Bear stage Bear replacement?

[groomporter]

There seems to be an attempt to raise funds to replace the sculpted bear.
I don't know if they have any official approval from MAF, and there's no Email address on the page to ask.
http://festbearfriends.org/

[Noble Dreg]

I would gladly contribute...But I am skeptical in nature.  If someone I trust could verify this groups intentions so I know I'm giving to a cause with a chance...

[groomporter]

I found the person's name on te MRFfriends site and he's apparently one of the morris dancers

[groomporter]

There was a note on the participant's only Elist from fest confirming they do have an agreement with this effort.

[Muffin]

Do we know if fest is contributing or matching the donations? Or have they now convinced the patrons and workers to pay for repairs? 

[Kiss-me-Kate]

Muffin,
I think it is the latter.  I love and miss the bear, but don't feel compelled to spend my hard earned money on having it repaired/replaced.
If I am spending my own money fixing something it is will be for our booth or for part of my garb.

Nessa brought up a good point on FB.  Next they'll want US to pay to fix up the Hall of Masters.


*gets off soapbox*

[Ferret]

Food for thought.

I participate in a show. Not Ren Faire type.

It started as an industry show and as the industry tanked it became more of a hobby show. 2000 was the low point. A bunch of collectors got together and started contributing their equipment to the show. They said it's our show too, and didn't want it to go away.

This year will be the 27th year and going strong.

MNRF isn't asking for help, is it ? The Morris dancer is. Wants to help make MNRF better, for everyone.

It might well be worth helping in some situations. It's our Faire too.

Ferret

[groomporter]

I suppose this could also be seen as a bit like asking for private contributions toward a public art installation (even though it will be on private property).

[Merlin the Elder]

I'm with Ferret. It's not like they're asking for a lot from anyone. I'm getting along in years, but faire is what I enjoy. Despite the fact that the chances are that I'll never make it to MNRF, I'm going to throw in on this.

[SleepyArcher]

There are better things (IMO) that I would rather put my money towards than a wooden sculpture.

[Gauwyn of Bracknell]

I'm with Ferret. It's not like they're asking for a lot from anyone. I'm getting along in years, but faire is what I enjoy. Despite the fact that the chances are that I'll never make it to MNRF, I'm going to throw in on this.

You should try to make our faire - i am sure you would enjoy! - we can talk more at rendezvous

[Merlin the Elder]

Biggest drawback to MNRF is time of year. It's the beginning of the school year and they usually keep me pretty tied up until mid-October.

[Rowan MacD]

  I don't see us making the MNRF anytime soon since we are committed to other faires and celtic festivals going on during the same time.   I really do want to go though.
 
  However, for my 2 cents; if the faire is really supporting this effort, perhaps they can sweeten the pot for larger contributors, sort of like IPTV: Free season passes for $100+, free day passes or discounts on tickets for contributions $50+, special faire tokens for the $20+range, and of course everybody gets to be on the plaque if they contributed anything.
  If the faire doesn't want to contribute something toward the beautification of their own site, I would have to question if this is endorsed by the faire in the first place.
 Just sayin'
 

[MissBubu]

Being endorsed by MNRF means they won't stop you from doing it.

[William_MacKean]

Do we know if fest is contributing or matching the donations? Or have they now convinced the patrons and workers to pay for repairs? 

Exactly.

And who gets the bear after fest is gone?  Seems that someone might be getting a wicked lawn ornament in a few years.

If it added to the cultire and experience for the patrons... maybe.  If it was to honor crafters... possibly.  But to make a vandalism target?  I dunno.