we are in a constant review and reassessment of the faire, its entertainment, operations, soul and spirit, grounds, etc.
thus, we seek your invaluable input continually.
some things we can handle asap. some may be addressed as the faire goes along. some still may have to wait until after the faire...
but we want to hear from you.
so, what's fantastic? what's working? what needs improvement? and what just isn't cutting it?
all comments are appreciated
hugs and huzzah!
rengypsy
I love that there the Dragon's Kitchen booth down by the joust now! Makes it very convenient for us vendors in that area!
The new gardens look fantastic :)
Only complaint is Saxon Moon seems to play to loudly.
Well, seems like there was lots of new stuff this year, and I know we didn't get everywhere we wanted to go.
Pathways are the only thing that jumped out at me. They seemed less defined than last year, but that may just be psychological. It might be helpful to put down additional mulch to define the direction you want to lead the patrons in, and in addition, it would provide additional padding to tired feet. At least one spot that I saw had a hollow stump (cut pretty flush to the ground) that might could cause a twisted ankle should a small foot step in it.
I might have been better directed to visit all the shoppes had I not felt like I was wandering aimlessly. Does that make any sense?
I did not have a problem with the huge cockleburrs in the parking lot like I did last year. That was good! I can't honestly say that I have any complaints. The atmosphere of everything is amazing. We brought a total of 4 new visitors in on Saturday, and they totally loved it!
More "flushie" privies (tired of hearing boss-wench complain!).
Probably more of a vendor's responsibility then the faires' but for those butt-numbing cold days some patio heaters by the tables would be nice.
Entrance gate. I noticed on opening day (i.e. busy days) it tended to get bogged down as lines for tickets and lines to get in started to blend into each other. Entrance gate just seems too small and if the faire gets a high number of visitors it could get nasty crowded.
More choices at the pub for us weekend booze connoisseurs please. (just threw that one in hoping for the best ;D )
Agree with Hercules on the entrance gate, I think as the attendance grows crowding could become an issue there. I think maybe putting a stand alone ticket kiosk out front (like TRF) would be a good plan too, on opening day I heard a lady in mundanes complain that she couldn't find or get up to the ticket window because of the crowd. The regulars don't care, but it would be a shame if somebody new had a negative attitude about the whole faire because they couldn't get their tickets fast enough . You can never be sure what will set people off, I remember reading some stuff about the Celtic Fest where folks condemmed the whole event because of stuff like some food vendor ran out of shepard's pie before they got one. ::)
The faire dosen't have control over this, but I wish there was a way to get the county to blacktop Old Potato Road and at least part of old 20. Again this is something that I worry colors peoples first perceptions about the faire, and may be an issue in the future as traffic increases.
Inside the gate, I can't really think of anything I don't like, the setting, entertainers, cast and general feel of the place is why I keep coming back.
Suggestions:
A pathway from Camping to the front gate. ( I really do want to see the gates open wide from that side at least once. ;D )
At the feast, there were VERY few times that I couldn't hear...oh and salt and pepper on the table would have been nice.
Ummm.....yeah...that's about it! Thank you, to everyone, for putting on such a wonderful faire!
I actually like the bumpy dirt road leading to Sherwood. I'll always remember the first time driving down it, with the canopy of trees over the road. It was like going back in time and I felt it set the stage. It was magic. Silly, I know, but every time I come to Sherwood I look forward to the "time travel" road.
Funny, Magpie, but I almost feel the same way. The first time I saw it I thought, "Oh, Jeez!" But it wasn't so bad. I don't know if it gets treacherous in wet weather, so that would be something to consider. Maybe when the county coffers start filling up with all the revenue that SWFF is generating, they might decide to help out!
The only other thing I can think of at the moment is Transporter service between my house and the front parking area...
Smaller souvener mugs (as my Lovely Lady suggested Sunday). We collect them from every faire we go to, every year we go and lately we have sought out the smallest ones possible just because it is getting to be a tight squeeze getting them into the house. Without small ones we may have to stop collecting them just based on space issues.
