There is a reason places like Costco and Sam's Club are so successful. It's because they've realized that by lowering their profit margins they increase the quantity of business and make more profit in the long run. So while Stop & Shop might make 80% profit on their bread, they only sell 100 loaves a week. Sam's club sells it for a 40% profit and sells 300 loaves.
If management hasn't realized yet that they are deterring business by constantly increasing their prices, I doubt they ever will. I love the Faire, but $25 per ticket is outrageous. For a small family to spend one day there would easily approach $200 once they bought tickets, food (also ludicrously priced), drinks, souvenirs, and paid for gas. That doesn't even include things like face painting, Queens Tea, games, or any of the other things that help make the Faire magical and memorable.
In times like this when the economy is in the dump, I think it's a very poor decision to raise prices.
Just my two cents. Any opinions?
I love Sterling too (hence my user name ;D) but I have to agree with the concern of raising ticket prices.
I remember reading somewhere about how expensive Disney World/Land has become and the question "Do you think Walt Disney intended that the average family couldn't afford to visit his parks ?". Going there used to be part of being a kid back when I was a child. Now, for most folks, it's simply out of the question.
I realize that prices sometimes need to go up but when the economy gets uncertain the first thing most people do is cut out all the 'extras' which for many means travel to attractions like Sterling.
I hope to never read the question "Do you think Dennis T. Ouellette intended that the average family couldn't afford to visit the Sterling Renaissance Festival ?".
*Edit - what's up with words getting all messed up on posts recently - I had to replace some words as they were all jumbled up.*
I was shocked to see the price of season passes go up so much this year, and even single tickes are about $3 more a piece which can add up to a big dent in my budget, but there has to be some sort of middle ground, IMO.
I certainly don't want Sterling to become something that isn't affordable for average families ( we're a single-income household, personally speaking) but on the other hand if we are going to want things like bigger and more flushing privies, bleachers for the jousting field, and additions of that nature, the capital to fund those projects has to come form somwhere. Not to mention that everything is just more expensive these days, and unfortunately these expenses (like utilities, maintenance, if performers and vendors have to pay more to cover their expenses, their fees will go up, etc) need to be covered somehow as well.
We knew with gas prices being more expensive this past season going to Faire would be more expensive, so we packed a cooler instead of buying food there...that's just one way we made Faire do-able this past season. If we have to get more creative this year, we'll do it...we could concider carpooling, potluck picnic lunches, things like that... Us rennies and ren-thusiasts are a resourceful lot ;)
I love Sterling and want to enjoy Faire as much and as often as possible, along with my Fairemily . As much as we all love Faire for the community, artwork, and fantastic performers, we need to remember that it is also a business, and all businesses are having to restructure and re-evaluate. If I have to make some sacrifices in my budget to go to Faire it's worth it to me...even if it means a month of ramen! :P
Quote, so we packed a cooler instead of buying food there...that's just one way we made Faire do-able this past season
Herin lies the problem. Doug Waterberry bought a place that was closed for all intents and purposes, Jerry had run it into the ground trying to sell it and the final day last season what with Gary Izzo's "so long its been good to know ya" speech and all the place was done. Doug buys it sinks alot of cash into it fixing whats been allowed to go to crap and trying to bring the place back ( I heard and saw more advertsising this season that I have in the last 4-5 combined, The bill for that alone must have been huge. the cost to revive the BTM and bring staffing back to 2000 season numbers must also have been large), he however has the misfortune of doing all this in " the year we wouldn't drill an oil well" so gas,food you name it goes through the roof, price increases comming sometimes on literally a weekely basis. You still want to go to faire, but to save money to do it, you bring your own food and drink so you don't buy concessions ( the number two source of income for the faire, 2/3 of the food booths and all of the drink booths are rund by the faire) which leaves the new owner in the position that he didn't even break even on the investment in improvements and reviving the place, he's got a window to make the place work or he's gotta throw in the towel, and after one outting he's already in the hole.
Is this anybody but our worthless political classes fault, nope. But it is how things are, not just for faire but for most any business to some degree at this time. The bottom line is this, business's are folding left and right literally on a daily basis in this joke of an economy, if you want business's to stay open you will have to support them, if you don't then don't. It wouldn't hurt to climb up you Representative or Senators posterior with a letter thanking them getting us here but otherwise if you don't support the business's you value in these tough times they will in all likelyhood not be there for you in the longrun.
