may be oldy moldy but it really did make me feel much more at ease after what we went thru. I saw some people were taken off and questioned/arrested after being smartoffs to the cops. Not sue what happened but it was done quickly and quietly. It may have been a bit much for some, but i think it was a necessary step at least until problem causers get the idea that it is no longer going to be tolerated. And the awesome artsy camp sounds could be heard everywhere, acoustic guitars, mandolins, drums, and other instruments, and singing was going on every few feet. It was like it was when i first started camping at TRF several years ago.
With the exception of heavy patrols, that is exactly how camp should be (o:
I just hope this is the way it stays. Sad that it came to this point but grateful indeed that management listens.
I am all about everyone having fun, but there are limits and as always, the few screwed it up for the many.
*I am old enough to have my rum right?*
Quote from: *Teach* on October 25, 2011, 09:54:42 PM
Quote from: KiltedPrivateer on October 25, 2011, 09:45:57 PM
Quote from: Nina on October 25, 2011, 09:39:43 PM
DonaCatalina, thank you for your kind words.
We went back this weekend at the urgence of friends..who we camped with in a completely different section than we did opening weekend. Though not in family area. Let me say it was an entirely different scene. We had a lovely time. The place was litteraly crawling with cops. Which at least for the time was a very good thing. I don't just mean that they were driving around patroling. They were circling the entire campground-all the gravel roads -on atv's and going thru the campsites on foot. You could be standing in your campsite talking with friends and suddenly in thru your midst came 6 or 8 policemen looking around making sure everything was as it should be, shining their flashlights in dark tents checking things out. And it got sort of quiet around 1am or so and then very quiet after about 2 or 3. I may be oldy moldy but it really did make me feel much more at ease after what we went thru. I saw some people were taken off and questioned/arrested after being smartoffs to the cops. Not sue what happened but it was done quickly and quietly. It may have been a bit much for some, but i think it was a necessary step at least until problem causers get the idea that it is no longer going to be tolerated. And the awesome artsy camp sounds could be heard everywhere, acoustic guitars, mandolins, drums, and other instruments, and singing was going on every few feet. It was like it was when i first started camping at TRF several years ago.
With the exception of heavy patrols, that is exactly how camp should be (o:
I just hope this is the way it stays. Sad that it came to this point but grateful indeed that management listens.
I am all about everyone having fun, but there are limits and as always, the few screwed it up for the many.
*I am old enough to have my rum right?*
I don't know if you are old enough to have rum but I know I am this season!!!!! ;D
It makes me feel better to know that the cops are patrolling pretty regularly and dealing with what is needed. We're getting the follow-through that we've wanted...its hard to believe.
It definitely was nice and quiet this weekend; though I didn't see a single police patrol through our camp. I did see them driving around on the roads and such, but no one bothered us at all.
Given this weekend is one of the big three it will be instructive to see how things are handled this weekend. It will be great if everyone can have fun enjoy live music and camp fellowship without all the drama caused by a few bad apples.
The heavy patrols won't be needed all the time, just long enough to get the point across, and then on heavy-traffic weekends when things might get out of hand. I am bloody glad to hear about the increase in security, it makes me feel more comfortable taking my daughter out there this weekend and camping.
Huzzah and thank you Terre! For this is truly the first time that action has been taken so swiftly and decisively on the part of TRF.
I really hope that this is a permanent end to the vermin infestation at camp!
Quote from: Nina on October 25, 2011, 09:39:43 PM
DonaCatalina, thank you for your kind words.
We went back this weekend at the urgence of friends..who we camped with in a completely different section than we did opening weekend. Though not in family area. Let me say it was an entirely different scene. We had a lovely time. The place was litteraly crawling with cops. Which at least for the time was a very good thing. I don't just mean that they were driving around patroling. They were circling the entire campground-all the gravel roads -on atv's and going thru the campsites on foot. You could be standing in your campsite talking with friends and suddenly in thru your midst came 6 or 8 policemen looking around making sure everything was as it should be, shining their flashlights in dark tents checking things out. And it got sort of quiet around 1am or so and then very quiet after about 2 or 3. I may be oldy moldy but it really did make me feel much more at ease after what we went thru. I saw some people were taken off and questioned/arrested after being smartoffs to the cops. Not sue what happened but it was done quickly and quietly. It may have been a bit much for some, but i think it was a necessary step at least until problem causers get the idea that it is no longer going to be tolerated. And the awesome artsy camp sounds could be heard everywhere, acoustic guitars, mandolins, drums, and other instruments, and singing was going on every few feet. It was like it was when i first started camping at TRF several years ago.
It looks like Terre has really followed through. He has earned my esteem for the changes.Nina, I'm glad your camping experience improved. I hope to see you closing weekend.