What you wish you knew your first visit to faire ...

[Lady Kett]

In addition to the "no high heels", I'd add "no flip-flops" - many a sorry set of toes have I seen from either mud or rocks or the random dumped-on-the-ground ice cream! Make sure those shoes are the most comfy thing you own and you don't mind getting them dirty.

Don't fear the rain. The most fun can be had at Faire when it's raining.

Whether garbed or not, hats are awesome as that little extra bit of shade for your impending sunburn after you've sweated all your sunscreen off and forgot to bring it inside the gates with you.

When buying garb for the first time, machine washable is a HUGE plus!

Try the mead. If you don't like it, it's not a huge loss, but if you do, what a wonderful new drink you've found! (your mead mileage may vary by Faire)

In addition to tipping the bar wenches and foodies, always tip the shows if it's a hat-passing venue. Leaving just before they finish to avoid a tip is in horribly bad taste in my opinion. If you enjoyed your 1/2 hour, show it with whatever you can. If you can't afford the tip, most shows will ask you to just tell them you liked the show. At least do that, don't sneak out.

If you see something you are just lusting after to purchase, and have the financial means to purchase it, just do it. If you don't, you'll spend the next 10-11 months agonizing and regretting not purchasing it, and then learn the vendor isn't there the next year!

Embarass your significant other by bribing an act to drag them on stage. It's much fun!!!

[Lady Lil]

WOW thanks for all of the first-timer advise. I am going to be attending my first faire this year LARF. I'm so nervous and excited all at the same time. I'm going in garb, I made the dress myself. I feel like deep down inside of me is a really out going soul and I'm planning on having a blast.

[Fly'n Penny]

......what I didn't know the first time I ever walked thru the gates of a renfaire...... Absolutely nothing at all. Just the idea of a period in time I might get to experience.

And as all faires have something different to offer. I still can get that feeling from time to time. Or at my home faire where every once in awhile, a new show, act, street performer has invented something clever, or food item, theme, ......whatever. Change can be good.

*And change will be in the air for me first weekend*

Look for something completely different, yet very familiar.

I miss the Nun with Spam.

[Blushing]

I tried remember my very first visit to faire ... and honestly all I remember is liking it so much I went back on my own tthe next weekend!  These are great tips/hints ... and many are rather important no matter how many times we've visited a faire!

[Mistress Charlotte]

FYI - I always have a large tube of sunscreen at my booth.  It's amazing how many parent don't protect their children.  If you need to reapply stop by!

[Hey- Arent You?]

.....and that begs the thought as well, for kids...... not only sunscreen, but hand sanitizer!

[Adriana Rose]

FYI - I always have a large tube of sunscreen at my booth.  It's amazing how many parent don't protect their children.  If you need to reapply stop by!

I HATE THAT when the parents dont take care of their little ones!

[Capt Gabriela Fullpepper]

I personally am NOT a fan of parents that bring the wee little ones to faire. My own boys were 7 on their 1st visit and enjoyed it much, as they could appeciate it more then and they were MUCH easier to take care of.

[Mistress Charlotte]

.....and that begs the thought as well, for kids...... not only sunscreen, but hand sanitizer!

Good gravy yes!  Gallons of it for me!

[Hey- Arent You?]

I personally am NOT a fan of parents that bring the wee little ones to faire. My own boys were 7 on their 1st visit and enjoyed it much, as they could appeciate it more then and they were MUCH easier to take care of.

ye know what......
>:-/
never mind.

hamsters!

[holierthanthou]

The one thing I know about CRF is they are very child friendly.  The petting zoo, the maze, modern food for the finicky little ones, misting tunnels by the fairy garden, the unicorn, puppets (even though there is a change this year), fight school, and so much more that I don't even notice because I don't have a wee one. 

Personally I love having the kids there.  I love the look in their eyes when they get to see the elephant or when they get a favor from a fairy or even me.  Some may need a bit of manners or discipline, both parents and children. I don't let the bad apples spoil it.

As for having to be a certain age to appreciate things, I was 18 months old when we went to Disney Land and rode the Pirates of the Caribbean ride.  I still remember things from it today.  I was greatly impressed.  Was it difficult for my folks?  Probably.  I applaud parents who don't just sit their children in front of a TV and expect them to be entertained.  The parents who bring their kids are opening their child's mind to a magical experience and are encouraging creativity. 

My favorite "act" last year was a screaming man in green running away from a wooden sword wielding toddler who giggled as he chased him.  I would still find them the most enjoyable even if I wasn't a wee bit biased.

Oh and yes... Sunscreen is very important!  I can't remember how many times I have been burned.

[ArielCallista]

Cast/performers are MORE likely to pick on you and tease you if you don't play along...also be smart in your shoe choices!

[Capt Gabriela Fullpepper]

HAMSTERS how many will you have?

[Demetrius]

I personally am NOT a fan of parents that bring the wee little ones to faire. My own boys were 7 on their 1st visit and enjoyed it much, as they could appeciate it more then and they were MUCH easier to take care of.

ye know what......
>:-/
never mind.

hamsters!

Well, to be accurate- there were no children during the renaissance...

There once was a time when the word "whipper snapper" really had some kick to it...

For a first visit and every visit- if you have children- please bring them and all their little children buddies!        We have Pizza!!

[holierthanthou]

I think it has been said to drink plenty of water, but if not... Drink plenty of water.  This is a very dry site  and even though they spray the grounds before they open the gates, the dust gets into everything.

Sandals or open toed shoes could be worn, but Watch where you step. Small lakes or large puddles after the parade are usually not water.    Elephants not only relieve themselves when they have to, but also when they are bothered or have attitude.  Luckily it happens more in the pen than out.  Even so, giving puddles a wide berth is highly suggested. 

Take your time with the hills.  Go up them, but if you are not used to the altitude it will wipe you out!

Oh and did I say to drink water?  Drink Water!