I would point out that the same applies for your faire craftsman, i'm sure there will probably be fewer this comming season becuase the summer of jacked up gas really hit them in the sales pocketbook and combined with the last few crappy seasons takes as Jerry killed the place they just can't afford to be there anymore. If there is a vendor who's goods you appreciate and value at the show, they'll need your support to continue to be there, just like you its all going to come down to dollars and cents in determining if they'll be going to the show again.
None of this is supposed to leave anyone with a warm fuzzy, it simply is the reality fo crap times we're living in.
Actually the $25 dollars for adult tickets is no higher then some of the other faires. Although i admit at $25 it is getting steep, and if it gets any higher i know i will not be able to afford to go every weekend. I know the faire needs to make money to keep running, and i know they have improvements in mind, but i remember hearing patrons complaining last year about the tickets prices and how they may not come back again, and now the prices are higher. I pray this does not turn people away.
What i think is a bit ridiculous is the price for a child's ticket this year. $14.95. Come on ! That is a bit insane. My son loves going to the faire with us, but at that price, we may not be going that often next year. They are deffinitely going to lose patrons on that.
Overall like i already said Sterling is a great faire and I applaud Doug waterbury for taking a faire that was neraly run into the ground , and trying to keep it going , and if it means raises the ticket prices abit, well then so be it. It is better then not haveing Sterling around anymore.
QuoteThey are deffinitely going to lose patrons on that.
Then it is not a service people are willing to pay for and it will close. Of course then you can add on the cost of gas to drive across state to NYC/Sterling Forest or outta state to attend a faire if you want to go to one. Of course figure on the cost of lodgings as well as they're all definitly no one day trip distances away.
Quote from: ALS on November 20, 2008, 11:42:08 AM
QuoteThey are deffinitely going to lose patrons on that.
Then it is not a service people are willing to pay for and it will close. Of course then you can add on the cost of gas to drive across state to NYC/Sterling Forest or outta state to attend a faire if you want to go to one. Of course figure on the cost of lodgings as well as they're all definitly no one day trip distances away.
Very true indeed ! Heck, i'm not complaining ! Whatever it takes ( within reason ) to improve the faire and keep it running. Although i do think the children's ticket is a bit high, but i know i will still attend, maybe jut not every weekend. I just mean't i know quite a few people who when they saw the ticket prices for next year, said they may not attend at all. But you know there is always someone who is going to complain no matter what the ticket price is !
Overall like i already said Sterling is a great faire and I applaud Doug waterbury for taking a faire that was neraly run into the ground , and trying to keep it going , and if it means raises the ticket prices abit, well then so be it. It is better then not haveing Sterling around anymore.
I actually can see both sides to this argument, both have valid points. I actually don't mind the daily passes going up because it doesn't seem like QUITE a big jump, and if this is what it takes for Mr Waterbury to continue improving on Sterling (or God forbid prevent its closing) I'm even more happy to pay the new ticket price. I do think the new season pass price is pushing it. Last time I had a season pass...maybe 4 years ago...it was around $100. This year I won't be getting one but not because of the price, because my sister moved away and I no longer have a free place to crash...therefore I can't go as much (it's a 3.5 hour drive otherwise). I guess this coming season will serve as a test...to see if less people came, maybe because of the ticket prices. And then the following season maybe he will do the $18 tickets and compare attendance to the previous year. However I guess it wouldn't be an even playing field since (dare I hope) the economy will be in better shape by the 2010 season... If ticket prices are up it makes me think that just about everything inside will be up as well. And of course last season had way too much rain and I'm sure that hurt. Maybe this years prices are to recoup from last year?
I read all the replies so far on the ticket prices. Yes it is a bit 'steep', but look at what improvements have been made or will be made, for the comfort of those going. I will still go, no matter what. I may not go as much, but I will still be there, to have fun, relax, loose myself in a little fantasy and see wonderful friends!