Road signs of some sort. I spend a lot of time giving directions and it would be far easier if I had something like that to point out to mundanes.
A camping supply store in the camp area. With some minor things like hand warmers, patches for air mattresses, duck tape and propane. Not really a full blown store but something to help out with those annoyances that pop up any time one is camping. It would save a lot of trouble (and possibly lives from traffic) of going out into the weird mundane world when something breaks or something is forgotten.
*Rum. OK, I always end with a rum post but this is a real one. Is there any way to get a liquor license and sell hard liquor without a huge amount of hassle? Possibly stocked with some hard to find things like Ron Zacapa rum or some such as that, not the regular basic stuff that many bring already.*
I do also want to point out that I spent all day trying to think of suggestions and this was all I could come up with.
Shows how fantastic our little faire is.
*Rum! It's what's for breakfast!*
Teach, thanks for the reminder of one thing: the big beautiful sign would be better placed at the main property entrance rather than the campground entrance, or another big sign. I knew where the entrance was, but some friends meeting us there did not see the entrance.
Better signs and more clear lane area.
Quote from: *Teach* on February 21, 2012, 04:23:52 PM
A camping supply store in the camp area. With some minor things like hand warmers, patches for air mattresses, duck tape and propane. Not really a full blown store but something to help out with those annoyances that pop up any time one is camping. It would save a lot of trouble (and possibly lives from traffic) of going out into the weird mundane world when something breaks or something is forgotten.
The Whoop Stop on Highway 21 has a good selection. Just about 3 miles from the faire area. I recommend their sub sandwiches, baby-back ribs, and beef brisket. I believe they give a discount for SWFF Participants. They also have a WiFi hotspot.
Establishing a dedicated camping supply store onsite has to take a large risk. What products will be in demand on a given weekend? Approved firepits is probably high on the list, but what other stockpiles are needed? Tampons, cigarettes, condoms, firewood, propane tanks, etc. come to mind. Do you have any idea on how many varieties of tampons are popular? If we stock a mass of something, will it get sold? Remember that whatever gets stockpiled, the owner has to pay taxes on the inventory at the fiscal year end. My Son wanted to setup just such a supply store on year one, but I gave him the reality check.
We have no objection to an individual who wants to setup a camping supply shop in the campgrounds. We just don't want to take the financial risk.
Quote from: LadyJessica on February 21, 2012, 01:46:22 PM
Suggestions:
A pathway from Camping to the front gate. ( I really do want to see the gates open wide from that side at least once. ;D )
You have a path from the campgrounds to the entrance behind the Pub. No need to go to the front gate.
The only possible way that you could make a store like that work would be by agreement with another retailer somewhere that would allow you to consign the entire inventory. There's no question that to try to stock "all the options" would be financial suicide in a non-consignment arrangement.
I kept seeing the Whoop Stop sign, but never actually saw the Whoop Stop. Where the heck was it on 21?
Quote from: LadyJessica on February 21, 2012, 01:46:22 PM
Suggestions:
A pathway from Camping to the front gate. ( I really do want to see the gates open wide from that side at least once. ;D )
We just drive around from campgrounds to the parking lot for opening, then sometime during the day, drive back to camp. And, yes, Lady Jessica, you should see opening at front gate; the entertainment starts there before cannon. :)
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on February 21, 2012, 08:03:03 PM
I kept seeing the Whoop Stop sign, but never actually saw the Whoop Stop. Where the heck was it on 21?
If you are on 21, don't turn onto the big highway, just go past the entrance about 1/2 mile and it's on the left. Last year we, too, were curious and just drove that way to see where it was.
I appreciate some of the things that are NOT in Sherwood:
> No bungie jumping what ever you call it. Those are pretty much a "kids only/mundane" attraction that is annoying.
> No rock climbing tower.
I like that so much of what resides in Sherwood is as period as can be.
