Well, back from a wonderful, if rainy, weekend of camping at TRF! The Camp NK&DD banner was flying high, and a good time was had by all!
In lieu of all of the discussion PRIOR to this weekend, I thought I'd give a brief report of the Masquerade Ball.
Venue and Crowd
The venue was quite beautiful! Being in theater, I know that lighting makes a set, and the TRF people did a great job lighting the entire place. Maybe a little TOO light in the food hall - a bit harsh on the eyes and a bit of a shock.
I would say that there were about 325-375 people there. I'm sure that TRF will say otherwise, and if they say more, it will be because people came and then left rather quickly. Sitting on the sides, Lord Scott did a quick head count from room to room, and he came up with about 275 in the hall at one time. Wasn't crowded, but a good size for the room.
(http://i.imgur.com/aCu6rtT.jpg)
Oh, and despite the "21 and up ONLY" designation, there were kids there -
(http://i.imgur.com/K2jAtno.jpg)
Made me worry for some of the double entendre in the play, and my costume, to be totally honest.
Lack of seats! There are only a few benches on either side of the main room, total seating about 20 people. If you want to sit, you better shell out $95 extra for the VIP tickets. This was tough when wearing very tall heels, and a lot of the women I talked to were battling tired feet, especially after a day at faire.
Not enough toilets! The website says that they will sell a max of 600 tickets per ball, with a max of 100 VIP tickets. So, for the potential 500 non-VIP folks, there were THREE stalls to use each for men and women. They were nice, sort of like going in a RV (they were portable, trailer-based), but very cramped and loooong lines to use them. Spent about 30 minutes in line on one trip! So...empty yourself BEFORE you come, lol.
On "What to Wear"...
My strong suggestion - wear something formal, and throw a mask on. If you do, you will be like 70% of the others in attendance. for another 29%, just wear your ren-garb, maybe cleaned and polished up a bit, or accessorized with capes, shawls, etc. and then throw on a mask. Many beautiful dresses and fancy Garb in attendance
(http://i.imgur.com/wfZL7sv.jpg)
(http://i.imgur.com/aCu6rtT.jpg)
"What NOT to wear..."
My outfit - A mashup of a Brazilian Carnivale Samba dancer and Famous Video Game Character (Mileena, since she wears a mask)
(http://i.imgur.com/wWSjbWE.jpg)
Yes, this is what I wore, based on the comments of Terre Albert and others, and my experience with The Labyrinth of Jareth Masquerade Ball in California. I can truly say that my choice of outfits was, ummm, "unique" among the revelers there.
There were maybe 10 people there dressed in something "fantasy", or fantastical, or "other". THANK YOU to the king and queen of hearts!! - your costumes were fantastic and a joy to behold! Maybe they had been to the Ball in LA??
Or...be the 1%! Dress in something unique, creative. fantastical or sexy. Just be prepared to be shunned, ignored, avoided, talked about or made fun of (as I was) by those there dressed in the formal gowns or spiffed-up ren-gear . Many thanks to the nice people who came up and spoke with me anyway! In the end, I'd rather be "uniquely me" and risk being left out than to try and be someone else for the sake of conformity, so I will stand by my choice and live with the potential pariah treatment, lol!
However, consider this as a warning if you are thinking of heading down the 1% path.
Food
We enjoyed it, and it was well done! Lots of hors d'œuvres, all well done and tasty! You won't need to eat dinner before you come, if you don't want to. They kept replenishing it until about 11:00.
By the way, that's when the open bar closes. From 7-11, you can get wine or beer or mead in tiny little cups :) all you want. After 11, its cash or credit card only, and drink will set you back $8!
Entertainment
The entertainment for the evening was a mixed bag. We Really enjoyed "Sirena"(?) a trio of lovely young ladies who sang only to the accompaniment of their own tribal drumming, using a mixture of Djembe's, Doumbek's, large sticks, scottish drums, etc. Not only did they all three drum and sing, they DANCED too, while they did it! I was rather impressed and enjoyed them very much, and thought they fit in with the evening well.