We always have a light lunch before entering the faire, but when the smell of the foods hit your nostrils......damn!......have to get something else! :P
I applaud Sir Douglas, for taking on such a project. Face it...if he didn't buy it.....who knows what would of happened to Sterling? Maybe have a new sign..."CLOSED!"? :'(
Anon!
irish
I would say soley to recoup from last year.One must keep in mind that just like you in your dailey life have had costs and expenses on virtually everything go up so has every business there is, how do they take care of that, well eating it for as long as they can and then pass that onto you when they can't shoulder it anymore. This is how everything got more expensive. What you do is shy of having an unusually generous employer who gives monthly cost of living raises to keep up, is get a second/thrid job and cut expenses out of your budget. Things can get added to that list as costs continue to rise, if certain products or services or what have you make it on to many peoples to expensive lists they go away due to lack of income.
The logic here is that "we may lose some people due to the increased price but hopefully the increased price will bring in more money than we were making to sustain us".
I also can see both sides of the coin but if anyone else attends faire as i do.
i easily spend another $50 or more a day at faire run booths every day, If
100 people decide they can not afford the admission thats a potential $5000
loss for the day, plus the $2500 admissions, you can add the two together.
I just hope i can continue to do so. He stands to loose more than just the
cost of one admission if someone decides not to attend even one day. I
personal think that lower admission prices would promote more to attend,
or at least the price they have been for the past few years. I think what
was needed or is needed is more advertising, yes it costs the faire money
but i actually know folks that thought the faire was closed after it was on
Ebay in 2004, and have been told that by others also. There was little or
no advertising being done, and you can not get people to something they
do not know about. But don't put in on those of use who know all to painfully
when faire starts and ends. Get the word out even with posters earlier in the
summer and in other area like Buffalo,Rochester,Albany,Watertown and Binghamton
so folks can make plans if they have never heard of Sterling before. Something
got alot more people to faire this past year on the dry days, and i'm almost
sure it was not to possibly get a chance to meet the new owner.
I feel better now, and sorry for the math. ;D
QuoteThere was little or
no advertising being done
I can't agree with you there at least not here in the Rochester area. I have the radio on in my shoppe, 9-12 hours a day 6 days a week, read the paper and watch TV, I had not heard, seen or read and add of any sort until Jerry's desperation run in '07 ( and i felt those commercails were in poor taste and few and far between) for several years, and this past season ('08) I heard saw and read adds all the time for the faire.
QuoteSomething
got alot more people to faire this past year on the dry days, and i'm almost
sure it was not to possibly get a chance to meet the new owner.
He had ticket prices that were cheaper than this upcomming season and discount tickets as well, I believe they also ran some 2 for 1 ticket deals, and I gather that those things must not have done the trick because for all the people you mentioned apparently not enough cash was generated so the increase was put in place. Again people have to make the financial decisions that make sense for thier lives, and either the faire will stay in business or it won't based on what financial decisions people make about it. There no right or wrong in it just our everyday necessity to make ends meet and whats left after that and what we're comfortable doing with it. If it closes it will just be one more casualty of this crap economy, if it stays open it will be stronger for it.
My only point in mentioning gas and lodgings is that it will be alot more expensive to go to faire if this one closes down due to poor attendance as it was going to do after last year because of how far one will have to drive to get to another one and the cost of staying over night to go to it.
I have to agree with ALS on the advertising. I think Mr Waterbury did say one of the things he dumped a lot of money into right away was advertising and I certainly noticed it here in Albany. I think that played a part in why the fest had HUGE crowds on the days that weren't rainy. I hope he did ok last season, or that he at least has good hopes that things will pick up in the next couple of seasons.
