Weapons Policy

[MissBubu]

Not sure if I want to work Front Gate this year.

Weapons Policy:
•The Festival bans guns on our premise   
•Swords, Knives, Dirks and Daggers must be completely sheathed and peace-tied.
•Axes, Claymores, Maces, Antique Firearms, Pikes and Halberds are NOT allowed on the Festival site.
•No drawing of any weapon at any time
•Must be 18 years or older to carry a weapon

Additional questions, please contact the Festival Office
for more information.  952-445-7361

http://renaissancefest.com/MRF/generalinfo.html

[Muffin]

Is this different from before? Just wondering? I don't carry any weapons, so I don't know..

*great picture btw!!!!*


*edit* oh... nevermind, I missed the part about the claymores.. that wasn't there before..

[MissBubu]

Last year's weapons policy stated that no firearms were allowed, but didn't specify any of the other items banned this year. As long as it was sheathed and peace-tied, we let it in.

[William_MacKean]

Yup.  The axe ban is new.  I think there was an incident with a drunk and an axe.  Not sure.  Don't quote me.

As for firearms, state law requires a MANAGER to inform the person with a firearm that they are not allowed to be on site.  Legally, the front gate person can get in big trouble for infringing on the carrier's right.  And the title of 'manager' is not sufficient enough to hold up in court.  Must have management duties, responsibilities, and authority.  Also not legally obligated to inform anyone that they are carrying if asked.

MN carry law interprets as "If you don't see it, I don't have it."

BTW:
I agree with the 'No Firearm' policy.  Too many non-combatants around.  Never a need to throw bullets into a crowd.  Not with the quality of our SS crew.

[Random Girl]

I agree with the 'No Firearm' policy.  Too many non-combatants around.  Never a need to throw bullets into a crowd.  Not with the quality of our SS crew.

You want to retract that before I pitch a fit and make you look like a total Jack[expletive for Donkey]

[Marietta Graziella]

I agree with the 'No Firearm' policy.  Too many non-combatants around.  Never a need to throw bullets into a crowd.  Not with the quality of our SS crew.

You want to retract that before I pitch a fit and make you look like a total Jack[expletive for Donkey]

I think he meant it as a compliment...  The way I read it is, nobody needs a gun when we have excellent SS to keep the peace. 

[Random Girl]

See I see it as the complete opposite but I'm cool being the idiot on this one.  Wouldn't be the first time I've been wrong.  I hate the internet sometimes.

[Noble Dreg]

If being an occasional idiot on the internet was a crime I'd be doing 25 to life.

[Blushing]

Out of curiosity, do the same restrictions apply to those on cast?  I don't remember if any were carrying such weapons, but they wouldn't be out of place for royal guards, etc.

[escherblacksmith]

wow . . . so, If I have a claymore it isn't a sword anymore?  I could wear it at my waist if that would help.  Or are they saying no more anti-personnel mines?  In which case, how do port-a-potties get santioned?

Inquiring minds . . .

[Noble Dreg]

Claymore's have always been frowned upon, not sure why...I assume it's because they could be used as a club due to their mass?  A friend of mine was approached almost 10 years ago and told while they would allow him to wear his claymore strapped to his back they would appreciate it if he just left it at home.  Honestly I'm amazed they allow any "costume" weapons, of course it would be hard for vendors to sell tem if you couldn't carry them.  Many fairs ban any and all weapons, costume or not.

[William_MacKean]

See I see it as the complete opposite but I'm cool being the idiot on this one.  Wouldn't be the first time I've been wrong.  I hate the internet sometimes.

Meant as a compliment.  In the 2-3 times I have needed SS in the last year, I had a 45 SECOND response time at most.  I see no need for a patron or worker to arm themselves and risk missing their intended or having a thru-n-thru injure an innocent.

Pikes & axes occasionally fall or swing an errant arc and hit people.  Most folks can avoid bumping an adult, but the knee-high patrons are vulnerable.

[MissBubu]

Out of curiosity, do the same restrictions apply to those on cast?  I don't remember if any were carrying such weapons, but they wouldn't be out of place for royal guards, etc.

Depends on what it says in your contract. I know I have to keep my blades sheathed and peace tied (but not with a plastic cable tie) and can only draw a blade for cutting my food or in a pre-approved choreographed fight.

[Muffin]

The Claymore thing is kind of a bummer.. 

Oh well... what can you do..

[Hatter]

I'm wondering why the changes?  Is this something the festival came up with on it's own or is it pressure from the County?  Are only Pole axes banned or are the small short haft axes banned too? I wear a short axe/hatchet every year with my barbarian persona.