i wanna turn my girlfriend into a rennie...

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

What are her interests?  If she loves to shop, don't rush her through the stores so you both can get to the mud show!  If she likes music, take her to a few of the best musical acts, maybe even the end of day pub sing.

If she loves animals, take her to the joust, the birds of prey show, an elephant or camel ride?

Try to show her things at faire that encompass things she likes in real life, so she will feel more comfortable with it.  Shopping is shopping, it doesn't matter the venue, if she loves to shop, put up with it like a man!   lol (my husband HATES to shop!)   

[Merlin the Elder]

Lady Mac has the best idea... If you can arrange for your girlfriend to become the center of attention with some romantic gestures, you'll hook her for sure. Slip some dashing lad a nice tip and have him fawn over her, kiss her hand and such, resistance will be futile...just keep the Borg at bay.

[Delireus]

Yay KCRF! I brought my newbie boyfriend there 2 years ago and he loved it! It's my new home faire, since I go to school in Kansas now (TRF will always hold a special place in my heart though). I had the exact same apprehensions as you do about taking him to faire for the first time, would he like it, would he think it's silly... it was something terribly important to me and if he didn't like it, I would be crushed.

But, luckily, he loved it and we just got him his first set of garb a few months ago! We even traveled to the Oklahoma renfaire as a 'end of the semester' party for us. Since he had never been, it was all so new and magical to him. I'd say find out what she really likes, is it the music the groups play there, or some goods the vendors sell, or clothing? I agree about being ready to leave half way through the day if she gets tired though, I know I may have ruined faire for some friends because I wouldn't leave till it ended.

Another good idea is to check out the mini faire KC does. Its a little 3 hour thing the cast members do to get them use to an audience. It was about 2 weeks before faire opened, on a Saturday I think. You have to RSVP, don't go in garb. You go to the site and spread out a bit and all of the cast comes and has small conversations with you. You give them feedback, and it's a great way for you to get a sneak peak and for the cast to get some practice. Look for announcements on their facebook page closer to opening. It's also a good way to introduce her to faire see you in the lanes!

[Lady Gryphon]

From someone who's first Faire was TRF.  I will second the suggestion of "don't wear her out the first day"  Find some shade, and slip a Pedialyte packet into YOUR pouch, just in case.  It mixes well into a bottle of water if you find she may need it.  (I know, but Heat hit fast at faire) {Baby section at Wal-mart}

I also agree with the Good Shoes, and better yet, start walking together at night.  Builds up the stamina.   But men need to learn to stroll too.  I'm lucky Lord Dragon likes to shop for me as much as I do.  LOL

I love the fact of making her the center of attention.  That got me hooked very fast.  Encourage her to flirt and tease with cast before opening gun.  (You know who she's going home with.) It will make her feel part of the crowd. 

Research with her the time period of the Faire and the Presiding Monarch, If it's Henry VIII make sure you know which wife, and some of the court gossip of the time. 

Also make sure she know she doesn't have to wear NOBLE, if she doesn't want the first time.  I try for upper middleclass/shop keeper for comfort. and  then there is always fantasy/pirate.

And the final hook Lord Dragon did was he bought me a Circlet. What woman can resist a crown.  LOL

Have fun and relax, she'll love it.

[insidiousraven]

Definitely buy her a rose from the flower seller. Just wander around and let her pick where she wants to go. Don't rush, have fun, and keep her hydrated!

[Captain Dungcaster]

Wow, You all have some great suggestions. I find myself in a smewhat similar boat. My wife of ten years has attended the VA. Faire with me several times and has garbed up. One thing that was very cool was the cast of VARF are very focused on the patrons. They pulled her into a bit and she loved it! I have been taking a modest approach with her and have only made suggestions about attending other faires etc... MDFR, CRF. Any other suggestions you Ladies may have are helpful.

Frank Blanton