Things that are beautiful about the people of faire

[Bonny Pearl]

As years have gone by, there are some things that have made a lasting impression on me toward the beauty of faire and its people.

The things that have left a stamp in my memory are:

The fellowship
The beautiful garb (of course)

I especially love to see all the creative work that people put into their ensembles that reflect the sides of their personality that they may not be able to express in the mundane world.

How about you?  What has left a stamp in your memory about faire and its people that enveloped and inspired you to take the journey?

[Anna Iram]

I agree about the creative aspects of faire. I love that people want to come together and create a village full of the music and culture of a period hundreds of years in the past. A time when mankind made such a beautiful leap forward in their expression of their humanity and their relationship to God and the world around them. I love that ren folk today will spend hundreds of dollars to make just the perfect garb, to create just the perfect environment in their camps and some to purchase expensive weapons of the day or musical instruments of the period to perfectly round out their well thought out characters. I love that we do this as best our personal funds will allow and then at that special time of year we all come together for a few weeks and Party our As*s*ess off!  

[Bonny Pearl]

Oh the willingness of everyone to take advantage of the opportunity to cut loose is great for sure! 

I have seen so many outfits that contually inspire me.  Sometimes I think I might be part chameleon lol! 

[Zardoz]

There are so many things about faire that appeal to me on different levels, I find it really hard to narrow down the main things that make an impression on me.  But like Bonnie said, the fellowship, the friendly, fun and creative people I've got to know and spend time with inside and outside faire, are a very big part of it for me.

All the sights and sounds, pretty girls, beautiful music, creative garb, fun entertainments, people watching, food, beer, etc... are avalible to any patron that buys a ticket, they can walk around and take it all in, but they are still kind of on the outside looking in. Depending on your their mindset, observing is enough for many folks, but I think until they take the extra step and get to know some folks, start garbing up and getting a little more involved, they are just skimming the surface of what faire has to offer.

[Sitara]

The generosity of the fabulous people I work with.  At MNRF the vast majority of the beer vendors are Shakopee Jaycees.  All of our profit goes back into the community.  Not only do we all work for free, but after hours, we run several different fundraisers to assist various people in our rennie family.  It never ceases to amaze me when after working for 10 hours, that people end up working for another 5-6 hours to help people in need and then get up and do it again the next day.

[Will Gamwell]

The generosity of the fabulous people I work with.  At MNRF the vast majority of the beer vendors are Shakopee Jaycees.  All of our profit goes back into the community.  Not only do we all work for free, but after hours, we run several different fundraisers to assist various people in our rennie family.  It never ceases to amaze me when after working for 10 hours, that people end up working for another 5-6 hours to help people in need and then get up and do it again the next day.

We Love Our Jaycees!!!!!

There is much that I love about faire.  The community as a whole is amazing.  All of the creative & diverse talent that exists is another.  It is amazing to watch each entertainer and the way that they interact with paytrons/playtrons.

In regards to costuming, it is awesome to see the talents that people have, and how they interpret the costuming of a character.  Wether that character is a "historical" character, or one of their own creation.  It is yet another way to see an individuals artistic creativity and their personality interpreted into their clothing & accessories.  Twig, The Jester at MNRF, the Wacky Chickens.  There are a ton of amazing costumes.

[flidais]

I have met the most amazing people threw faire.  Some of which I cannot imagine my life, without them in it.  

Faire attracts such a wide assortment of people from all walks of life that are brought together by a common intrest.  A common intrest that is expressed a little differently by everyone.  Which is part of why it's so cool.  Because, for the most part, everyone is very excepting of each others different views.  You don't find this very much in the "Real" world.  Ya know?  So you have all these obviously different people that have a common intrest that are finding it OK to approach each other, chat over an ale, laugh together at shows.  And in my case, meet my most beloved friends.  

Then there's the music, the smells, hard working cast, fantastic merchants and kilts  It's my happy place!!

