So as some of you know Toki and I are planning to come to TRF from the frozen Wastelands north of Texas called Colorado for All Hallows Eve. We are driving because that's what we prefer to do this trip. We are leaving on I beleve the 23rd and stopping in Wichia Falls then arriving in Navasota on Friday. What advice can you give us about TRF?
Being we are invading from Colorado where are faire temps run from the very low 50's and freezing rain, to boiling hot triple digit's we can prep for warm or cold. How is the rainy/snow season that time of year. Is it hot and hummid (Humid to a Coloradoan is 45%+ with 90+ degree temp).
How are food and non alcohlic drink prices at TRF and the best safest things to eat. In Colorado we usually eat roast beef sandwiches at faire (Baron o'Beef) and Lemonade (Fresh Squeezed) or Iced tea and water.
Bugs, We know you hav'em. Anyone find ticks, chiggers in faire area or even in camping area (We may visit someone camping) and Skitters. We hav'em in CO but not at faire. Ticks season in CO is March to very early June)
Dirt and dust. Our Colorado dirt is black and during faire fills the air.
Map of faire area (Best way to get there from Navasota)
Best times to get to faire grounds on Saturday/Sundays
John's Do you have handycap ones so a lady in noble garb can go in private and handle her heavy skirts?
Anything ya'll have to feed me so Toki and I can be prepared please let us know.
Quote from: Lady de Laney on August 14, 2008, 01:19:24 PM
So as some of you know Toki and I are planning to come to TRF from the frozen Wastelands north of Texas called Colorado for All Hallows Eve. We are driving because that's what we prefer to do this trip. We are leaving on I beleve the 23rd and stopping in Wichia Falls then arriving in Navasota on Friday. What advice can you give us about TRF?
Being we are invading from Colorado where are faire temps run from the very low 50's and freezing rain, to boiling hot triple digit's we can prep for warm or cold. How is the rainy/snow season that time of year. Is it hot and hummid (Humid to a Coloradoan is 45%+ with 90+ degree temp).
Prepare for the worst and hope for the best. While the temps should not be too hot or cold at that time, you are moving from the hotter days to the colder days.
Quote from: Lady de Laney on August 14, 2008, 01:19:24 PM
How are food and non alcohlic drink prices at TRF and the best safest things to eat. In Colorado we usually eat roast beef sandwiches at faire (Baron o'Beef) and Lemonade (Fresh Squeezed) or Iced tea and water.
I highly recommend the Prime Rib Sandwich at the Prince of Wales pub. While it is a bit pricey ($12.00), it is well worth it. If you are inclined to not want a sandwich, order it without the bread and you will get a nice selection of steamed vegetables instead for french fries. Cold drinks are on average $2.50 I THINK, so don't quote me on that, as they may be more expensive, (but then I always keep my own stash at the booth).
Quote from: Lady de Laney on August 14, 2008, 01:19:24 PM
Bugs, We know you hav'em. Anyone find ticks, chiggers in faire area or even in camping area (We may visit someone camping) and Skitters. We hav'em in CO but not at faire. Ticks season in CO is March to very early June)
Usually, being that late in the year the ticks and chiggers are not that much of a problem, however if the weather is still warm, prepare with insect repellant. Skeeters down here don't seem to care what the tempurature is like, they're always out. I think they are the state bird of Texas of something like that.
Quote from: Lady de Laney on August 14, 2008, 01:19:24 PM
Dirt and dust. Our Colorado dirt is black and during faire fills the air.
Map of faire area (Best way to get there from Navasota)
Best times to get to faire grounds on Saturday/Sundays
John's Do you have handycap ones so a lady in noble garb can go in private and handle her heavy skirts?
Anything ya'll have to feed me so Toki and I can be prepared please let us know.
Dirt and dust ever present, though not black in color.
Yahoo maps would probably be your best bet.
You want to try and get there well before cannon on Saturday or Sunday to ensure you get a decent parking spot close to the gate.
While I have never been inside the ladies privvie, I do know that they are quite accomodating from speaking with other ladies in court gowns.