The aerialists were also beautiful and well done, though I felt for them - I've worked with silk aerialists before and know that they can only spend a few moments at a time on the silk, and these girls did a routine that probably lasted 15 minutes. Well done, and I'm sure there were exhausted.
(http://i.imgur.com/PhNw80P.jpg)
I won't say much for the other. There is a loose story line that sort of ties things together, with periodic "scenes" that take place among the actors, Midas, Pan, and Dionysus being the main ones. Due to the nature of the venue, though, (lots of things happening, no seats, no main focus), it was hard to follow the story line, and hard to hear over the crowd. Every one was miked up, but they weren't necessarily well managed, and the equipment was less than stellar (as we say in the business, "No highs, no lows - must be Bose!"). The music played throughout the venue was very good and sounded better than the speaking voices, though.
Because of this, I think the story line and individual scenes were somewhat lost on the crowd in general. When I asked around to see if i could fill in the gaps, no one could really tell me what happened or where we were in the story (Or as one Scottsman said, "Who the F___ cares? There's FREE BOOZE!!"). THis makes me a little sad, because I know how hard the actors have worked on their parts, and would like to know that they are contributing to the evening. So, I will say, THANKS, ACTORS!! You did a good job, even if folks were tuning you out a bit.
A suggestion - maybe lower the house lights somewhat dramatically each time a scene is about to start? Or change the music dramatically? Something like that to let folks know that the serialized drama is about to have another installment MAY get people to pause and enjoy the scene better. Maybe these things were done, but if so it was very subtle. Also, maybe touch up the writing a bit? Not the strongest piece of the performance, IMO, and could be easily tightened up, made funnier, more menacing, etc. with a slight tweak-up re-write.
Costumes were fantastic! Pan looked great! But I always think of Pan as a super masculine, ultra-randy figure, but that night he seemed to only have eyes for Dionysus, ahem...
So, there you have it. Hope these insights help.
The crowd thinned out significantly after 11, and only the Die Hard party-ers were left. After it was all said and done, I'm glad we went, once. I would have changed my expectations and dressed differently had I known the above info. Maybe I would have carried my own camp chair, lol, and when I had to "go", just got in my car and driven to the closest port-o-john back in the camp area, lol.
We probably wouldn't attend again. The entry is quite steep at $154 for a pair of the base rate tickets, and we were hoping for something quite a bit more magical and fantastical, rather than formal and "reception" like.
Maybe the cost is keeping the younger, energetic and more daring folks out?
Then again, you don't have to be young to be energetic, fantastical and daring! (At over 50, I'm definitely proof of that!)
THE END
(http://i.imgur.com/UhLNn0o.jpg)
(I DID say it was a Brazilian Carnivale outfit. This is what they wear!)
I can understand your confusion about the unstated dress code here; the name "king Midas Masquerade" does seem to infer a more licentious atmosphere than what you described.
I had also assumed as much from the press; and I, for one, would not have been at all surprised to see more of the guests dressed as you were.
However, this is in it's first year, and growing pains are to be expected. Sounds like they need a good stage director though; your suggestions are solid.
Here, we have the Annual Groundhog Prom (in it's 30th year) pretty similar in description to the Jareds Labyrinth fete... and maybe a little racier.
Nothing but fantasy costumes (though full court dress Elizabethans have shown up) over 21 attendance is strictly enforced; mostly because of the yearly body-paint-only attendees, and the alcohol being served.
A the Groundhog Prom, everything goes: From serious Con class Steampunk, 17th century Venetian and Brazilian Carnivale to Vegas Showgirls and boys. It's adult Halloween in February.
Is that the direction they want King Midas's Masquerade to go? I imagine they will do whatever is needed to sell tickets.