Hello all if I could help with a little clarification. This year's price is only $1.19 more than last year's price as this year includes NYS tax and last year was $22.00 + 1.76 = $23.76 and this years total it is $24.95 including all tax. You can also buy STOCKING STUFFER or EARLYBIRD tickets for $21.95 flat as well! As many are aware we did significantly improve the property this year and we hope to make significant strides this next year as well. We also increased the advertising budget by more than 350% in 08 vs 07 and more than doubled the entertainment budget in 08 vs 07 raising the daily performance count from 66 shows per day to 144. We added picnic tables in 08 (even more coming for 09) we will be adding some seating at the joust this year and more buildings and grounds restoration and enhancements as well as a few more surprises to look forward to. We also are bringing
back the 7Th weekend and are adding a NEW event for an 8Th a Celtic Rock Festival (plugged in) on the 3rd weekend in August. We will continually reinvest and grow the festival in the coming years. As you are also aware last years wether really challenged us as well. We at sterling very much appreciate your continued and unwavering support and will not make a regular habit out of admission price adjustments and if you check around IE: P.A. Fair as well as others and consider the quality of ours I hope we can all agree there is outstanding value at Sterling. (P.S. 1st weekend offers free admission for children) Thank you all and we will look forward to seeing all you this summer
Thank you Sir Douglas, for the information! Sorry about the 'bit steep' in my reply. Seeing how the tax is included and it is only $1.19 more.....heck, I can give up that spud. :( WHO am I kidding??....I need that spud!!! ;D
I know you can't please all the people all the time, but darn, you are doing a great job! :D
Best of luck this for this coming season.
irish
Thanks Sir Douglas ! I'm glad (as everyone else here I'm sure) that you're a member here to answer our questions & to help clarify things !
Are you still going to have a Winter event at Sterling this year ?
Thank You for clarifying, Sir Douglas. With tax included in the price, it doesn't seem like that much more at all.
We'll definitely be taking advantage of the EarlyBird pricing and we're looking forward to seeing even more improvements in the coming seasons!
;D
Thank you also, Sir Douglas for the clarifications ! It is great to have a owner, who takes the time to listen to our concerns . Keep up the good work ! I'm looking forward to the new shows, new picnic areas, and other improvements. ( Don't forget the bigger privies for us ladies in court gowns ! ) Have a happy Thanksgiving !
I understand where the increase is coming from, but I still see $25 per person a very high price for a day out. I think part of what really bothers people is seeing these prices climb year after year. The first time I went (I was 17 and went with my boyfriend) tickets were $18 per person. And while this was high, it was plausible for a 17 year old. If I were 17 now and saw that tickets were $25 there is no way on God's green Earth I'd be able to come. Would love to, but can't. And while the Faire does have a very loyal and devoted fan-base, you can only survive for so long on the regulars before you need NEW patrons! With this kind of sticker shock I think it's very hard to encourage anyone to come for the first time, no matter how much advertising you do.
QuoteIf I were 17 now and saw that tickets were $25 there is no way on God's green Earth I'd be able to come.
Thats because todays 17 year old lacks the gumtion to go out and get a part time job and the parents with the moxy to kick his/her posterior and make them go get one.
QuoteI understand where the increase is coming from, but I still see $25 per person a very high price for a day out.
Huh, I just paid $22 for a three hour I Remember Scorgies punk rock reunion concert and it was worth every penny. Again I guess its about where priorities are, if there on driving to another state to go to a faire because $25 for a ticket is to much for the one here than thats what they are and thats what the only avaliable option will become. It seems to me a shame that some one would put up the money to buy the show, put up a fortune to not just bring the place back to life but better yet start making improvements, and also spending the cash to open the site up for other themes like Screamers Hallow and Christmas and then get punished for it because they aren't financially able to apparently do it as a charity.
Not to take this to a personal level, Sir, but I take serious offense to your generalization that all teenagers "lack the gumption" to work for their money. When I was 17 I was working two jobs, seven days a week, over 50 hours per week for duration of my summer break. I then proceeded to work 30 hours a week during the school year while also participating in 3 after-school clubs and maintaining my place in the top 10% of my class. So while your argument may be founded in a bit of truth, I feel that your arguments are lead primarily by presumptions, assumptions, and emotions more than logic or facts.
Glad to hear you had a good time at your concert though.
Quotebut I take serious offense to your generalization that all teenagers "lack the gumption" to work for their money. When I was 17 I was working two jobs, seven days a week, over 50 hours per week for duration of my summer break. I then proceeded to work 30 hours a week during the school year while also participating in 3 after-school clubs and maintaining my place in the top 10% of my class.