Items for consideration:
> Path/road from main parking lot to camp ground (already on the to-do list).
> Expand the size (more lanes) of the front gate (already suggested).
> Additional entrance to the main parking lot from Old Hwy 20. I can see a time when only one way in/out could become a log-jam.
> More benches/picnic tables in the forest area that is in the seven sisters vicinity. Places to sit, chat, sip, chew, etc.......
> At some point in time, a pavillon in the camp ground area would be nice. I know the clans like to hang together in the evenings, but something similar to the Jersalem Pub (without an sales booth) would be a cool place for multiple persons/clans to come together in the evenings. Maybe that could be a future project where different clan members could donate labor in the building phase.
Paved or improved parking. Not for the cars, but for those that make frequent trips to their vehicles. It was quite a hike over very rough (huge rocks) terrain.
Slightly improved paths inside.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on February 21, 2012, 04:37:46 PM
Teach, thanks for the reminder of one thing: the big beautiful sign would be better placed at the main property entrance rather than the campground entrance, or another big sign. I knew where the entrance was, but some friends meeting us there did not see the entrance.
The problem is, the Faire owns the land where the two billboards are located. The Faire doesn't own the land along Old Potato Road. The Faire would have to lease the land in order to move the billboards there. In addition, at the present location, we can setup a generator to power the illumination at night. I think a generator setup along Old Potato Road would disappear quickly.
That does pose somewhat of a dilemma, doesn't it. Maybe I should buy the land, build a house, and in exchange for season passes for Nim and I each year, I could grant you an easement for your sign. I wish it were that simple...
Quote from: RenStarr on February 22, 2012, 11:10:56 AM
I appreciate some of the things that are NOT in Sherwood:
> No bungie jumping what ever you call it. Those are pretty much a "kids only/mundane" attraction that is annoying.
> No rock climbing tower.
And NO bird-faced dude ringing bells to loud canned music! >:(
But I like the bird-faced dude.
*Especially after a bit of rum*
I know, Teach...I'm in a minority. It's just that he belongs in the county fair, not a Renaissance faire.
Hey now... Bird Faced Dude can't be knocked ;) He as an awesome CD cover or two by the good Lady Stalkwell!
Seriously, not much to comment on. There are too many good aspecs of Sherwood to list... that's an excellent thing. As for the improvements, I'll put the wife to work on that... she's good at details.
Stalk well... and listen to more bells ;D
I happen to like the birdman a great deal. In fact he is what kept us coming back to faire for some years, then it became more than that and now I am an addict. Plus if not for him I would never met such fine folk as you and Nim, Merlin. Nor would I have met so many fine people that I now call friends. So go easy on the birdguy. Besides I like the bells. ;D But it is also nice to attend a faire now and again where he isnt. Just sayin'.
Aww...I like the bell ringing bird guy at TRF...... Gives me something to do between Circa Paleo shows ;)
BTW ! I heard a nice radio spot for the faire this morning in Houston.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on February 22, 2012, 07:07:14 PM
I know, ... ...I'm in a minority. It's just that he belongs in the county fair, not a Renaissance faire.
It's not him—I actually like the concept—, it's the setting. now, enough of the thread hijacking... ;)
I've been racking my brains trying to come up with problems that need solving (besides any that may be listed here) and I can't think of any. The worst issue I had last year, the super-soft dusty paths, were apparently corrected during the week between opening and the second weekend last year.
Regarding being the third year: the oldest faire that we attended last year was in its 35th year. From all indications,
its cast was tiny compared to Sherwood Forest. When we step into SWFF, we feel like we're entering a different world. There are creatures in the trees, or skulking about. No other faire that I've been to has the fae/fantasy creatures in such abundance. It turns off the outside world for me.
We were only there for one weekend last year, yet I had vendors recognize me and greet me like a long-lost cousin. Having George and RenGypsy greet me personally...well, it really made me feel like I was someone special.
