Suggestions for Terre: Ideas and Suggestions for Future TRF Development

[xed]

One of the things I had mentioned to Dan Lowe, tho I'm sure it falls more to Jeff Baldwin:
Faire needs more spectacle, particularly when it comes to the themed weekends.
Pirate weekend is a pretty big social event, but with the exception of the opening show, there are few visual cues from faire that there is a pirate theme.
I figure when I show up that weekend, there should be Jolly Rogers and the like everywhere. I should feel like I just docked in Tortuga.

Pirate weekend and/or Barbarian invasion weekend go either 18+ or 21+ only, at least on the Saturdays.
Now that isn't to say that those days become anything goes or the like, but we have a few bawdy acts at faire, and they should be allowed to thoroughly cut loose those days.
Also, given the nature of "barbarian fashion" at faire, it might relieve some of the concerns about violating the sanctity of children's eyes/psyches.
Plus, I think that it could actually help some of the mid-high end vendors, since there be less of a "don't touch!" vibe.

What he said.  Honestly, I think you would be surprised at the turnout if you had just ONE 18+ day/weekend. 

And more themed decorations would be great.  When we start to plan the trip out there with people who haven't been before or very often, theyre always concerned about the theme.  Honestly, I always tell them not to plan their vacation days according to theme, because there really isn't much difference overall.

[Bonny Pearl]

Not a fan of the 18+ idea.  If we can't get a sitter on a designated weekend or day then we can't go spend our money at faire??  

I can see it if a venue was like that from the get go but to implement it in an existing venue?....

[Breandan]

I know at one point there was discussion among some of the Sherwood forumites of an adults-only area where bawdier shows could be had with an 18+ check at the entry point. TRF could probably alleviate a lot of the issues of balancing the boobies-n-beer crowd and the families by setting up an area- like the Agora, for example- for that specifically.

[Merlin the Elder]

I'm not parenting a youngster anymore—he'll be 39 soon—but even with an R-rated day, those parents who feel their kids are up to it, could bring them. I never was concerned with my son and seeing or hearing something sexual. My concerns were more about violence.

I think, though, with the way most America thinks these days, sex is bad and violence is good, when it comes to entertainment. Go figure.

[Laird Fraser of Lovatt]

Kids see/hear worse watching network TV.

[PollyPoPo]

In theory I would agree with an area specified as adult-entertainment oriented, with appropriate entrance controls (i.e. an identifiable entryway with specific warnings that entertainment is not suitable for anyone under a certain age).  Unfortunately declaring such an area could very likely be construed as indicating that all other entertainment, by default, would be family appropriate. 

A different solution could be to put the more adult entertainment in one general area of the Faire, pulling out the family style entertainers.  The signs for each adult entertainer could have a disclaimer indicating not suitable for children, as well as making the verbal announcement before each show.  Over time attendees would gravitate toward the appropriate areas of interest.  Right now, at least two stages have alternating adult then family show throughout the day. 

If an adult area were to be created, identified visibly as such or through usage, management would also need to look at the impact on food vendors and other shoppes in the area. 

[PollyPoPo]

Proclaiming 18+ for an area or a time period presents another problem; 18 is an adult for some purposes, not for the boobies-n-beer crowd, though.  By definition (the n-beer part), that would have to be 21+.  If a minimum age limit is set at 21+ for entrance to the Faire or a segregated portion of the Faire, management would probably end up needing to card everyone entering in order to protect themselves legally. 

It's the difference between a local ice house and a strip club with bouncers. 

If I am not mistaken, there is at least one pub (POW?) that is 21 and up.  When someone walks in with a kid, or baby in arms, they are quickly told that children are not allowed, no exceptions.  I've been there; seen it happen. 

[PollyPoPo]

By the way, did I mention, I am SO GLAD I am not part of TRF management.  Sometimes it must be like a long-tailed cat in a room of set mouse traps.

[FaeHollow]

The Barbarian Inn was 21 plus upstairs... I think if you expanded and had an area that was 21 + for all the bawdy stuff... like the chainmaille show ( I'm not  particularly upset to see it go but lots seem to be), iris and rose and christoph could be relocated there as well... have a few bars with a good drinking selection. That is what I would like to see ultimately... I don't have a problem with the kids but when faire favorites start to go because they aren't "family friendly" then I think it is time to please your families and your older crowd at the same time by providing both with safe areas to do what they have always done and loved at faire. A bridge over to the area with a guy checking ID's and making sure all that enter are old enough would be nice...I heard this suggestion a HUNDRED times yesterday after the chainmaille fiasco.

Also, FTLOG, make those brazilian girls wear natural colored feathers! It would do wonders for the look of the show and blending in with faire.

[Drake_Roberts]

First, I have to say that you can't keep things strictly period. There simply isn't enough acts out there that are "Renaissance" in nature. Out of eight weekends, none are technically "period". You have pirates, Romans, barbarians, and all of the fantasy aspects, none of which are period. If you tried to make everything period, there wouldn't be a Faire left.

Having said that, I think the Celtic grove would be a GREAT idea! It would add an aspect that many think of when discussing this period of history, broad as it may be. Another aspect that I would like to see is something with a Viking theme. My personal opinion is that the Brazilian restaurant should have been turned into a Viking mead hall instead. Viking history and England go hand in hand and I think it would be a perfect match for TRF. It would also add an aspect that isn't represented anywhere else. It would give TRF something no one else has.

[LibraryPrincess]

Another aspect that I would like to see is something with a Viking theme. My personal opinion is that the Brazilian restaurant should have been turned into a Viking mead hall instead. Viking history and England go hand in hand and I think it would be a perfect match for TRF. It would also add an aspect that isn't represented anywhere else. It would give TRF something no one else has.

Ooooo! I like this!

[eloquentXI]

Another aspect that I would like to see is something with a Viking theme. My personal opinion is that the Brazilian restaurant should have been turned into a Viking mead hall instead. Viking history and England go hand in hand and I think it would be a perfect match for TRF. It would also add an aspect that isn't represented anywhere else. It would give TRF something no one else has.

Ooooo! I like this!

I third this. Great idea, and I could see a lot of people really getting behind this.

[Laird Fraser of Lovatt]

Fourth... 

[LadyJessica]

Fifth!!!

[Fenster]

6th!