I'm glad to hear that you're the exception to the modern rule, I did as you did when I was 17 ( actually at a much younger age). I am a small business owner, belong to several small business organizations and speak not just from my personal expirience but from discussions with other business owners. The general expirience is that todays young folks don't want to work, if you hire them they have no work ethic, they don't show up when schedualed, they shirck when they do and the attitude is less than fun to deal with. I probably much more than you wish this was different. There are exceptions to the rule of course, one of my best employee's was a young fella that started with us at 15. He is the sole example I can site of some 10 teenagesr we've tried out over the last 7 eyars. The rate for the business folks i've talked to is about 15 youngesters to get one who stays on and is worth keeping.
I'm sorry if you find offense but you are the exception, so my comment was not meant for you. This is pretty off topic so I will not comment further regarding this matter.
Well I am back!
I got back into the country last week after spending several months overseas and noticed the ticket price jump.
I saw a lot of improvements last year (over 2007) which likely cost a lot of money seeing how Doug bought the faire AND had to put up operating costs for 2008. I heard 2008 was a good season and I am sure there will be improvements for 2009 also.
I plan to buy the season pass so the per-day cost for attendance is still quite a deal compared to buying regular attendance for each day. Yes it costs a dollar or two more but that means that maybe I will buy one less bottled water.
I think the ticket price jump isn't so bad; people probably will buy one less bottled water or one less cookie.
Besides the gas price last year was like 2 dollars more PER GALLON in 2008. The decrease in gas price alone will more than make up for slightly higher ticket prices.
Regards,
CB
WELCOME BACK !
Yea but what has not gone up i guess.
Man I'm jumpin in this conversation a bit late, but lets face it, no one likes to see prices rise. For me personally it depends on what it is. $25 to spend a day one of the few places that truly make me happy is a small price to pay. Yeah it sucks filling my Jeep up to drive 2 1/2 hours from Buffalo, but oh well.
If I wasn't seeing any improvements or changes I'd definitely question the reasoning behind it, but I definitely want to thank Sir Douglas for all the effort into SRF! It was such a nice surprise last season to see the additions and I look forward to more changes this season as well!!
Quote from: Sir Douglas of Waterbury on November 22, 2008, 09:32:48 AM
1st weekend offers free admission for children) Thank you all and we will look forward to seeing all you this summer
This is huge for my family. We have three kids and being able to go for just the price of adult admission is wonderful. We've got our advance-sale tickets in hand, now we're just praying for good weather on July 4th weekend.
If you don't mind input from a newbie this is my thoughts. Now, this is our first festival so I have no past experience to draw upon. If I'm out of line or wrong on any of my assumptions, I'm sure someone will set me straight.
While I can understand the problems associated with families and the price I believe in comparison to other forms of entertainment this is a good deal. In the price you have a number of shows to chose from, in addition to wandering performers. It sounds as if you are able to interact, to an extent, with some of the improv performance. The organizers do their best to bring in the best acts and performers there are. This Festival runs for a limited time, but there are still expenses and upkeep that occur throughout the year.
That said lets look at other forms of entertainment: Professional ball games . . . have you seen those tickets? Stage plays, outside of community theaters they can be pricy. Anyone been to the movies lately? Shall we talk about amusement parks? Except for the last, none of these venues give you a whole day worth of enjoyment. Dollar for dollar I believe the Festivals give a good return on the buck.
That is my thought and I thank you for allowing me to voice it.
Quote from: Xantrawler on July 05, 2009, 05:05:32 PM
If you don't mind input from a newbie this is my thoughts. Now, this is our first festival so I have no past experience to draw upon. If I'm out of line or wrong on any of my assumptions, I'm sure someone will set me straight.
While I can understand the problems associated with families and the price I believe in comparison to other forms of entertainment this is a good deal. In the price you have a number of shows to chose from, in addition to wandering performers. It sounds as if you are able to interact, to an extent, with some of the improv performance. The organizers do their best to bring in the best acts and performers there are. This Festival runs for a limited time, but there are still expenses and upkeep that occur throughout the year.
That said lets look at other forms of entertainment: Professional ball games . . . have you seen those tickets? Stage plays, outside of community theaters they can be pricy. Anyone been to the movies lately? Shall we talk about amusement parks? Except for the last, none of these venues give you a whole day worth of enjoyment. Dollar for dollar I believe the Festivals give a good return on the buck.
That is my thought and I thank you for allowing me to voice it.
Excellent observation! I honestly hadn't ever thought of it that way.