Thanks Barbarian Queen I'm really sad to hear you were made fun of from the picture you look stunting and I would certainly have come up and told you so. Because of the price I decide to wait and see what people, special people like you whose opinion I've come to trust, thought before spending that type of money and time away from friends. Maybe as the season goes on people will get more of an idea and the show will smooth out opening first shows are always difficult. I'm not going to make it back till 7th and 8th weekend depending on what people say I might go then. The price doesn't bother me so much as investing four or five hours away from friends I only see a few times a year. I really need to stop at Camp NK&DD some time and say hello.
When I read "What not to wear" and saw your picture, I was confused for a minute, and didn't realize you were showing a picture of yourself... I thought it was someone you came across at the ball. And I thought, "I don't know what she's talking about; that costume is amazing." LOVE IT! You look fabulous!
Quote from: AngieT on October 13, 2014, 01:25:17 PM
When I read "What not to wear" and saw your picture, I was confused for a minute, and didn't realize you were showing a picture of yourself... I thought it was someone you came across at the ball.
THanks, Angie! You're so sweet to say so! I'll clear up my original post. God forbid someone would think I was being harshly critical of someone ELSE'S garb!!! That's just not my way :)
And upon further thought -
I do hope that TRF can find some way to encourage it to be more fantastical and fantasy based. That would pave the way for a whole lot more forms of entertainment options, as well as self-expression amongst the guest.
I was also hoping for some more interaction with the host characters, and that there would be more "street theater" style improv and involvement. I would love to have had a chance to dance with Pan, or go up onto the stage area with Midas, or more interaction with the "Satyr Serfs" (what we called the servants of Pan who did a lot of the stage set-up, movement of set-pieces, etc.) Or with the nymphs, who were so cute in their costumes, but failed to engage us "mortals".
Maybe its just opening jitters? Shyness on the part of what would seem to be amateur actors in a new type of setting? I would have loved to engage in some improv audience participation, or a script in which audience members play a part. Somehow, "limbo" and the bunny hop conga line just seemed waaaaay too "real world" and I've-done-this-at-every-lame-wedding-reception-for-30-years for a Mystical Masquerade Ball.
As far a theatrical staging - more "'transporting experience" effects and dramatic moments. TRF obviously paid a ton for the nice ETC LED par cans and other solid theatrical fixtures - it would be a minimal investment to by a few more things and be able to create -
- An indoor thunder and lightning storm, complete with earth shaking thunder (probably need different subwoofers than the Bose, though, lol)
- Kill the white lights, Haze the room and have a "Pan's Delirium" laser light dance segment with "Scary Monsters and Nice Sprites" by Skrillex (Might get some of the Rave Campers on board!). We can all throw ourselves into a little laser and dubstep euphoria on the dance floor!
http://www.youtube.com/embed/mMvq44Bvr-w?rel=0&start=293&end (http://www.youtube.com/embed/mMvq44Bvr-w?rel=0&start=293&end=800&autoplay=0)
- A blue-lit "Frozen" moment with low-lying foggers filling the dance floor/stage with thick chilled floor fog, and a female vocalist
(http://www.creativebackstage.com/creativebackstage/xavier%2005%202.jpg)
- Use projected video to create moments of tension or scariness in the drama. Use that sound and light system! Tweak the script to include such highly dramatic moments. In Labyrinth of Jareth ball, a full size dragon appears and scares the daylights out of folks.
(http://s3-media2.fl.yelpcdn.com/bphoto/QNuRq7PxEt6fM4X8HFdZSw/ls.jpg)
TRF thoughfully made the walls of the main room white - a perfect projection surface!!! The entire inside of that room could become anything you wanted it to be, from out under the stars to some fantastical place in the clouds to a flaming cavern full of Pan's minions.
(http://www.digitalprojection.com/news/images/potm_RadioCity3_0412.jpg)
Etc, lol
My point is, I wanted to be swept away into a magical world, but we just didn't quite get there. Maybe others DID feel that way?
However, I think it would be incredibly easy TO get there with some creative leadership and a minimal investment.
Would love to hear more comments and reports from other attendees! Don't let my singular opinion be the only one on here.
