Visiting from Sterling - October 30/31

[MMario]

A young friend has been cast on the Scots court - so I am using it as an excuse to visit TRF.  Though I am a long term "resident" of Sterling Ren-faire and know my way around several others, I am sure TRF is going to be totally different, because, aren't they all?

I'll be there for the last weekend of October.  Any suggestions as to "not to miss"?  In any catagory - food, shops, acts, music....

MMario

[Laird Fraser of Lovatt]

You picked the best weekend to be coming to TRF... All Hallow's Eve is when the freaks come out of the woodwork.  TRF is huge as far as faires go, covering over 50+ acres.  There is WAY too much to see & do to point to just a few things and say "gotta see/do".  Your fellow R/F'ers have a meet & greet at the Prince of Wales pub right after the parade(noonish) but most of us get there early to watch the parade go by.  Come on by and some of us will be more than happy to point you in different directions.  Just ask any faire employee where the POW is...  we'll make you feel welcome.  Ever try Loki?   

[MMario]

I was hoping people would discuss it HERE and by their vehemence I could make some decisions PRE-faire; then throw my schedule to the winds when I actually get there.

Christophe is a must at least once during the weekend;
The Bard O'Neill as well - I haven't seen/heard her since we sang a duet at Scarby about 10 years ago...

[Laird Fraser of Lovatt]

Ok... Tartanic is a "not to be missed" but i'll let my fellow TRF'ers chime in and give you a broader spectrum of choices than i can.

[lys1022]

Aw man!  You're coming to Texas and we're going to have to miss seeing you?  I'm totally bummed!!!  

Unfortunately, that is Halloween weekend, which means we'll be busily working Screams on the Scarby faire site.

As for TRF, if you haven't had a chance to see him, I highly recommend Cast in Bronze (the carillon).  Have some pierogies in Poland, because they make pretty good ones over there.  Iris and Rose are always a joy to watch.  Make sure that you hit up the Pepper Lady booth and try some of the jams and hot sauces.  Make sure you visit our friends the Warrens at The Knarly Knot shop (lovely woodworks) and let them know you know Shado and myself.  They may give you hugs or they may just point and laugh, no promises. *snerk*   If Arsene is performing, I highly recommend his show.  Oh...and get a truffle at the chocolate shop near the entrance.  Very tasty.

I'm sorry we won't get to see you while you're in the state!  *HUG*

[Blue66669]

You should see Wine and Alchemy at the Dove Meadow stage, have a Royal Hamburg from the german area, and also, try out the roast beef sammich at the Prince of Wales pub. The fish and chips aren't bad either!

[Laird Fraser of Lovatt]

*See, told ya* 

[ravic]

I wrote a very long reply but the system apparently ate it. Will try to reconstruct.

[MMario]

*See, told ya* 

ah - but you see, this is what I want to hear....because chances are if I don't hear about it prior to getting there I will be oblivious.  especially about food choices...

Tartanic I have experienced before - and I need to do it from a distance - not because I don't like them.

What are Wine and Alchemy?  I can't find a description.

Lys - I am due for another trip to Scarby - maybe in 2012.....unless I end up with enough vac days left for next season.

[Laird Fraser of Lovatt]

Give it an hour, friend, and you'll have a list a lot longer than you have time.  Blue's right about the POW's prime rib trencher... absolutely fantastic! 


Wine & Alchemy is awesome...

[lys1022]

Let us know when you're going to be at Scarby, hon.  If you don't want to hotel it, we have a guest room.

From Wine and Alchemy's website:

Wine & Alchemy is a unique experience in World Music, providing a delicious blend of original and traditional world fusion music derived from a wide variety of genres including Celtic, Renaissance, French, Greek, Armenian, "Gypsy", Flamenco, Sephardic, Middle Eastern and others.

On a personal note, I enjoy their music very much.  An eclectic and entertaining mix of world styles.

[Sir Martin]

Greetings MMario!  Fraser is right - you picked a great weekend to attend.  Be sure to bring your camera because you will have some very memorable experiences.  What types of acts do you usually enjoy?  Among my favorites are:

Arsene - world class magician and juggler.
Gypsy Dance Theatre - wonderful music, colorful costumes and beautiful dancers.
The Royal Fireworks - surely the largest and finest fireworks display of any ren faire (with musical accompanyment by Tartanic).

Other outstanding shows at TRF are: Wine & Alchemy, Clan Tynker, The Royal Joust (Hanlon Lees Action Theatre), and many more.  The Bard O'Neill (as you mentioned) puts on a fine show, and she almost always takes requests from the audience.  Hope to see you at the R/F meet & greet at The Prince Of Wales Pub.

[ravic]

You are fortunate in that the Scots Court's main area to patrol is right next to the POW pub & the meet&greet. Can kill 2 or 3 birds with one mug, so to speak.

[lys1022]

Oh, and just so you know, unless they've changed it the TRF performers do a "Zone Defense".  Each cultural group is assigned to a certain area of the festival and they don't roam around outside that area.  So your friend with the Scots will be working a certain part of the faire but nowhere else.  Makes it easy to find folks, really, but would drive me NUTS as a performer.

[LadyJessica]

The one group that's on my I-have-to-see-at-least-one-of-their-shows list is Sound and Fury.  These are not for kids and the last show of the day can get into the "R" rating depending on the crown and how the actors feel.

I'm with Blue on the Prime Rib Trenchers...it's about $13 but big enough to feed two.  Oh and the Scotch Eggs, about $4, are a must for breakfast.  Stay to the right when you walk in and they're at the first food booth on your right.

Iris and Rose are good to see and so is the Chainmaille show but that's at the same time as the meet 'n 'greet so if you want to do one one day and the other the nest that'd be the way to go.

I would also recommend the Pepper Lady, GREAT salsas and preserves!

If you park on the campground side, stay and watch the fireworks (AWESOME display) and then come and hang out in the campgrounds for an hour or two to let traffic die down.  Otherwise you could be sitting in traffic for an hour or two just to go 10 miles.  If you don't know where the camping entrance is just ask we'll get you pointed in the right direction.