There's this to consider regarding ticket prices. If they were significantly lower, there would a lot more people in line for everything; and especially the WC, because with more ready change at hand; people would be buying twice as much beer!
I feel that the money my wife and I pay for a day out, we get there at 10am and leave around 6:30-7pm, is worth the entertainment value. You can't go any place else and see this many shows for that price. I feel that it comes down to if you feel like you are getting your money's worth, which we do.
We only go for a day every year, but we start saving our money for the festival for the next year starting the week after we go. We buy our tickets early to save a few bucks. We only buy what we really like, which usually ends up being more Renae Taylor prints, and we are careful on how much we spend on food and drink.
I figure if you want to save a bit of money you could always pack a picnic and go out and eat when you get hungry. My parents used to do this when we were kids and going here.
Looking at other nearby festivals, the price seems to be about on par.
I just hope Sterling never ever goes to food tickets.
I am a long time Sterling goer and while I might have some issues with the current management style and some of the decisions that have been made (such as cast having to pay for water), I do hope that faire continues to do well as I'd hate to see it close. What I think Sir Douglas needs to remember though is that Sterling isn't going to be a large cash-cow. At least not for a while. Too many people that live in Upstate NY don't even know the faire exists. So getting a large 5K person gate draw a day is NOT going to be easy without rebuilding the name recognition for the faire. He also needs to realize that the season passes are a bit too steep. These patrons are your bread and butter and also a part of the "cast" that pays to be at faire. Without the plaitrons the faire looses a lot of its "feel" as these plaitrons fill out that living village feel of the faire. As it stands the season pass only saves you the cost of 2 days. For people who are giving life to the faire and spending large amounts of money on food and drink over the course of the season, they should get some better discount on season passes.
I also hope Sterling never ever goes to food tickets. Even the local Rochester Chef's Week learned that mistake and reverted this year back to standard cash pricing.
I do however, applaud the improvements to stages, seating, etc.
QuoteAs it stands the season pass only saves you the cost of 2 days.
How so? By my math 14 days at $24.95 comes to $349.30. A season pass is $204.95. $349.30 minus $204.95 gives a total savings of $144.35 or 5.7 days when $144.35 is divided by the daily rate of $24.95.
Quote from: ALS on July 14, 2009, 10:10:53 AM
QuoteAs it stands the season pass only saves you the cost of 2 days.
How so? By my math 14 days at $24.95 comes to $349.30. A season pass is $204.95. $349.30 minus $204.95 gives a total savings of $144.35 or 5.7 days when $144.35 is divided by the daily rate of $24.95.
Hmm.. then the prices went down from their original posting. The fiance and I did the math a few months back before we pre-ordered our tickets. When we first saw the Season Pass it would have only saves us roughly $50, not $145. I'll have to double check with her because I think she wrote it down someplace. I'm glad it went down though. For us it still wasn't cost efficient as we are only going 6 days of the 14 days its open.
In all fairness......Sterling did open on July 4th, holiday weekend. Most people enjoyed family gatherings. It may of been rare, to have a picnic with people you haven't seen in awhile.
Then again..some do look into what the weather man says, before coming to faire, or going any place for that matter. It is a 'normal' thing to do.
Faire has been open for what three weeks? Give it a chance before a judgement is made on attendance.
When the "Harbor Fest" is on the end of the month, you undoubtedly will see a low attendance also.
Ticket prices I think are about in the same range of other faires. Maybe a buck or two higher. All I know is, I get what I pay for!!!
irish
edit: As far as hurting the vendors......I saw a few 'large' purchaes made. Garments, leather goods, candles, etc...... I know a few of the vendors and they had nothing to complain about. I am sure if they did, they would not of returned this year or SirDouglas would of heard about it!! LOL! :P
QuoteSterling is the most expensive faire in the country.
PARF is most expensive in my experience. $29.95 for a single day adult admission + $1.00 convenience charge for ordering online, whereas Sterling offers online tickets at a discount. (http://www.parenfaire.com/buytickets_general.html)
As for attendance this year, I don't know the numbers so I'm not going to comment. All I can do is bring myself and promote the Faire as best I can by word of mouth, which will add several 1st-time visitors this year. The rest is up to Sir Douglas, a responsibility I do not envy.