Quote from: Rowen MacD on October 13, 2014, 12:54:40 PM
I can understand your confusion about the unstated dress code here; the name "king Midas Masquerade" does seem to infer a more licentious atmosphere than what you described.
I had also assumed as much from the press; and I, for one, would not have been at all surprised to see more of the guests dressed as you were.
However, this is in it's first year, and growing pains are to be expected. Sounds like they need a good stage director though; your suggestions are solid.
Here, we have the Annual Groundhog Prom (in it's 30th year) pretty similar in description to the Jareds Labyrinth fete... and maybe a little racier.
Nothing but fantasy costumes (though full court dress Elizabethans have shown up) over 21 attendance is strictly enforced; mostly because of the yearly body-paint-only attendees, and the alcohol being served.
A the Groundhog Prom, everything goes: From serious Con class Steampunk, 17th century Venetian and Brazilian Carnivale to Vegas Showgirls and boys. It's adult Halloween in February.
Is that the direction they want King Midas's Masquerade to go? I imagine they will do whatever is needed to sell tickets.
Rowen, that is exactly what I was thinking when preparing for the Ball. Your Groundhog Prom looks like fun! (looked it up). Now I want to go!!! Maybe I wouldn't be out of place :(
And Sir Richard, what you said is exactly right - I LOVE hanging out in the campground, going to bonfire, see folks, etc. The Ball needs to be pretty amazing and a unique experience to get me to give that up.
Lord Scott said it, about halfway through -
"It's like standing outside of the Prince of Wales and talking to Queen Bonnie and the gang in their ren-garb after the parade. Only, it's under a roof, late at night, and costs $154..."
Thanks for the review. I already bought our tickets to the ball for closing weekend, but keep wondering if the VIP upgrades are at all worth it (another $200 for a couple? Yeesh!).
Quote from: Riff Raff on October 13, 2014, 05:14:26 PM
Thanks for the review. I already bought our tickets to the ball for closing weekend, but keep wondering if the VIP upgrades are at all worth it (another $200 for a couple? Yeesh!).
If Terre and whoever is in charge of the production are worth their salt, they will have found ways to get feedback from attendees and then tweak the production as they go. By closing, it may be a very different experience.
I throw out a challenge to all attendees - MAKE IT SOMETHING SPECIAL! Those of you with a creative bent, go for it!
My only complaint about what you wore to the Ball would be that I would not have recognized you; the dark hair, you know :o. Every picture I've seen of you was blonde, blonde and blonde. ;D
Thanks for the review. I won't be making it to the ball this year, but have family that will. Hopefully some of your suggestions will see action, particularly about seating and lighting for atmosphere.
I know this is considered a horrible question around these parts, but is there soda or anything served or is it only alcohol? (hey, if I don't drink it, then there's more for the rest of ya', right?)
Barbarian Queen - thank you so much for the insightful review. I feel confident Terre will take your comments under consideration and forward them to the appropriate personnel. Your costume was very beautiful, and I cannot imagine that anyone should have spoken unfavorably about your appearance given that it is a fantasy themed ball. You look superb. Do you have any shots of Lord Scott in his attire that you can share?
I probably will not be able to attend the Masquerade Ball this year, but look forward to it in the future. I do hope some of your suggestions are reviewed and implemented. Nicely done!
I'm personally thinking about going on Barbarian weekend, as my minotaur character Asterion, the king of mythological creatures [at Middlefaire]. I'm going to be a little bit nervous though, out of all the photos I saw posted online, I didn't see anyone but the performers/staff dressed as satyrs and similar.....although on the flip side, it could be an interesting meeting between Pan and my minotaur character (who actually worships Pan as his deity).
BQ-You would fit in, that's a given at the Groundhog Prom ;)-the theme is 'Come as you aren't'. Fantasy alter egos are encouraged.
The setting is not as glorious as the Midas hall, and it has only rudimentary nightclub props and atmosphere, but it only costs- $10.00 to get in-tickets can, and do, sell out. You have to buy your own drinks, and food vending varies-if it's available.
