So....DO give me the lowdown on Scarby....

[Captain Teague]

 As I placed in the introduction thread, we as a couple (Lady Gryphon ) have attended a goodly amount of faires. This will be our first visit to Scarborough however and twill be on Memorial Day Weekend.

However, upon shores far from here (other sites ) I have heard but muttered whispers amongst the rabble, nothing specific, but in the vein that some changes have been made and that some of those were not well received by some of the regular patrons. Having a lookabout here, the only noticable subject I have come across to date is the flask issue. To which I carry none anyway, nor would that be a deal breaker.

I did observe from their website one thing I had not seen before, and that they DISCOURAGE the wearing of weapons and then go on to state the local law for that effect. In our travels it has usually been found that most if not all states have a similar law, but as far as I myself have seen that has never been "pushed." Matter of fact a good amount of faires have uniformed local law enforcement running security on site. And also realize ALL faires have their local cultures, practices and individual applications of ordinances. Also that some have to resort to the CYD (cover your derriere ) mentality in the open, but as long as one behaves not a fool they will find it as relaxed as any other. Also to make it clear, I have no wish to cast any sort of shadow upon this or any other faire, nor am I looking for workarounds, I want to be prepared and to comply with their particular rules and make this an awesome visit for the first and hopefully subsequent times hereafter.

But I would appreciate getting clued in on a general all around status and conditions. Particularly in this will be a 12 hr drive each way and should something of ours be in contention, then all the less to pack, rather than get there, unpacked, garbed up and strapped on and buckled in only to have some issue arise once arriving at the gates or on  grounds. I have read other threads and so far ascertained:

Flasks: Iffy
Weather: Hot, DADGUM hot, TOO dadgum hot, perhaps sandstorms, humid.

Also wondering about terrain and places to rest. (Milady suffered a serious motorcycle accident a couple years back and broke her pelvis in 3 places. She needs to rest often )

Will be bringing multiple garbs, all with some sort of bladed weaponry. But all are peace tied with industrial zipties, no possible draw unless cut. (I learned this the hard way years ago when a drunk attempted to pull my sword,broke the cord I had at that time and had it halfway out before I could react. Needless to say the "Queens Guards" were NOT happy and attended to the situation immediately ) All are also fully and completely sheathed. My new pirate garb has a fully NON functional flintlock replica.

Appreciate the input and hope to meet some of you there. 

[Merlin]

Let me welcome you to Scarby !

Weapons.... not an issue at all. Keep them peace-tied.

Scarby is fairly flat and there are lots of shaded areas to rest and eat. Come into the Friends of Faire area to get out of the sun... have a cold drink!

The weather is as unpredictable as a teenage girl but usually will be hot that weekend.

Get to the faire early... like around 8:30-9 am and look for the Scottish flags... come by and grab something to eat.... enjoy a morning mimosa with us. We tailgate early.

Upon entering... I recommend going to the left first. Spend the first half of the day on this side of the grounds (the area is divided by a creek from left to right upon entering)
Reason: This side has less shade and is much hotter as the day goes on. After the parade at 1pm... head across the bridge to the other side where the large majority is shaded.

Any other questions...feel free to shoot away!

[DonaCatalina]

No one has ever discouraged his lordship from carrying his weapons. I do make very obvious peace ties for them. Brightly covered ribbons over the zip ties would make your peace ties more obvious to the casual glance. A lot of what goes on the website is for the faire's protection.
It can be very hot...but there is shade, its mostly flat and there are water fountains. Not very many people dress all in black....
The cast is very, very friendly and very interactive with 'danes and playtrons alike.
Come about 8:30 and have breakfast with us. We'll be the one Spanish flag in the middle of the Scots.

[Merlin the Elder]

I'll correct my boy on one item... the Friends of Faire area is supposedly restricted to card-carrying FoF. 

Regarding the scuttlebutt, changes to faires are going to happen at all faires, and not everyone is going to agree will all changes. It's inevitable. Prices change, vendors change, acts change. The two vendors that I've spent the most money at have both left Scarborough, one was expected, the other not. I found somewhere to spend my hard-earned money.

Young Merlin speaks the truth about going left in the morning. While closing weekend is not supposed to be as hot this year as last, Texas Toast refers to more than just the large pieces of bread you get at some restaurants. The south end (left as you enter) is much less covered than the north end.

Regarding weapons, I've never seen an issue with peace-tied steel.

The major complaints that I've heard this year were regarding flasks and season passes. Since you're coming for final weekend, I don't think the latter is an issue, and you already stated that the former isn't.

Of the four faires I have attended, Scarby is on the upper half of my favourite list, but it is my home faire. It is a very good faire.

Plan to be able to handle hot. Expecting 90 degrees +/-, and it will likely be humid. It is, as my boy said, relatively flat, and there are a pretty good number of spots to stop and rest.  If you're not familiar with Iris and Rose, and don't object to a good bawdy show, they are a lot of fun!  Enjoy your visit!

[eloquentXI]

Peace-tying is your friend! I run amuck with a group of pirates who wear all sorts of weapons so I wouldn't be too worried about that.

We love our faire and many people from afar think quite highly of it so I hope you decided to make the trip down to see us!

[Captain Teague]

Oh, it's definitely in the bag, room has been paid up front ( better discount for that ) chariot checked, garb being laid out and the list goes on.