Whatever blemishes Sherwood Forest has, they are lost in the glare of the beauty and atmosphere of a wondrous place...
I agree that there needs to be more gathering/resting type spots with larger amounts of tables. I hate to compare to TRF, but a place or two like Sea Devil would be nice.
Walking up that hill to go to The Trip is rough enough, but then the layout and seating is not conducive for having lots of people gather together.
At least build something down by the joust that will accommodate a large group of folks with a bar close by that sells waters and cokes along with beer and mead. One needs only look at The Sea Devil to see what a busy and profitable place it is.
My only other suggestion(which comes too late for many of us) is to NOT add more clan camping right on top of existing clan camping. After being told we had to move our original spot, only to find out it was given to others after much work, we deliberately went to the very end of what we were told would be the camping area and cleared the land and built our camp. Two (2) days before Sherwood's grand opening a bulldozer was brought in and cleared all the land around us, subsequently destroying all our privacy. And not just close, but directly abutting our area.
After that, more space was dedicated to new clans directly across the street from us. Now we not only have no privacy, we have new upstart clans full of raver type kids that insist on blaring their music very loudly ALL night long.
The only thing that we think could use a monor tweak is that when we came in at 9 AM opening day there were few cars and we honestly thought we were at the staff entrance, so we kept going. Turns out that was the main entrance. There wasn't anyone along the road motioning that this was the main gate. Not sure quite what to say other than maybe a sign that that says, "Main parking" or something along those lines. Being new to the faire we weren't sure where we were going.
This is a pet peeve that I have with a lot of places, and I don't think we had this problem at Sherwoood but I always like to put it out there. Make sure that their are diaper changing places in the bathrooms. I don't want to change my child on a cold cement floor. Also if you have them don't just have them in the women's. Too many times the PP has been out with the fuzzlet and has had a hard time finding a place to change our daughter because the place we are at does not offer a changing spot in the men's bathroom. Some offer a family room, but so many times young punks have taken to using those as their own private party places he can't get in those easily. Not a thing on Sherwood, but a general to anyplace we go.
Quote from: LadyStitch on February 23, 2012, 08:56:24 AM
The only thing that we think could use a monor tweak is that when we came in at 9 AM opening day ... Turns out that was the main entrance... we weren't sure where we were going.
Quote from: mpullen on February 22, 2012, 04:54:28 PM
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on February 21, 2012, 04:37:46 PM
Teach, thanks for the reminder of one thing: the big beautiful sign would be better placed at the main property entrance rather than the campground entrance, or another big sign. I knew where the entrance was, but some friends meeting us there did not see the entrance.
The problem is, the Faire owns the land ...
Both these postings might be referring to the actual Faire parking lot entrance, not Old Potato Road. It is kind of bare looking, especially for first timers. There is a flagger for parking, way down the lane, but I really don't recall the signage at the parking lot entrance from the street. I think there was something, maybe a white sign with black words. Maybe a period pavilion type tent placed at the entrance could catch people's attention.
I would tend to disagree with creating a Sea Devil. The Sea Devil gets so loud that the performers can't be heard. Putting such a thing next to the arena would make the joust have to compete with the noise.
My suggestion would be to improve the main pathways throughout the faire. Mainly, erosion prevention. I understand that the creators would like to keep the forest as natural as possible, but a small compromise should be made for the sake of tired boots tromping through the forest. Plus, stepped path ways would reduce further erosion in other parts of the forest, preserving the floor for many years to come.
we will be improving the paths. thanks for all who have mentioned this.
I would only like more tables to sit at near food places. Some of my favorite munch places have no picnic table sorts to sit down and eat. There were some nice benches added this year but I like picnic tables to eat over so I don't spill messy things on my attire.
Really, that's it. I absolutely love how Sherwood has developed. I wish we lived closer so we could come more often.
Quote from: Lady Kett on February 23, 2012, 06:20:51 PM.... I wish we lived closer so we could come more often.
I mentioned a Transporter earlier, but I don't think they're going to add those just yet... Bastrop doesn't need a town wizard, do they?