The reason that the prom is so popular-is that, beside being a tradition-pretty much anything goes as long as it's legal. This has evolved into an adult, non-PG party/cosplay event over the years. It gets going and stays going under it's own steam.
From the review by Barbarian Queen: There seems to be some (ok, a lot) of confusion among the guests about what was expected of them. If people don't know what to do, then they become uncomfortable.
A little history:
During the 18th century, Masquerade Balls were very structured: On the invitation-People were told what the theme was; i.e. "A midsummer Night's Dream', and asked to stick with that dress. That way everybody knew what to expect, nobody was excluded, and they all became part of the entertainment. No stress.
I think it would help for the time being if Midas Ball picked a theme and stuck with it; like themed weekends at the faire. The exception being that the guests of the Ball would be expected to make some sort of effort to come in the appropriate costume, more like they are on cast, rather than Playtrons.
If the Midas ball wishes to stick with Greek mythology for now; then the guests would be better served to be encouraged to join in and dress appropriately-like fauns, nymphs, gods, goddesses, and heros of old. The setting would be a posh party, ala ancient Rome-complete with an excess of entertainment and food. Much more suitable seating will be needed, couches and padded benches, as well as places to set your drinks down, etc.
No ren garb, no formal evening wear and NO children ( I would not have believed that one if BQ hadn't posted that picture of the fairygirl... Really folks?)
If they want to go all fantasy, ala Jared's Masquerade (perfectly understandable) they need to decide now. They can keep Midas and his court; but perhaps repurpose some of the other rooms into alternate environments.. BQ has some really good ideas.
Quote from: Rowen MacD on October 14, 2014, 01:10:55 PM
Much more suitable seating will be needed, couches and padded benches, as well as places to set your drinks down, etc.
Rowen, your post is dead on! I agree with all your observations, and was hoping some "directions" would be given out by TRF management that would help us attendees enjoy the Ball better. To be honest, I think they were (and maybe still ARE) exploring what they really want to be as far as the actual production of the evening.
The seats, thing, though...gotta have more seats!!!
Here's a photo of the benches - they are two-seaters, and there were about 10 in the main hall, I think, 5 along each wall -
(http://i.imgur.com/h94Jv29.jpg)
The rather down-looking posture was becaus by this time my feet were killing me, lol!
If you wanted to sit, you had to wait and then nab one of the bench spots, somewhat like musical chairs, now that I think about it. If you ever got up - it was a goner!
There were cafe' style standing height tables scattered about, so there were places to set you drinks and chat with others.
I appreciate the report, Barbarian Queen. Unfortunately, you experienced some of the things I was worried about when details of the venue started to emerge.
I had worked bars, clubs, and event management for 10 years before moving to TX, and offered my assistance to Dan and Terre last season, free of charge.
When they started talking about the size of the venue, I wondered how they would handle seating, as well as how they would manage the focus, since there was going to be a stage production. I have no doubt that the performers did well, and it is a shame that they might have been somewhat ignored.
I do hope the powers that be are able to adapt quickly to improve things. The Masquerade should be a flagship event, but right now it seems a bit directionless.
Be well.
S
BQ- Agreed, there needs to be a LOT more benches-those are concrete? Pending being able to afford and aquire many more, the management will need to get creative to supply adequate guest seating. wooden benches, folding chairs, etc.
For the expected attendance-they need transient seating for at least 100 in the main hall, to keep the paying customers comfortable. Even assuming that about half the patrons will be standing at any time, there needs to be readily available seating for at least 200-300.; meaning the kind (like the wall benches) that are meant for short rest stops, not long term sit-there-all-night conversation groups.
If they keep the bistro tables well away from the seating areas, then folks won't be tempted to camp out like they do at nightclubs, and the bench turnover will be steady.
Glad to finally see a review, it's been strangely quiet. Based on photos of a mostly empty spaces I guess it was a little underwhelming.
Thanks for the feedback, while I won't reply to all the comments I will give them to the right people.
One that I do need to correct was the one about the kid. Actually she was 21 as I personally carded her. Don't judge a book by its cover.
