Time for suggestions as we plan for 2011

[rengypsy]

We need your thoughts for 2011...

Here are issues we are already planning to address:
--the construction of two permanent toilets/shower units
--better signage on highways
--recycling
--footpaths
--leveling/smoothing of grounds
--removal of stumps
--enlarging joust area
--more seating around some stages and just for lounging/resting
--better planning of stage performances so sound from one does not effect another
--replace any vinyl signs with hand painted ones
--paint church a different earth tone color

bring on your ideas

[dbaldock]

Build a Renaissance Inn?    With hot and cold running maid service?    

Build an enclosed Pub for cold season events?

[ThreeAcreRanch Soaps]

Seems like you are already addressing the ones I thought of, recycling and signage.

As a vendor, that first or second weekend when people would ask me where things where I wasn't sure what to always tell them.  Maybe make sure each vendor has a map so when someone asks we can help.

Hmm, You guys did such an amazing job there isn't anthing that I really see needs improving that you are not already addressing.

I loved the little touches like the mushroom stools, the flowers planted at the base of the trees.  It was magical.

[Zardoz]

Those points address everything I can think of. I know I thought the grounds improved quite a bit in the weeks after opening, so I'm sure they will be stellar for 2011!

One or two thoughts though, If the footpaths are gonna be smooth and better delineated, I wouldn't go overboard leveling the grounds, I kind of like them "natural". And hopefully the grass will re-assert itself over the summer.

I don't know what it would take to get them to do it, but I wonder if in view of the extra traffic, the county would improve the access roads. (old 20 and Old Potato Rd) I know some of us with little, low riding cars would like that!

[Queen Bonnie]

 It is a very scary turn into the faire from 290. No idea what to do?
Privy and seating for the cast near the green room? Better parking for participants?
Slower parade for those of us with short legs!The photographers will love it slower too! I adore Wino Vino leading it!
Faire all year! LOL!!! I did not want this season to end!
All else was perfect!!!
Huzzah and hugs!

[dbaldock]

...
I don't know what it would take to get them to do it, but I wonder if in view of the extra traffic, the county would improve the access roads. (old 20 and Old Potato Rd) I know some of us with little, low riding cars would like that!

It is a very scary turn into the faire from 290. No idea what to do?
...

The section of HWY 290 between Giddings and McDade is the last one between Houston and Austin to be widened and improved.  I'm not sure exactly where you'd look to see when that TXDOT Highway Improvement project will commence, but I suspect it will happen in the next couple of years.  That will undoubtedly add at least a center turn lane for for traffic coming from Austin, and probably a wide shoulder for traffic coming from Houston to pull on to before turning in to the Camping Entrance and/or Old Potato Road.  Don't know what it would take for Bastrop County to go beyond road maintenance, to actual road improvements for the hard-pack gravel roads. 


Take Care,
David Baldock

[Pascal]

better (bigger) parking lot for patrons

Oh -- and ATM's that actually work!

[RenStarr]

Here's a few that I'll throw out:
>  More benches & picnic tables thru out the faire grounds
>  Sherwood Pins for each year of faire
>  Small dam on the pond (where the BIG swings are at).  Right now the spill over keeps that path on down side of the pond wet and damp.  Cinder blocks, stones, etc...........nothing real fancy.
>  Showers in the camp ground are a GREAT idea!!  More would be even better!
>  More covered areas for eating/drinking.  Getting in and away from being rained on or even getting out from the bright sun at times is real nice.
>  And for the Fairies that like to climb up in the trees, make them some small platforms up in the trees.
My grandaughter still talkes about the fairies that were up in the trees, that just thrilled her to no end.  I'd sure hate to see or hear about a fairy falling out of a tree.   

[knarlyknot]

I couldn't think of anything, until Renstarr posted, yes please do commemorative pins!!!  I like to collect them and was so sad that I wouldn't have one for the very first year.

[dfloyd888]

For a first year faire, everything was near perfect, or it was mentioned and will be addressed in 2011.  A couple suggestions on my part which are comparatively minor, and may be irrelevant to a faire (and more relevant to a gas station perhaps):

1:  A dump station for RVs for gray and black water tanks.  This can be something that actually can become a profit center with a fee attached.  The big minus is that the startup cost may be onerous because it would require a septic tank, sewer access, or a "stool bus" waste truck.

2:  Traffic control would be nice, but this is definitely something that is out of the faire's hands.  Ideally, a left turn lane on 290, as well as a definite shoulder so people can get their vehicles up to speed would help things.  Having Old Potato Road widened a bit and either paved or smoothed should help vehicles with low ground clearance as well, but this is up to the county.

3:  A small 24/7 convenience store for various items like aspirin packets.  This might actually make some decent money because the nearest 24 hour store is at least 10-15 miles away.  The nearest store open in the day is at least 5 miles away in Paige.

[*Teach*]

I mentioned these already, but going along with the convenience store idea. A camping store with supplies that may have been forgotten or broken during camp. Things like mini propane bottles, mantles, hand warmers and even small tents could be sold.

*or a rum store, that would be kinda kewl*

[KiltedPrivateer]

Things I'd like to see next year (and years to come)...

1. Rambling Sailors
2. Marc Gunn
3. Whedon Wares
4. More Cast
5. More Seating
6. More antiques at the antique store
7. More local brews at the pubs
8. More fore thought on stocking brews at the pubs (To reduce the chance of running out)
9. The faerie tea party (My daughter loved it)
10. The Circa Paleo stage turned 45 degrees counter clockwise so as to not drown out the groups at the Trip Pub. (Or redirect the amped sound to behind the audience toward the stage rather than in front of the audience facing the Trip)

Michael Wrenn
Clan Procrastination

[Zardoz]

I couldn't think of anything, until Renstarr posted, yes please do commemorative pins!!!  I like to collect them and was so sad that I wouldn't have one for the very first year.

Same here, I always get a year pin or 2 at TRF.  Since I'm attracted to shiny objects, I like to collect them!

[dfloyd888]

I mentioned these already, but going along with the convenience store idea. A camping store with supplies that may have been forgotten or broken during camp. Things like mini propane bottles, mantles, hand warmers and even small tents could be sold.

*or a rum store, that would be kinda kewl*

I like the idea of the mini propane bottles (especially for the tent heaters), as well as perhaps a regular propane bottle exchange service.  I don't mean for Sherwood to turn into a full service RV park, but I'm sure that offering these services would not just provide some added revenue, but also be a great asset for patrons because they don't have to drive miles away to get supplies.  I also like the idea of the small tents, and other critical stuff.

[dbaldock]

I mentioned these already, but going along with the convenience store idea. A camping store with supplies that may have been forgotten or broken during camp. Things like mini propane bottles, mantles, hand warmers and even small tents could be sold.

*or a rum store, that would be kinda kewl*

I like the idea of the mini propane bottles (especially for the tent heaters), as well as perhaps a regular propane bottle exchange service.  I don't mean for Sherwood to turn into a full service RV park, but I'm sure that offering these services would not just provide some added revenue, but also be a great asset for patrons because they don't have to drive miles away to get supplies.  I also like the idea of the small tents, and other critical stuff.

I'm curious about what sort of additional insurance or licenses may be required if they want to become a "fuel" vendor?  And how much the inventory would cost the Faire, when it's currently only open to the public for 7 weeks a year?