Iowa Renaissance Festival

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

We gave up on this faire about 5 years ago, because whatever day we went, it poured and poured.  We'd drive 3 hours to get there, spend a couple of hours under the pavilion, freezing and wet, then give up and go home.  Sounds like not much has changed!  lol   We are thinking about coming out on the Monday of the Memorial weekend.  It would be great to have a nice day!   

P.S.  One time we went to one of the Amana restaurants for dinner before we drove back home.  That day, I was a wench, and dressed typically  (read between the lines here).  I used the restroom in the restaurant, and while I was waiting in line, a woman asked me, "Are you Amish?"

We also really enjoyed this faire.  We hadn't gone in several years were very happy to see it growing.  Agreed, not much musical entertainment, but what they offered was very good.

We live just under 2 hours east of Amana.  Left Galena around 10 a.m.   Sunshine and blue, blue clouds.  Only a 20% chance of rain in Amana.  I fell asleep, as I usually do on long car trips.  About 10 minutes before we got there, Steve woke me up saying, "Ren, look."  As I opened my eyes to see the rain falling on the windshield and the wipers on.  We had a good laugh at that.

Luckily it wasn't a downpour, and after an hour or so of being cold, the sun came out and dried everything up, and the day was glorious.  Also enjoyed seeing Lord Gauwyn and Lady Addilay, Butch and Michael, Lady Rosalind, and Felicity, she of the Fyne Hats.  We had such a fun time and hope to go again in future years.

[Gauwyn of Bracknell]

Had a great time!  Spent the weekend with Lord Gauwyn and Lady Addilay (AND Brandy AND Henri AND Larry AND Tony) as well as the newest star of Waxing Gibbous: Alec!  A very nice faire.  Lots of vendors, some with some quality handmade stuff, and some reselling.  Quite a lot of food and drink for sale, much more than I had expected.  The joust was pretty good (I'm not into them too much).  Also had a Highland Games demo and some staged duels with period weapons.  Not many stage acts though; just Clearly Guilty (from KC) on Saturday, and Silverthorn (a brand new 3 person group from Amana) on Sunday.  There was a wandering minstrel group, Waxing Gibbous, on both Saturday and Sunday.  They were very good with their instruments and had a great sound (AND Gauwyn & Addilay's son is a member!).

They had a mermaid and a blacksmith.  They also had a knife throw, an axe throw, and an archery range.

The weather was fantastic!  I heard stories about how badly the place has been rained out in years past!

We did the morning tailgate both days, very nice indeed!

Saw Lady Renee, and saw Rowen MacD.  Not sure if the "royalty" I spoke with included Lady Rosalind?  The two ladies of court both said they were on the R/F forums, but didn't have their passwords?

Anyway, my son and I had a grand time!  Thank-you, Greg and Angie, for showing us such a jewel!

We enjoyed your company, as always.  You are welcome anytime.  Your sewing and design skills amaze me - gives me something to shoot for!  Will see you in Minnesota.

[Lady Rosalind]

Had a great time!  Spent the weekend with Lord Gauwyn and Lady Addilay (AND Brandy AND Henri AND Larry AND Tony) as well as the newest star of Waxing Gibbous: Alec!  A very nice faire.  Lots of vendors, some with some quality handmade stuff, and some reselling.  Quite a lot of food and drink for sale, much more than I had expected.  The joust was pretty good (I'm not into them too much).  Also had a Highland Games demo and some staged duels with period weapons.  Not many stage acts though; just Clearly Guilty (from KC) on Saturday, and Silverthorn (a brand new 3 person group from Amana) on Sunday.  There was a wandering minstrel group, Waxing Gibbous, on both Saturday and Sunday.  They were very good with their instruments and had a great sound (AND Gauwyn & Addilay's son is a member!).

They had a mermaid and a blacksmith.  They also had a knife throw, an axe throw, and an archery range.

The weather was fantastic!  I heard stories about how badly the place has been rained out in years past!

We did the morning tailgate both days, very nice indeed!

Saw Lady Renee, and saw Rowen MacD.  Not sure if the "royalty" I spoke with included Lady Rosalind?  The two ladies of court both said they were on the R/F forums, but didn't have their passwords?

Anyway, my son and I had a grand time!  Thank-you, Greg and Angie, for showing us such a jewel!

Yes, that was me in the black or red!

[Butch]

Yes, that was me in the black or red!

Well, shoot!  I wanted to talk seamstress/tailor stuff with you!  Oh well, next time!

[Butch]

I believe we spoke on Saturday, and I was in the fuzzy blue "thrum" cap.  My son was with me in a GAoP getup.

[Gauwyn of Bracknell]

Yes, that was me in the black or red!

Well, shoot!  I wanted to talk seamstress/tailor stuff with you!  Oh well, next time!

I was remiss in my duties, I should have presented you to court!! 

(what is GAoP by the way)

[Butch]

Lord Sebastian did, so no worries!  I know you were busy with Waxing Gibbous and other local responsibilities.  Hey, I was simply a sailor on shore leave!

GAoP = Golden Age of Piracy.  Pirate garb, usually identified by a tricorne and an eyepatch (and sometimes an "ARRRRR!").  Michael's garb on Saturday was GAoP, except for his trousers; but they worked!  Even though it was 200 years after the Renaissance, it's what he wanted, so I'm good with it!

[Gauwyn of Bracknell]

I thought he looked great!!

[Butch]

Thank you, my lord!

[Rowan MacD]

Yes, that was me in the black or red!

Well, shoot!  I wanted to talk seamstress/tailor stuff with you!  Oh well, next time!

I was remiss in my duties, I should have presented you to court!! 

(what is GAoP by the way)

I, too, was remiss.. I talked to you for quite a while but somehow, I assumed you had already been introduced to the Court!
  I cannot believe I missed Lady Renee!  Gah.
I was only there on Saturday, due to family obligations, but I was there all day.
  Lady Renee,were you were there on Saturday?

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

Rowen, we can only make Sundays at faire, because our restaurant is open Saturday nights.

I didn't realize you would only be there Saturday, as I was looking forward to meeting you, too!

[Rowan MacD]

  Lady Renee,  It's looking more and more like we will have to make a point of attending the MNRF.  You are a regular, no?

   I am making a list of 'return the favors' for folks who make it up (or down) to our little festivals. After meeting Butch and his delightful (and well dressed) son-I'm thinking a return visit to KCRF.  Hubby and I had our first official date (and kiss) there. 

 
   

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

Rowen, Bristol is our home faire, but we manage to get to MN every 3 or 4 years.  Right now, not finalized, but there is a chance we may visit MN the Sunday and Monday of Labor Day weekend.  Maybe we can meet then!

As I mentioned in an earlier post, we enjoyed the Iowa RF after an absence of many years.

[Gauwyn of Bracknell]

Butch and his son and I and m'lady (along with some more of my family, along with the pirates from Des Moines are going opening weekend to MNRF.
We also usually make a progress one more time in the fall.

We also make a progress to KCRF Columbus Day weekend.

[Merlin the Elder]

Hmmm... Perhaps things may settle enough for Nimue and I to journey to KCRF for Columbo's Day.