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on February 23, 2012, 06:28:14 PM
Quote from: Lady Kett on February 23, 2012, 06:20:51 PM.... I wish we lived closer so we could come more often.
I mentioned a Transporter earlier, but I don't think they're going to add those just yet... Bastrop doesn't need a town wizard, do they?
Oh I am sure they could use a wizard to help keep the weather in check.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on February 23, 2012, 06:28:14 PM
Quote from: Lady Kett on February 23, 2012, 06:20:51 PM.... I wish we lived closer so we could come more often.
I mentioned a Transporter earlier, but I don't think they're going to add those just yet... Bastrop doesn't need a town wizard, do they?
EVERY town needs a wizard. Sign me up for that transporter!
fyi, we built 30 new picnic tables and around 100 benches this season. more to come.
Quotefyi, we built 30 new picnic tables and around 100 benches this season. more to come.
And we do appreciate it!!
Very much so! The extra seating really helps when My Lovely Lady is in shopping mode. Gives me a place to hang out and visit with people whilst I wait.
Along the seating lines, I think a couple of benchs/tables on the faire side of the pub would be great also. The ones on the backside help with crowding but I (and others I am sure) like to sit where I can see out into the faire.
*basically, any place I can sit and sip my rum and visit is pretty awesome*
Dang, I'm having too much fun at Faire, getting ready for Faire, dreaming about Faire right now to do any critiques or suggestions.
After the last weekend, when final laundry is in the washer and tent aired out, I'll think about it then. :-*
MISSING horribly Circa Paleo... I looked forward to it since TRF...got there no dance music no invite to dance and party...Starting to feel the loss of something great. They were the only group who try to draw the audience into the show 100%. Jenny's playing makes you want to dance and even learn to play violin.... That is the only thing I see that is wrong...the rest is AWESOME! But I miss playing with the Elven Hill crowd!
OHHH and Obenhoffs Mead...Bring back the blue bottle!!!!
Quote from: C Dragonworks on February 26, 2012, 09:12:45 PM
MISSING horribly Circa Paleo...
According to the main Sherwood website, sherwoodforestfaire.com, under heading Faire, Entertainment, Independent Acts, Circa Paleo should be there Mar 16, 18, 24-25, and Mar 31-Apr 1. (You might want to check the site for updates, just in case.)
So, there's your reason for making another trip; or two; or three; or :D ;D :D ;D
Another pub at the bottom of the hill near the joust area would be awesome. Going all the way back up the hill for a Bootlegger can get tiresome lol. Also it may have just been me but the sound during the joust seemed low. Other than that, another great time was had.
Quote from: PollyPoPo on February 26, 2012, 09:35:41 PM
Quote from: C Dragonworks on February 26, 2012, 09:12:45 PM
MISSING horribly Circa Paleo...
According to the main Sherwood website, sherwoodforestfaire.com, under heading Faire, Entertainment, Independent Acts, Circa Paleo should be there Mar 16, 18, 24-25, and Mar 31-Apr 1. (You might want to check the site for updates, just in case.)
So, there's your reason for making another trip; or two; or three; or :D ;D :D ;D
Circa Paleo is one of the bands booked to play during the McGonigel's Mucky Duck (all-day)
Saint Patrick's Day Music Event (https://www.mcgonigels.com/emails/stpatricks2012.htm) in Houston on Saturday, 17-MAR-12. So if you're here in Houston, you can see them performing multiple sets that day - along with their belly dancers.
Take Care,
David Baldock
Quote from: C Dragonworks on February 26, 2012, 09:12:45 PM
MISSING horribly Circa Paleo... I looked forward to it since TRF...got there no dance music no invite to dance and party...Starting to feel the loss of something great. They were the only group who try to draw the audience into the show 100%. Jenny's playing makes you want to dance and even learn to play violin.... That is the only thing I see that is wrong...the rest is AWESOME! But I miss playing with the Elven Hill crowd!