*sits down with a cup of spiked coffee, cause this is gonna take awhile*
Ok, you're visiting Texas in the "autumn". It could be hot, it could be cold. We don't know. It is VERY moist here, humidity is pretty high all year long.
Munchies- TRF food varies greatly, and you can get everything from gyros to empanadas to fried alligator on a stick. You can get pierogis, wienerschnitzel, nachos, chicken stew in a bread bowl, fried mushrooms, kettle corn..... the sky's the limit!!! There are lots of beer choices at the Prince of Wales Pub, the faire's only 21+ indoor pub. Yes, it's slightly air conditioned. They also have pub food there, fish and chips, and AWESOME roast beef sammiches. You'll find food and drink at almost every turn out there. If you want anything stronger than wine, you gotta stuff it in your flask and sneak it in.
Bugs- we don't really have too many issues with bugs. Not at that time of year. At the beginning of the faire season, the fire ants are KILLER. Other than crickets en masse, and the occasional swarm of bees attacking a day old open can of Dr.Pepper, you probably won't have too many problems.
Dirt- oh the dirt is there, and it's RED. It's not too horribly bad. You'll only really get attacked when you're walking near the joust, and on your way back to Sherwood Forest.
Map- http://maps.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTExNmIycG51BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLWJ1dHRvbgRzbGsDbGluaw--#mvt=m&lat=30.322615&lon=-95.958755&zoom=12&q1=navasota%2C%20tx&q2=todd%20mission%2C%20tx (http://maps.yahoo.com/;_ylc=X3oDMTExNmIycG51BF9TAzI3MTYxNDkEc2VjA2ZwLWJ1dHRvbgRzbGsDbGluaw--#mvt=m&lat=30.322615&lon=-95.958755&zoom=12&q1=navasota%2C%20tx&q2=todd%20mission%2C%20tx)
Times- cannon is at 9:30. You'll want to arrive at least an hour early, or you'll suffer the traffic. Leaving is the same way. If you can come out to camp for a couple of hours and hang out, all the traffic will have disappeared by then.
Potties- TRF has FLUSHIES!!! Big ones, and yes, there should be handicapped stalls to ease the burden of tiny tiny spaces.
I would say that TRF is one of the most fun faires out there, because there's something for everyone. With that much space, it's almost impossible to get bored. I would recommend that as soon as you come in, take a good solid lap around the grounds. Familiarize yourself, BUY A MAP! Then, you'll get a good feel for the layout, and enjoying yourself will be easier (due to the fact that you're not walking around wondering where in sam hell you are). Can't wait to see you guys!
*shakes fist at PurpleDragon*
YOU!!! OUT!!!
I love the Cabbage rolls at the Polish kitchen since they are about impossible to get in the DFW area.
Weather all hallow eve has a wide range been there when it was in the 40's and in the upper 90's just no telling. humidity? I grew up in PA were anything less that 80% was bone dry, so have never noticed it at TRF.
I've never had any problems with bugs outside of fire ants and none with them inside the faire grounds.
Many of the paths are paved so dirt isn't a big problem inside the grounds.
Quote from: blue66669 on August 14, 2008, 01:45:19 PM
*shakes fist at PurpleDragon*
YOU!!! OUT!!!
But.. But.. I answereded the pretty ladies questions. ~kicks dirt~
All good advice posted above. And coming from Navasota you'll have no trouble getting to faire.
I'll stress the "getting there early" thing to avoid traffic and to park close. Also make sure you stay for the fireworks as they are the best Jerry, the best!
Doesn't seem like so much fun when you're having to drag your drunk arse out of the tent/bed at 6:30 am to get ready on time...
Oi! PD, I was just foolin ya. Get back here...
If you stay till fireworks, which is closing the traffic is horrendous! Go to the camp grounds for a few hours. I've even had to walk to the camp grounds once due to traffic and wait at least 2 hrs before the traffic lets up enough to get out.
What time is closing cannon? And do they run you out right away?
The fireworks sound nice, what time do they happen?
So I take it, it's pretty easy to get to the faire grounds. We almost always got to CoRF an hour to an hour and a half early. When putting on my Katherine Parr dress it takes 30+ minutes to put it on and be ready. By copper dress is much easier and easier to get around in i.e. no Toki's stepping on the train URGGGG I hate that!