Thanks again and hope we can live up to the hype!
For a few more reviews got to: https://www.facebook.com/TexRenFestMasqueradeBall?hc_location=timeline (https://www.facebook.com/TexRenFestMasqueradeBall?hc_location=timeline)
Most people were very happy with the night but we will learn and change as needed.
For a better representation of what people were wearing at the Ball go Here: http://wwc.photoreflect.com/store/thumbpage.aspx?e=9416025 (http://wwc.photoreflect.com/store/thumbpage.aspx?e=9416025)
Additional Seating is being added to the main Ball Room this weekend.
Quote from: Zardoz on October 15, 2014, 01:42:34 PM
Glad to finally see a review, it's been strangely quiet. Based on photos of a mostly empty spaces I guess it was a little underwhelming.
zaubon, I wouldn't say "underwhelming". The venue was beautiful, the entertainment talented, the food good, and the crowd "respectable", if not huge.
I guess my expectations were just a bit different. I'm sure it will morph and adjust as they go, to better develop an identity.
I will say this - if it continues to be more of a "reception" feel, with lots of Rennie Playtrons more or les standing around and enjoying the company and the fellowship, it will be doomed to fail.
People will soon realize they can do this around their camps, on their OWN terms, and save the 154, 174, or $370 (!) and just plan an event around their camp.
For it to survive, I believe it will have to develop into something "other"... A magical and transporting experience that is very different from standing around at afire, or in the campground.
Good luck, TRF, I wish you the best!
Hey Terre, thanks for chiming in on my thread!
Good to hear about the seats, that will be an easy addition and a welcome addition.
I hope you take my comments in the spirit in which they were offered - how to inform others and improve the experience!
I wish there was a way that TRF could give a little more advance encouragement and instruction for people to "go for it" and make it something special. Maybe -
- costume contest? Most beautiful or elaborate or fantastical costume gets free passes for a future ball?
- info about the story line online, so people can be a little fore-educated and engaged?
- a "ten ways to best enjoy the Ball" post somewhere on the trf website?
- some vehicle in which the cast can have an excuse to interact with the attendees on a constant basis? A script sub-plot or side story that encourages interaction?
- post photos of the more fantastical or elaborate costumes, so people may be more inclined to do something different ( feel free to use my posted photos! :) )
Anyway, I hope the rest of the year goes well!
From the book of faces...Apparently the TABC didn't like the free happy hour last night and told TRF that they would have to charge for drinks. Terre is working on a solution and will try to have it corrected this week. Just an FYI for those, like me, who are going next weekend. I was going to bring cash anyway to tip the bartenders with...now I'll bring a bit extra just in case.
Oops ! there's some extra excitement for your money !
One would think a company that basically runs a 50 acre bar would have that sort of thing figured out.
So they want the Ball to have the same rules as the faire? I would think they would have stated that when they issued the permit. ::)
I wonder if the local cops had an issue with one of the attendees?
Direct from Facebook: Terre Albert - "Just left our meeting with TABC, issue resolved. Back to the best party in town."
Quote from: Rowen MacD on October 20, 2014, 10:07:20 AM
So they want the Ball to have the same rules as the faire? I would think they would have stated that when they issued the permit. ::)
I wonder if the local cops had an issue with one of the attendees?
Down here in the Bible Belt, there are some rather odd practices. Arkansas also disallows "free" drinks. There are ways around it. Arkansas has some dry counties, some wet, and I believe Texas is the same way. We even have some cities that are dry in certain areas, as is Dallas. We used to have a restaurant that would have a happy hour with "twofers" and "threefers." The ABC stepped in and put a halt to that.
Texas booze law is 'challenging' , and indeed sometimes open to interpretation... So are the stories about this incident ????
But, glad it's back under control, albeit just in time for no refusal weekend
The night we went, a lady had to be physically helped to some place where she could lay down (I'm assuming). And this was about an hour into the ball :).