Well, I knew since late last year it was gonna be that way, but I'm with you on missing them playing. But I plan on being up there on the 18th, so I'll see them play then.
BTW- I find VaNa MaZi very entertaining, it's a shame that they're not pulling in a bigger crowd.
I liked VaNa MaZi as well, Zardoz. Even bought one of their CDs.
If I may, I'd like to offer something for everyone's consideration. Some of this I base on assumptions, some on experience. Circa Paleo is obviously a very successful act. As such, they would more expensive to hire than an act that has less of a following. Sherwood is growing at a good pace, but is still a young faire. As a past music promoter, I would look at last year's opening weekend attendance and would have to consider cutting some entertainment costs until I felt the early weeks' gate would cover the cost of said entertainment. Remember, this is business.
I'm not privy to attendance statistics, but I can say that this year's opening weekend there was a noticeable increase in numbers. Hopefully the 1/2 price tickets resulted in more than double the people. As gate increases, the chances of being able to afford more expensive entertainment also increases. They're so tightly dependent on each other though, sometimes it's necessary to creep them both up together slowly, that is: better entertainment equals more ticket sales...to a point.
I did enjoy Circa Paleo last year. I would not have minded seeing them again a year later, but I didn't lose any sleep over not seeing them. I would have thought that those who frequent TRF would have been able to live a little longer than a couple months without seeing them again. It's unreasonable to believe that the artists who make up Circa Paleo came out of the gate seasoned professionals with extraordinary stage-presence. It very rarely occurs. At once time, they were like VaNa MaZi, and were struggling to build their show and following. If you aren't supporting new talent, you aren't really helping anyone, in my opinion.
Texas is blessed with several good faires, 2 of them major, and a third, Sherwood, about to take their place beside them. It would seem to be a shame to have Sherwood become nothing more than TRF West or Scarborough South, don't you think? Despite how great those faires are, Sherwood needs to have, and maintain, and identity all its own. Though I've not been a TRF attendee for quite some time, I am a regular to Scarborough. If I could not expect to see different shows at Sherwood, it's very likely that I would not expend the added effort of driving an additional 6 hours to go there. As it is, Sherwood offers me a unique faire experience with the entertainment, and even most of the shoppes, and it will continue to be on my annual list as long as I can afford it.
Then again, I could be all wrong...
Perhaps a nit... but terminating nits with extreme prejudice makes for a great faire ;)
The other night we were trying to direct people to our car, but realized there were no row designations to key off of in the main parking lot.
Might help...
Stalk well...
but we do have row signs numbered...i think...at least we did. will check. thanks for the heads up. on it.
Merlin, The Circa Paleo thing is more about logistics than money. In fact, Kelly, Josh and Jay have been at faire running their coffee and hooka tent, but Jenny has been in California.
Actually, Circa Paleo did basically 'come out of the gate' with a pretty polished show and following! Long story short; Jenny had been in another popular band, 'E-Muzeki'. That band broke up for the various reasons bands do, and some members re-formed as 'Wine & Alchemy' who play at TRF and Scarborough, and Jenny formed Circa Paleo shortly after. Jenny personally had a big following, and even though they were a late entry, not in the programme, the first year it only took a couple of weekends at TRF for them to draw a big crowd.
I love violin, and I really liked to hear Jenny play since the E-Muzeki days, and I enjoy Circa Paleo more, since she is the lead in it. They are all lovely and talented folks, always warm and friendly, remembering my name when we meet, and taking time to talk. And I find the music very soothing and/or energizing as the case may be. Not to be too dramatic, but I'll say having those CDs has really helped me get through some of the crap I've had to deal with in the last year. So yes I do really miss hearing them, but I should say it has not deminished my enjoyment of SWFF.
I agree with you 110% about supporting new talent, Josh recommended I check out VaNa MaZi, and I've been promoting them to folks when I can.
PS: Sorry to hijack the comments and critiques thread!