We avoid the alcohol as we got sick one year after drinking a beer and having some bread. Not overly advisable in a corset as the yeast swells up and OYE you get the idea.
As for temps, sounds like home, best guess then? See Colorado we can usually say very hot with afternoon rain showers. Last two saturdays we went it was overcast all day. The last weekend started off very hot and then cooled down, but that's not the norm, but we dance to the rain gods for rain and overcast, as long as it's not all day because then it gets freezing cold.
Good to hear on the restrooms, a noble lady needs her space. And PD you best stay out when i'm there or you'll think twice about comin in ;D
Thanks for the quick replays
Quote from: blue66669 on August 14, 2008, 02:21:00 PM
Doesn't seem like so much fun when you're having to drag your drunk arse out of the tent/bed at 6:30 am to get ready on time...
Oi! PD, I was just foolin ya. Get back here...
~pounces back into the thread~ YEAH!!!!!!!
Oh, and to add to that early thing.. trust me, you'll be thankful at the end of the day when you only have to walk one or two rows in the parking lot to find your car as opposed to 18 or 28 rows.
Quote from: Lady de Laney on August 14, 2008, 02:32:50 PM
What time is closing cannon? And do they run you out right away?
The fireworks sound nice, what time do they happen?
So I take it, it's pretty easy to get to the faire grounds. We almost always got to CoRF an hour to an hour and a half early. When putting on my Katherine Parr dress it takes 30+ minutes to put it on and be ready. By copper dress is much easier and easier to get around in i.e. no Toki's stepping on the train URGGGG I hate that!
Fireworks tend to run around "Dusk" timeframe. Fortunately, after daylight savings that tends to be at an earlier hour, meaning it's still "early" when we close up ;)
Quote from: Lady de Laney on August 14, 2008, 02:32:50 PM
We avoid the alcohol as we got sick one year after drinking a beer and having some bread. Not overly advisable in a corset as the yeast swells up and OYE you get the idea.
Understandable, however it could have quite possibly been the bread and not the beer ;)
Quote from: Lady de Laney on August 14, 2008, 02:32:50 PM
As for temps, sounds like home, best guess then? See Colorado we can usually say very hot with afternoon rain showers. Last two saturdays we went it was overcast all day. The last weekend started off very hot and then cooled down, but that's not the norm, but we dance to the rain gods for rain and overcast, as long as it's not all day because then it gets freezing cold.
Umm.. we don't mention the "R" word during faire.. it's not good for business for us boothies. ;)
Quote from: Lady de Laney on August 14, 2008, 02:32:50 PM
Good to hear on the restrooms, a noble lady needs her space. And PD you best stay out when i'm there or you'll think twice about comin in ;D
Threaten me with a good time why don't ya?
Thanks for the quick replays
[/quote]
Quote from: PurpleDragon on August 14, 2008, 02:37:22 PM
Threaten me with a good time why don't ya?
Just bringing my Colorado Hospitality and charm down south ;) I thought all you southern boys liked that.
Quote from: Lady de Laney on August 14, 2008, 02:51:08 PM
Just bringing my Colorado Hospitality and charm down south ;) I thought all you southern boys liked that.
Well, those of us that REALLY know how to have a good time do anyway ;)
Yeah, the "R" word is NOT PERMITTED on faire property, the parking lot, on the way to faire, hell...... not even allowed 2 sentences away from talking about faire. Boothies will become rabid if you say the R word in their presence. Trust me, I made that mistake my first year. Now I'm like a social pariah!
Lady de Laney I must all so push the fireworks the wife and I never miss them they are fantastic among the best I've ever seen. That time of year sunset is around 6:45pm the fireworks will start around 6:30. Plus Tartanic plays during the show nothing like bagpipes and fireworks to end the day. You are welcome to join the wife and I back at camp after faire for a bit to eat and a sit while traffic clears out. I'm sure many others will all so extend invitations to you.
Quote from: blue66669 on August 14, 2008, 03:40:38 PM
Now I'm like a social pariah!