I think it was about 9:15 or so, maybe as late as 9:45 - we were coming out of the food tent, and she was headed in, with two gentlemen on either side. She was barely awake, and the men were basically dragging her feet towards the bathroom area. Maybe there's a place to lie down there? a Medical tent? Or, maybe they just took her out the smoking area and dumped her in a ditch.
I always wonder - how does one get so drunk so fast? I've sat at a table at the Sea devil and downed an entire bottle of mead by myself over the course of an hour, and though I'm pretty "three sheets to the wind", i can talk, function, and walk about if need be.
Just ignore my jokes, though, when in that state - despite the fact that I'm laughing my own butt off, they won't really be very funny...
Lack of food and dehydration will take a person down quick, especially if they don't drink much anyway. I have to make sure I eat before drinking alcohol or I will be out of the game quickly.
We had a gentleman come by our camp Sunday night. He heard us whooping it up and came over for a looksee. The man had been camping 12 years and never had Loki before( :o) so we set up a Loki Tasting for him. Well, it turned into a Loki attack when he got poured double shots of seven different Loki's. I stopped it after shot number six...I looked over at him and said "There's a second part to Loki's name...Revenge...we'll talk about that in the morning" Within 20 minutes, "Steve" FELL OUT OF A CAMP CHAIR. :o We put a bottle of water in his hands, walked him to his trailer and poured him in. We went by a few times, later on, to make sure he was still breathing.
Monday morning broke and around 9am "Steve" came out of his trailer looking like death warmed over. I grabbed a bottle of loki and strolled over to his campsite. I hailed him and got a bleary eyed response... " Steve, i told you last night that we'd talk about the "Revenge" part this morning...you remember that and do you know what i meant?" " I do now..." I handed him the loki and smiled " This is for you...try this when you can relax and not have it poured down your throat..." The guy acted like i gave him a bottle of gold. :D
Quote from: BarbarianQueen on October 27, 2014, 03:20:49 PM
The night we went, a lady had to be physically helped to some place where she could lay down (I'm assuming). And this was about an hour into the ball :).
I think it was about 9:15 or so, maybe as late as 9:45 - we were coming out of the food tent, and she was headed in, with two gentlemen on either side. She was barely awake, and the men were basically dragging her feet towards the bathroom area. Maybe there's a place to lie down there? a Medical tent? Or, maybe they just took her out the smoking area and dumped her in a ditch.
I always wonder - how does one get so drunk so fast? I've sat at a table at the Sea devil and downed an entire bottle of mead by myself over the course of an hour, and though I'm pretty "three sheets to the wind", i can talk, function, and walk about if need be.
Just ignore my jokes, though, when in that state - despite the fact that I'm laughing my own butt off, they won't really be very funny...
Dehydration, not enough to eat, even inexperienced drinkers-sure; but face it-some folks just don't know when to stop. They either don't know how, or are unwilling to pace themselves.
Every time they drink they just keep going until they literally drop. With an open bar I imagine you can expect to see this frequently.
Terre, I have a quick question (and wasn't sure where to ask, so I'm trying here). I noticed on the TRF Masquerade website it listed a "Commemorative party favor" under things included with the general invitation (not the golden ticket). What is this party favor? My husband and I went last weekend, and must have missed getting ours (or got it and didn't realize it somehow.)
On a side note, we had a good time! The only thing I could even come close to complaining about would be not bringing a shawl for the chilly temps (but with so many people, and people drinking, I totally get why it was so chilly! :) )
Can you give me the link where is says that? We do offer a bottle of wine and a Wine Stopper to the VIP but we don't have an item for GA. Any help finding that mistake would be appreciated. Thanks
Sure, it was on the page that comes up when you click "buy tickets"
http://www.texrenfest.com/masquerade-ball/buy-tickets (http://www.texrenfest.com/masquerade-ball/buy-tickets)
I wanted to post my opinions after going to the ball last Saturday:
I did the VIP Golden Ticket for the ball, for point of information.