I hope I did not infer it was a maybe. Just want to be prepared. Prepare to be invaded (Y'all ) 

[angusmacinnes]

Like was said earlier, get there early Memorial Day Weekend is always busy and traffic does back up some.

[cowgrrl]

The only thing I will say is do NOT underestimate how hot it can get. Hydration is a MUST. Alternate water & some sort of electrolyte drink. A few weekends back it was very hot & I saw a little girl being taken to first aid who had obviously overheated. If Memorial Day Weekend is hot I expect to see the med cart zooming around all over the Faire.
Also, go see the glassblowing. Peter & Chris do beautiful work & Peter imparts a lot of information on the history & science of glassblowing.

[Merlin]

Since hydration is my major job for the Texas Rangers... from this, I know.

En route to the parking lot... drink a PowerAde. No coffee.... no sports drinks. The best is Pedialyte... I know it's for children but it's the best to get electrolytes in your system fast.
PRE-Hydration is the key.

As my friend suggested...alternate big-boy drinks with WATER. If you notice you've been at fair for 4 hours and haven't gone to the bathroom... you are behind.

Avoid salty foods.... no fish-n-chips. I recommend The Kings Wrap.... near the chilldrens games by Peg Leg stage. It's a HUGE tortilla wrap sandwich with turkey and veggys.

Shows to catch: Well... what I like...you may not. Check the website.... feel free to ask about certain shows for opinions.... us reggy's have seen them all multiple times.

[Lady Gryphon]

I am one of those people who Hates Gatorade,  I guess I'll just have to grin and bear it.   I figure sometime during the day if I haven' went, then I drink until I do, An old trick I carry over from Marching Band days, and Wool uniforms in the summer, not good.   I'll find something to keep my Electrolytes in check.  It's a big concern of mine.

As for the glass blowers, its funny I'm a ceramic Engineer.  Glass is something i know quit well.  LOL  If questions aren't flowing durning a demonstration.  I know which ones to ask to get other people started.  The glass blower at Bay View dreads me coming by, because I know his whole talk.  But I love to watch them work, and it's always great to sit and watch if nothing else.

See you all there.

BTW.  How many show up for the tail gate pre-open morning brunch?  I want to bring something just don't know how much to bring.  We will pick up a bottle of Champagne for the Mimosas, do you all have a preferred brand?  I was thinking True English Scones, from my Grandmother Recipe,  and Raspberry jam.   

[Captain Teague]

*Quickly steps out of the way of the secret recipe scone stampede*


Yes, after she nearly had a heat stroke during a bike rally in 100 degree heat, we are very mindful of hydration. Still most excellent advice that can never be offered enough. Anyone who disbelieves that should step into any Faire first aid tent on any sunny afternoon at Faire and have a gander at the full beds.  Neither of us load up on the Big Boy beverages all that much anytime. I usually have an Ale or Mead every couple of hours with water in between and I am lucky to get her away from the water for two meads or wine in a full day.
And regretfully from the sounds of it, the Darklord will have to stay home as it's totally black and heavy material. Pity, its the greatest impact I possess. But by far safer.

TRF two years ago:





Shows...we are very broad minded. I have always loved the jousts and living chess, we caught parts of Dead Bob's shows at a couple different faires, ummm...in past years I always enjoyed Ras Poppa, master of the whip and the Amazing Moonie, the washerwell wenches at more than one faire, hmmm...I'm not all that fussy. And she enjoys all genres from skill to bawdy, she just prefers not totally inane bits. (Think dumb and dumber ) She loves british humor (Monty Python ) however. Music is a great draw, we love most ren period, celtic, irish, scottish (she has deep scottish roots)

But by all means, recommend away. And I thank each and all for the most excellent input you are offering. 

[cowgrrl]

A few random recommendations:

-Wine & Alchemy. Great world music. We have all their CDs.

-Stardancers bellydancing:  Same stage as W&A. Great dancing and a cute show.

-Parade:  so much fun. If you're lucky you'll get a free candle coupon AND a mud kiss.

[Lady Gryphon]

I do have at all time, shorts and tank tops in the car.  If for some reason  I have to get out of garb fast, we have a portable changing room and I can strip down and be back in cool clothes in nothing flat, and I don't scare off the natives.  LOL    Again, I am very mindful of the heat and what it is doing to me, but he is uncanny and catches it faster then me.  If he says I need to sit down and cool off, I argue, but I never win. 

[Al-Nimer]

A few more show recommendations:

• Adam Crack's Fire Whip
• Doktor Kaboom! (last weekend only)
• Don Juan & Miguel
• Human Chess Match
• SloanWolfe
• Cantiga/Owain Phyfe

And, of course I'll be playing Sat & Sun for the Belly Dance Treasures boothe stage, which is a blue & white building just South of the Gypsy stage.  We do 5-10 minute "costume demonstrations" after each Gypsy stage show (except during & just after Parade.)

[Merlin the Elder]

....
I did observe from their website one thing I had not seen before, and that they DISCOURAGE the wearing of weapons and then go on to state the local law for that effect. ...

I could be wrong, but I'm thinking that the language they have on the website is a C.Y.A. kind of thing.  As for the statement on there regarding carrying a concealed handgun, I've seen that sign all over Texas. Since every state has their own way of handling things, this would be Scarby's way of making sure out-of-state visitors know the score.