Patrons Campgrounds

[mpullen]

This is a far in the future project (tying in with my retirement in another year or so).

IF there was a Patrons campgrounds, what features would the Patrons desire?

  Reserved clan camping
  Firecircle
  Showers
  Flushies
  After-hours events in Faire for Friends of Faire

Take a look at satellite images of the area and post your ideas/suggestions.

Again, this may never happen, but it makes a great idea for group discussion.

[Merlin the Elder]

The most lacking feature of the area is tree-cover, unlike Sherwood.

Would it be off-topic to suggest an on-site B&B or hotel?

After-hours events would be awesome, even for those of us who have to camp in hotels...

[PollyPoPo]

This is a far in the future project (tying in with my retirement in another year or so).

IF there was a Patrons campgrounds, what features would the Patrons desire?

  Reserved clan camping
  Firecircle
  Showers
  Flushies
  After-hours events in Faire for Friends of Faire

Take a look at satellite images of the area and post your ideas/suggestions.

Again, this may never happen, but it makes a great idea for group discussion.

Flushies
Reserved camping areas for clans (maybe FOF clan area) for leaving up camps for season
Flushies
Lighting in roadway to Flushies
Flushies
Organized area for traffic and camping (so people in low tents do not get run over at night)
Flushies
Identifiable Security presence
Flushies

B&B, cabins, etc. sound good, with flushies

Did I mention flushies?

[mpullen]

The most lacking feature of the area is tree-cover, unlike Sherwood.

Would it be off-topic to suggest an on-site B&B or hotel?

After-hours events would be awesome, even for those of us who have to camp in hotels...

There is a property to the south-east, heavily wooded.

B&B/hotel would be too large an investment, as only a two month a year attendance. Would have almost a year round usage of the faire to validate such a cost.

[mpullen]

This is a far in the future project (tying in with my retirement in another year or so).

IF there was a Patrons campgrounds, what features would the Patrons desire?

  Reserved clan camping
  Firecircle
  Showers
  Flushies
  After-hours events in Faire for Friends of Faire

Take a look at satellite images of the area and post your ideas/suggestions.

Again, this may never happen, but it makes a great idea for group discussion.

Flushies
Reserved camping areas for clans (maybe FOF clan area) for leaving up camps for season
Flushies
Lighting in roadway to Flushies
Flushies
Organized area for traffic and camping (so people in low tents do not get run over at night)
Flushies
Identifiable Security presence
Flushies

B&B, cabins, etc. sound good, with flushies

Did I mention flushies?

You appear to have a flushie fixation.

Noted.

[Merlin]

I only live about 40 minutes away but I would be camping every weekend.

[Rani Zemirah]

We have to drive down from OKC, and we would likely try and get FOF passes if there was camping!  As it is, we're lucky to make it down one weekend a year.  I say, the thing I would most like to have is the camping, itself!!!  I don't care how primitive, or not... just give us a place to toss out a tent, and be able to walk in through the gate in the morning, and we'll be extremely happy! 

[angusmacinnes]

We are talking about Scarby right?

Somehow I dont see it ever happening.  Just sayin.

[SirRichardBear]

I agree Angus its highly unlikely but like Merlin I live less than a hour away and would camp at least a couple of times just to hang with friends around a camp fire after faire.

As to what I'd like pretty much just camping itself,  then reserve camp site for chans or FoF campers. 

[mpullen]

We are talking about Scarby right?

Somehow I dont see it ever happening.  Just sayin.

Wanna take bets?

[Merlin the Elder]

I love long-shots...it's funny how frequently they pay off.  I'm wagering with you, Mike.

[Merlin]

Only reason it wouldn't happen is logistics.... LET'S DO IT !

[angusmacinnes]

I learned a long time ago to never bet on a game that I dont have complete control of.   

[Merlin]

Angus.... you're a wise man.

But I'll bet it does happen..... Scarby needs to run the numbers and get an idea of how it benefits the fair financially.... and it could happen if land is available.
You could get a special Camping FoF pass for a few extra bucks per season.....

I dunno...I like to be optimistic.

[lys1022]

Angus.... you're a wise man.

But I'll bet it does happen..... Scarby needs to run the numbers and get an idea of how it benefits the fair financially.... and it could happen if land is available.
You could get a special Camping FoF pass for a few extra bucks per season.....

I dunno...I like to be optimistic.

I don't speak for the Faire, but I strongly believe that it will never happen.  The numbers don't support it.  If you open a patron campground, then a LOT of additional costs come into play:

• 24 / 7 security that patrols often enough to keep everyone safe and property secure
• Legal training of said security personnel
• Extensive property maintenance in areas not already being maintained including mowing, fireant removal, roads, etc.
• Installation of additional facilities including privies, showers, lighting, water and electric lines, sewer lines and so on
• A MASSIVE increase in your insurance premiums, especially if alcohol is on the premises
• Additional staff to deal with the administrative side of the campground

And those are just off the top of my head.  Right now Scarby is focusing on putting more money into the Faire site itself.  This year there was a large, unplanned for expenditure on the rebuild from the fire, in addition to the other improvements.  Recent upgrades to Crown Stage and a new bridge at Eagle Crossing, and a new sewage system have all been major capital expenditures.  We don't always see the changes outwardly (as with the sewage system), but it is all being done to make the Festival a better experience for ALL patrons.

I understand people's wish to have a campground, but honestly, I really do not ever see it happening.  It's a lot of additional responsibility when done right and a lot of potential liability when done wrong (heck, a lot of potential liability exists even when done right because of the hazards of things like fire and so on...drinking and fire can be a deadly combination).

Sorry to be a Debbie Downer!  Wishing is cool, because if they ever DO decide to have a campground then people will already have suggestions that they can offer to make it a better experience.  I would honestly say not to really plan on it, though.

As for ME, well, I have long said that should I ever win the lottery, I was going to buy land right near there and put up a dorm-type residence for the participants who don't want to camp.  Bedrooms, common living areas, common kitchens, baths, recreation facilities...rather like summer camp when we were kids, but much more comfortable! *grin*  So, yeah, if I win a LOT of money, maybe I'll buy two properties and have one for participants and the other for patrons.

[Merlin the Elder]

Hush, Lys!    Let us live in our little wishful thinking world... Are you going to have that Faire Hostel ready by the 2013 season?

[lys1022]

Hush, Lys!    Let us live in our little wishful thinking world... Are you going to have that Faire Hostel ready by the 2013 season?

Sure thing, Merlin!  As soon as you magick me those winning lottery numbers! *grin*

[Merlin the Elder]

I thought about winning and building a satellite faire to Scarborough here in Arkansas and call it ScarborOzarks... What do ya think?

[bsdmon]

I live in arlington and I would definietely camp out just to save gas coming back on sunday and travel time. It'd be pleasant to wake up at faire instead of hopping in the car.

[beckgam462]

If it happens I would not have to make the drive from lake Bardwell 16 miles away,

but bardwell has camping for a large # of tent sites and about 200 Rv in 3 different parks


great place to stay for Scraby if you don't mind the short drive about 30 minutes