I think the event is SO much worth the money! I had a BLAST! As planned, I went as my minotaur character from Middlefaire, King Asterion....was going to wear my crown with the mask but couldn't find it for some reason (I actually think I may have left it at home.). It was a bit confusing on where to go for Will Call, and even before I could get there, they wanted to take my photo. So I went in circles a little bit to get everything done. The VIP room is VERY nice, I sat at one of the tables, but the other seating locations looked very inviting!
I'm not a big alcohol drinker.....truthfully I drunk more than I have ever done (and that was one glass of mead during the day, a glass of champaign for the toast in the VIP lounge, and a glass of the wine they gave the VIP Golden Ticket holders (I wanted to taste it!)), but was happy to be able to get soda and water for free. (I brought money expecting to pay for that to begin with, a pleasant surprise!)
I went out into the main area just before the event started and there was some interactions, but not a whole lot until after the ball started. There was a nice interaction between Pan and myself, pretty much calling me their cousin....and Midas did come by and say hello to me. There was a lot of nice music played during the ball itself (including some songs that I wanted to say "they're really playing THAT song?" I'm not complaining, at least one of them was so unexpected that I found it cute! And one of them had a nice reference done by a few of the characters.)
I was able to get a photo with Pan, and initially I thought the photo didn't take (thankfully another nice ball patron was able to get a second photo for me later in the evening), but found it hiding on my phone camera....albeit a bit dark in regards to the brightness of the photo.....but at least it took! I do think I got a bit more than others might have, because of the outfit I was in, including one of the satyrs did drag me into a couple of the dances throughout the evening and another trying to play with my horns (I think that's what he was doing?).
Personally, I had a GREAT time. I even have a friend that wants to go in a couple of years when he gets to 21 years old, and is probably going to go with me as either a satyr or a minotaur, we haven't decided yet. He keeps saying he watches the video that was posted last week (that encouraged me to upgrade to the VIP ticket!) and wishes he was 21 already. I'm looking forward to taking him to the masquerade ball in two years and by then, hopefully it'll be EVEN better?
Anyway, I highly recommend the masquerade ball to those that are still sitting on the fence about going! And if you can afford it, DO THE VIP! I havn't opened the wine yet, probably won't until early next year (due to a lot of different reasons, including a two week cruise) and the wine stopper is REALLY nice!
Thanks for the review Clayton, I'm sure in a few year it will be even more Magical. The video link King Midas Masquerade Ball (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=CR-XP5UHQDs#ws)
I just wanted to clear the air of the 21 age and over policy that the Masquerade Ball had. I was trying to look for more information about this years Masquerade ball and I came across this website. I saw your photos and that photo that you took thinking it was a child is a friend of mine and she is in fact over the age of 21. She is actually older then me and I was standing next to her in the white dress. I hope I am not being rude that is really not why I am responding. I just wanted to be clear that they were serious on the 21 and up restriction and carded her even though she is over 21. BTW I appreciate seeing the photos of us since we didn't take them while we were there so its good to see what other people thought. :-) so thank you and I hope there is no misunderstanding.
Ummm...from a post in this thread a year ago...
Quote from: Terre Albert on October 15, 2014, 01:46:43 PM
Thanks for the feedback, while I won't reply to all the comments I will give them to the right people.
One that I do need to correct was the one about the kid. Actually she was 21 as I personally carded her. Don't judge a book by its cover.
Thanks again and hope we can live up to the hype!
For a few more reviews got to: https://www.facebook.com/TexRenFestMasqueradeBall?hc_location=timeline (https://www.facebook.com/TexRenFestMasqueradeBall?hc_location=timeline)
Most people were very happy with the night but we will learn and change as needed.
I do apologize for this inconvenience. I really did not mean to be rude if that is what I was portraying and I did not see that post so thank you for clearing that up for me. I just did not want the Masquerade to be seen as not a place that did not follow the rules. Again I apologize for my inconvenience. BTW awesome costume I wish more people did dress up for the masquerade was way too boring when no one dressed up. Again sorry for the inconvenience.