Not to those of use that love ya honey ;)
Quote from: SirRichardBear on August 14, 2008, 04:02:28 PM
Lady de Laney I must all so push the fireworks the wife and I never miss them they are fantastic among the best I've ever seen. That time of year sunset is around 6:45pm the fireworks will start around 6:30. Plus Tartanic plays during the show nothing like bagpipes and fireworks to end the day. You are welcome to join the wife and I back at camp after faire for a bit to eat and a sit while traffic clears out. I'm sure many others will all so extend invitations to you.
Thank you very much SirRichardBear for the kind invite to Master Toki and myself. We may take you up on your offer.
Quote from: Lady de Laney on August 14, 2008, 04:18:48 PM
Quote from: SirRichardBear on August 14, 2008, 04:02:28 PM
Lady de Laney I must all so push the fireworks the wife and I never miss them they are fantastic among the best I've ever seen. That time of year sunset is around 6:45pm the fireworks will start around 6:30. Plus Tartanic plays during the show nothing like bagpipes and fireworks to end the day. You are welcome to join the wife and I back at camp after faire for a bit to eat and a sit while traffic clears out. I'm sure many others will all so extend invitations to you.
Thank you very much SirRichardBear for the kind invite to Master Toki and myself. We may take you up on your offer.
Damn... that means I'm going to have to go into STALKER mode after closing and come out to patrons camp. Oh wait... It's all hallows weekend.. I do that anyway :) now if I can only decide what costume I am going to wear out there this year for the parties/contests.
Quote from: PurpleDragon on August 14, 2008, 04:21:15 PM
Quote from: Lady de Laney on August 14, 2008, 04:18:48 PM
Quote from: SirRichardBear on August 14, 2008, 04:02:28 PM
Lady de Laney I must all so push the fireworks the wife and I never miss them they are fantastic among the best I've ever seen. That time of year sunset is around 6:45pm the fireworks will start around 6:30. Plus Tartanic plays during the show nothing like bagpipes and fireworks to end the day. You are welcome to join the wife and I back at camp after faire for a bit to eat and a sit while traffic clears out. I'm sure many others will all so extend invitations to you.
Thank you very much SirRichardBear for the kind invite to Master Toki and myself. We may take you up on your offer.
Damn... that means I'm going to have to go into STALKER mode after closing and come out to patrons camp. Oh wait... It's all hallows weekend.. I do that anyway :) now if I can only decide what costume I am going to wear out there this year for the parties/contests.
I could make a suggestion on that ;D
But I won't
The "R" word? Whatever are you talking about? The "R" word, the "R" word, hmm... Oh, you mean RAIN!!!!! RAIN,RAIN,RAIN,RAIN,RAIN,RAIN,RAIN,RAIN!!!!!!!!!... Why, yes, I am an instigator, thanks for asking...
Okay, in all seriousness (shut up, Karl), lets break this down...
Opening cannon is 9:00am SHARP.(I know this because I fire the cannon.)
TRF is broken up into areas of different nationalities: English, German, Scottish, Italian, Spanish, Polish, with corresponding ethnic foods in those areas.
Directions from Navasota: Take Hwy. 105 to F.M. 1774 in Plantersville, turn right, go 6 miles to festival gates. It's that simple.
Festival closes at the end of fireworks, so as such, there is no hard and fast time for closing. Official closing time is "dusk", which for the first few weekends is around 7:30-8:00pm. After Daylight savings ends, 6:15-6:45pm.
As for temperature? This is Texas, dear. If you don't like the weather, wait 5 minutes. We've had opening weekends in the high 60's-low 70's, and closing weekends in the upper 90's. Plan for ANYTHING.
Any other questions? Working at TRF during the week does have it's advantages...
Quote from: captfletcher on August 14, 2008, 09:59:25 PM
Okay, in all seriousness (shut up, Karl), lets break this down...
Capt. Fletcher being serious... WOW, I've gotta tell the others..ROFLMAO
Quote from: Lady de Laney on August 14, 2008, 02:32:50 PM
What time is closing cannon? And do they run you out right away?
Closing is after the fireworks are over. There are many vendors, however, (especially those located between the jousting arena and front gate) who stay open a bit longer in order to catch some last minute sales from the patrons who are on their way out.
