The season has officially started!!

[groomporter]

[
It will be interesting to see what will be where and what all has changed. Apparently first aid is moving up by B gate since the ambulances can't get up the road to its previous location anymore.  The nice thing about that change is it gives joust a nice place to land with their horses and trailers -- apparently they're going to be housed where first aid was.  I'm curious to see what else will be different. This week can't go quick enough, I'm itching to get out there and get my tent set up and take my first stroll around grounds on Saturday.

I thought last year they moved the jouster' camp to the tree covered area over by A Gate, I wouldn't think there would be any pasture space outside the old First Aid Gate these days.

[tcindie]

I thought last year they moved the jouster' camp to the tree covered area over by A Gate, I wouldn't think there would be any pasture space outside the old First Aid Gate these days.

Well, being at the fencing booth myself, I can assure you that Joust was more or less at horse gate last year.. They brought the horses in and out through there anyway.
They built paddocks right next to the entrance to the track where the horses were staged before and just after joust.  I think just long enough for Kelly and the bunch to round up the trailers, load the horses up and drive them off.. presumably by A gate.  Once they drove off it wasn't really clear where they drove off to.

However, what I've been told is that the first aid building itself is being gutted and turned into a paddock that they'll be able to keep the horses at, and their camper or whatever so they won't need a trailer way down by 41 and wont have to haul the horses around as much this year.

That's my understanding of it anyway.  Where first aid is going, I'm not sure.

[Gauwyn of Bracknell]

Anyone know the area - I have been told it is Charlies Grove (as you exit main gate is to the right over the road and down) there is a grove of trees.  There have been horse trailers there the last couple years.  Great place to park, since there is some shade.  Is still there and useable for parking?

[Kiss-me-Kate]

My guess is probably not.  That area was mowed, and there was a trailer there when we went through a bit ago.

[Gauwyn of Bracknell]

My guess is probably not.  That area was mowed, and there was a trailer there when we went through a bit ago.

were the trees still there?

[Will Gamwell]

were the trees still there?

Last I saw the trees were still there. 

[Gauwyn of Bracknell]

were the trees still there?

Last I saw the trees were still there. 

was Charlie still there? 

[Sitara]

Since Charlie has run parking for years now, and when I last saw him he said see you next season, I would assume he will be back.

[groomporter]

Got the canvas roof on the booth today, leaves raked out, weeds whacked, torn nylon mosquito netting replaced with aluminium screen material, 2x4's stacked and waiting, all the furniture gets pulled out of the shed tomorrow morning and washed.

[Marietta Graziella]

Sounds great, GP.  Can't wait to learn some new games at your booth this year!

We have our lovely box games that we bought from you last year, now in our pub!  They look terrific. I'll try to get a good picture.

[Merlin the Elder]

You own a pub?!?  If I can clear it with Nim, will you marry me too? 

[Lady Kathleen of Olmsted]

I read over at Face Book the progress at the Fest Friends Glade. Those who are not members should consider it.

The Earl and I will be there most weekends in September. This will be our 3rd year being members. It is worth it. Throw in extra change if you can to show your appreciation for the work being done there. It is through memberships and extra donations that make the fest Friends Glade the place to hang out, rest between outings, and make new friends.

We will be members in 2012 and beyond for sure.

[groomporter]

Got the canvas roof on the booth today, leaves raked out, weeds whacked, torn nylon mosquito netting replaced with aluminium screen material, 2x4's stacked and waiting, all the furniture gets pulled out of the shed tomorrow morning and washed.

Out at 8am yesterday to beat the worst of the heat. Crew got the rest of the booth and furniture cleaned and dusted. evicted the half-eaten robin that something must have dragged into the back room. With a lot of help and cordless tools from a friend we improved the shaded cover over the our food and water station out back.

Next week put the tarp over that area, bring out a bunch of displays stuff that we don't store there, the solar lights for after hours, and a few detail decorations...

[Marietta Graziella]

You own a pub?!?  If I can clear it with Nim, will you marry me too? 

Oh MtE, you smooth talker...   

We just finished putting in the pub in our downstairs. It looks like an old English pub from when hubby and I lived in England. We had purchased games from Groomporter's booth at MNRF specifically to put in there. They look fantastic and were played by many guests during the night. 

[Merlin the Elder]

You are such a tease, MG.  I withdraw my offer of matrimony, and it has nothing to do with the fact that we are both already entrenched in marital contracts. But when I finally make it to Minnesota, I expect you to treat me to a tasty ale in your pub, since you have succeeded in both breaking my heart and making me thirsty.