Thanksgiving Friday- how is it?

[Seanessy]

Greetings everyone,

How is the crowd/vibe/scene/whatever Thanksgiving Friday?  I've been to TRF many times, though never on T'GF.  Is there a higher proportion of Rennies (as many Danes will be in the malls) than other days?  Anything special to look forward to?

Just wondering...

[xed]

I do my best to make closing weekend every year, and I haven't noticed much difference...The special thing you look forward to, though, is the extra day at the faire.

[Bonny Pearl]

I have seen it absolutely packed and the exact opposite.  I think it mostly depends on the weather and temp.  Either way it is a great day at faire. Everything is decorated for the holidays and just brings a little extra magic to the faire experience.

[DonaCatalina]

Thanksgiving Friday is my absolute favorite. I have seen warm days where it was packed with mundanes; but on average it is cooler and Rennies make up at least half the crowd. If you saved ytour pennies, its the best day to get a bargain.
Two years ago we bought his Lordship a Cazoleta Calada (that is a Spanish cup hilt rapier with decorative piercings) for half price. Not everything will be bargain prices, but enough are that it doesn't hurt to haggle. Like Bonny said, all the holiday decorations are up, so when its cool, it feels different.
And the cast seems to be a bit more relaxed; maybe because its closing, I don't know.

[Yrose]

Yep, if it's good weather it has broken records for the busiest day of the entire year. I've made it to a few of them, but usually can't. I'm a Black Friday shopper.

[JackGonzo, MD]

I usually go, but this year UH has a game on that Friday so I have wait until Saturday to come on down. I remember one day four years ago maybe? It was down right freezing and the crowd fairly small, but with the crowd being like 60% rennies.

[KiltedPrivateer]

I usually go, but this year UH has a game on that Friday so I have wait until Saturday to come on down. I remember one day four years ago maybe? It was down right freezing and the crowd fairly small, but with the crowd being like 60% rennies.

And a good portion of those rennies were most likely enduring the cold in the camp ground.  Cuz thats just what we do (o:

[Lishy]

Its definitely one of our favorite times to be out at faire! Holiday decorations, the music groups doing Christmas music- for us its the ultimate way to end faire!

[Catherine DArtois]

I love Celtic Christmas -- all three days.  It makes setting up camp even more "worthwhile." The elves and Father Christmas are a family tradition, and I might even try to get recruited for the pie eating contest.  Mugs of hot cider.  Steaming bowls of stew.  Carolers.  Yeah.  That's the beginning of the Holiday season for me!!

[Seanessy]

Thanks for the enthusiastic responses, all!  Looking forward to getting some real shopping done in the lanes on Black Friday.  I'll also be shepherding my 13 year-old son Hamish along on his first visit to New Market Village that day, so I'll get to re-experience that ol' TRF magic, as if for the first time, through his eyes!  Besides Oskar Hasselhoff's sword shows and Birds of Prey (which we'll surely catch), which other shows/activities would the experienced RenParents recommend as not-to-be-missed for a 13 year-old? 

My Lady Constance and I will also be out for Fling Saturday, and can't wait to meet, remeet, and revel with good friends, old and new.  Hopefully, we'll make the meet-n-greet at the POW after parade and get to know some of you in person. 

[Lady Rosaline]

My 12 year old son loves the mud show. Sometimes we will see it twice in a day. LOL

[Seanessy]

Thanks, Lady Rosaline! How could I forget? The Mud Show is a classic for all ages!

[DonaCatalina]

SEanessy, if Donal Hinely is there take your son to listen. Your son will be fascinated by the glasses and Donal usually has a public glass for the kids to experiment with.

[Seanessy]

Great suggestion, Dona, thanks! Donal is playing TRF for closing w/e!

Glasnots was one of our favorites for many years, and it makes me glad that Donal is keeping that music alive.

[xed]

My 12 year old son loves the mud show. Sometimes we will see it twice in a day. LOL

The 12 year old in me loves the mud show, too.  Sometimes we see it multiple times daily also.  If you ask me, the best mudshow is the first one in the morning, with a breakfast of spiced rum.


...but thats just me.