Quote from: Sir Martin on August 15, 2008, 08:45:56 AM
Quote from: Lady de Laney on August 14, 2008, 02:32:50 PM
What time is closing cannon? And do they run you out right away?
Closing is after the fireworks are over. There are many vendors, however, (especially those located between the jousting arena and front gate) who stay open a bit longer in order to catch some last minute sales from the patrons who are on their way out.
Aye, and I be one of them vendors... just make sure to come by The Pirates Cove for those last minute purchases on your way out the gate ;)
Hey, that's why I got that *DEEP* discount on a cutlass. Of course, it didn't hurt that I had a little extra "leverage"...
:-*
Quote from: blue66669 on August 15, 2008, 10:49:31 AM
Hey, that's why I got that *DEEP* discount on a cutlass. Of course, it didn't hurt that I had a little extra "leverage"...
:-*
Leverage huh? Is that what you're calling them these days??? :) ~giggles~
Again, cram it PYRATE...
Quote from: blue66669 on August 15, 2008, 11:09:13 AM
Again, cram it PYRATE...
But.. I was merely complimenting those loverley accouterments of yours ;)
Here's a question ... is it worth saving all my "fun" money for my possible visit to TRF? I'm planning on hitting the Las Vegas faire, which is a fairly good shopping faire ... but maybe I should save my shopping for a TRF - which I've never visited. ;D
Any thoughts?
And yes, I'm taking notes!
Blushing,
It would truly depend on what you are looking to purchase. I know that TRF has a plethora of shops carrying a veritable smorgasbord of merchandise. As it is my home faire, I am somewhat partial to it myself, but many of the craftsmen are local to the area so you may not find their merchandise elsewhere unless they have a website.
Blush, as someone who only went to TRF once, I would have to say that in my opinion, TRF has more shopping than at Scarborough.
And of course, I'm gonna tell you, save your money for TRF, not Las Vegas silly! I wanna see ya again! :-*
I've only been to a few fairs, but TRF is like a mall and the others a strip center.
Advice for a new TRF invader...hmmm...*skritches 'is noggin'*
Sink r' Swim sez I!!!!!!!
AAAAAAAARRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRRR!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!!
Toki and I are hoping that Blushing makes the trip with us. So far she fears she cannot, but if the FAIRE Gods are with us, she will join us (Toki and I).
Oh, she WILL be coming to Texas. There is no if about it, if I have anything to say! :D
Well we really hope she does join us, so work on her. I know the main issue for Blushing is time off from work.
TRF is the only faire I attend at time. But I look online for items and then wait until TRF and buy them. I find a way better selection there. I just use the online ways to get an idea of what I want. But there has yet to be anything that I couldnt find at TRF if you just look.
Come to TRF, Blushing! Fab shopping! It is a wonderous faire! Big too! You can spend lots of $$$ at TRF!
I will be there! You will love it Lady De Laney!
*sniff*
I'm so jealous,Lady De Laney,I so, so, SO wanted to get to TRF this year!
Enjoy! I'm sure it'll be a blast,the people from Texas seem superbly friendly!
*pouting,hoping to make it next year*
Maybe I'll will the lottery... :D
Well ... if Queen Bonnie will be there ... it MUST be amazingly awesome! I so hope to see you!
I rarely stay in one place long- but can be found watching the parade from the Prince of Wales Tavern. Or at opening outside the gate! hope to see you there, Blushing!You will be awed by TRF!
Renren- hope you can make it soon!
Quote from: Queen Bonnie on August 21, 2008, 02:11:54 PM
I rarely stay in one place long- but can be found watching the parade from the Prince of Wales Tavern. Or at opening outside the gate! hope to see you there, Blushing!You will be awed by TRF!
Renren- hope you can make it soon!
When I do, I'll give you a better pin! :)
So sadly I will not be joining Lady DeLaney and Toki for TRF for Halloween ...
However, I WILL be at TRF Nov. 8-9 ... huzzah!
I'm more than excited ... ;D
Blushing,
It sucks that you won't be down on Halloween weekend. But, at least you'll make a trip down to see us :)
I bet Halloween is spectacular ... but I'll take any weekend I can at TRF!
Thanks. :D