[LadyFae]

Something that makes me choke up or outright cry when I see it (because it is such a touching sight) is when Twig is interacting with a "disabled" person- child or adult, the magic is the same.  There are many Faire Fairies out there but there is something special about Twig in action.  I don't think that it is something that can be taught, it is an inner beauty that shines through.  I see it and there is no question in my mind why Twig is the most photographed Ren Fairy out there.  Like her or not (because I know that not everyone is a fan of hers) you HAVE to admit that she has magical way about her when she is in action.

[Dinobabe]

My version of Faire history is that it started out as a way for a small group of weird outcasts to get together and enjoy life.  Well, it turns out that that group of outcasts wasn't that small!  It is comforting to know that there are so many people out there like ME.

I was very fortunate, like many here, to be on the inside of Faire (grandparents owned a booth).  On Sat/Sun you interact with "characters".  And then during the week/evening you find out that those "characters" are really real people in costume.  So all of the wonderful aspects of laughter, caring, love, generosity, creativity, etc. are true.  Which is so difficult to find in the "real" world today.

[ArielCallista]

The first time I went to faire, I didn't realize how many people in noble garb were not cast and had made their own garb. I love seeing the things people have come up with.

[Rani Zemirah]

I really love to see the wonder in the eyes of those who are new to Faire, and the interest that grows as they encounter each new character, show or display, and how it begins to create the idea that they want to participate in some way.  I enjoy getting to interact with people "in character", particularly if they are also "in character", and the absolute hilarity that can ensue, especially when newcomers are drawn into the play, as well!  I adore seeing the creativity and imagination that goes into the garb all the different people wear, and the pride taken in the creation of it, no matter the skill of the creator or the relevance to period. It's just as much fun for me to see the pink tutu-and-wing clad Stormtrooper Faerie as it is to admire the beautiful and historical garb, all the way from the mud beggars to the Monarchy!

I also love the willingness of the people to stop and talk, or to help someone who is lost, or just looking for something, to pose for pictures, play with children, compliment someone on an accessory, help when someone is feeling ill or overheated, point the way to the privies, make sure those differently abled can get to the places they want to see, tip the performers, help with "garb malfunctions", loan garb to those who have yet to acquire any, escort someone who wants garb to every shop on the grounds to help them find just the perfect mix of pieces... and a thousand different things! 

The spirit of festival is everywhere in these people, and it shines from them so that when I see them I can't help but feel it, also!  Truly... they are beautiful. 

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

The AMBIENCE that makes it all say "RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL"!

The sights, the sounds, the aromas. And everything else everyone has said.  

[Tixi]

I enjoy the shared experience - how people from all walks of life can be together in a special place to revel in something foreign and fantastic (that can at times be educational, entertaining, heartwarming, sad, or just downright silly) yet most everyone is there to have fun just being who they want to be without the pressures and concerns of mundane life or modern society.

I like that faire is something with its own customs and language and values, but although there is a culture, there is very little right and wrong in terms of fitting in. You can be a peasant or a queen or a fairy or a furry or a minotaur or wear jeans and it's all okay. The things we each hold in regard are unique to each person, but the common attitude is generally appreciative and accepting and tolerant.

I like how people often greet and acknowledge each other as they pass. I believe this is a custom we should not have abandoned.

I think it's amazingly wonderful how people with very different backgrounds can become friends when they otherwise probably wouldn't even ever have a chance to meet. And how people from across the continent or across the world have a shared sense of community wherever they go.

I like 'day of wrong' and what it stands for.

Oh yes, I also love (and have always loved) dressing up and I very much enjoy seeing the effort other people put into their garb and personalities.

[Delireus]

I really feel at home at a faire. No matter how far away from the place I live at, I will feel at home at a faire. It's like I can feel like myself. I just love seeing people so passionate about something. I went to a Harry Potter concert at my school a few months ago and I got that renfest feeling just by seeing people dress up and come together over one common love. It's that passion that makes it beautiful for me. It also is great to see that I'm not alone, that there are a whole bunch of people who I can relate to . Like one big family that spans the country in special pockets

[Gauwyn of Bracknell]

I like the peopl who sell ale 

And everything else.