QuoteBuy one, get one half price sale would readily be appreciated by attendees...
Uhh as a former vendor at Sterling who left because prior management was using season long buy one get one as its only advertising, I will point out that it changed to client type radically, hurt vendors tremendously yielding a total of nearly 15 leaving from '04 to '07 seasons because of pathetic earnings ( not breaking even managing to break even year after year ), closed concessions booths due to poor sales and nearly closed the place out ( if Mr.Waterbury hadn't bought it, the place would not have opened that year. It was over! ). A once a season thing is one thing but making a habit of it is not beneficial to vendors or concessions due to the change it brings about in client makeup and therefore not beneficial to the show.
Former management did tremedous damage to the show and its reputation, starting with putting the place up for sale on ebay a number of years back. This garnered statewide attention on the news and when the place didn't sell ALOT of people thought the place had closed ( I just talked to some one last week who though exactly this and have had this discussion dozens and dozens of times over the years since the ebay auction ) and as management spent next to nothing on advertising in the ensuing years turnout and therefore revenue continued to spriral down. From what I have seen/read Mr.Waterbury has spent HUGE green on not just reviving the place but making it bigger and better ( flying acts in from Florida struck me as a particularly big committment to try and bring the place back ). Ownership is not a charity, its a business. Ultimately it will come down to wheather people find it more convienient and cost effective to pay $25.00 for a show in thier back yard or to drive to another state and pay $20.00 or $22.00, plus room and board , to go there.
QuoteThe parking lot was only 1/3 full the last time I went
That would make it an improvement over our last two years there, '04 and '05 when it never got over half. Sounds like things are picking up, in this economy thats doing something.
Quote from: irish on July 15, 2009, 10:03:11 AM
edit: As far as hurting the vendors......I saw a few 'large' purchaes made. Garments, leather goods, candles, etc...... I know a few of the vendors and they had nothing to complain about. I am sure if they did, they would not of returned this year or SirDouglas would of heard about it!! LOL! :P
Interesting. I too know a number of the vendors and business has not been good. Most of the vendors I know haven't even broken even yet to pay for their booth fees, and many even had to dip into personal savings accounts just to make payroll. Some of these vendors are ones that normally do a bang-up business because what they sell is easy to purchase (low price) and usable elsewhere than faire (i.e. not garb, etc.). This also includes that many of the "children" attractions are not doing well either.
As for attendance, I think it is an unfortunate combination of the economy, ticket prices, food/drink pricing, and low awareness of the faire (I meet people regularly here in Rochester that don't even know the faire exists). What we may consider as worth the money for a day's entertainment may not be seen the same by your typical family. Most of the tourists aren't "into" faire like we are. Its a curiosity to them. If a typical family pays roughly $65-$80 to get in the gate and then has to shill out another $40+ for food and drinks (probably much more than this)... they may not have the same feeling of "worthwhile" that a Rennie does, especially since I have noticed that only about 20-30% of the danes last till the end of the day, most of the crowds start thinning out around 5 after many having not gotten there till noon. The other problem with the higher prices is that it drives many danes away, even those who truly enjoy the faire. I've had a number of dane friends I know that like to go to faire at least a few times per season say they will only go one day this year because of the price / economy (cost of gas, etc.).
What they really need to do is revive an interest in the faire. That is going to take more than 1 or 2 seasons of advertising unfortunately. As the previous poster states, a lot of damage was done that needs to be rectified before the faire will be "healthy" again.
I just have to hope things will change in the future and that we make it through this season without losing half the vendors (who have many other gripes aside from lack of gate count), or with Sir Douglas deciding its a money losing venture and closing the doors, like so many other faires have recently. We have already lost 1 vendor this season who pulled out mid-week last week because they took such a big loss (not to mention the other issues they had). I fear they won't be the only ones. We've seen it happen in the past.
QuoteWe have already lost 1 vendor this season who pulled out mid-week last week because they took such a big loss (not to mention the other issues they had). I fear they won't be the only ones. We've seen it happen in the past.
This unfortunatley is pretty much a function of this joke of an economy of ours. We have been strictly internet since leaving the faire and this is by far the worst I have seen it in the esales world since we went online on 2003. I'm hearing the same from folks running a variety of small business's I know both electronic and storefront the sales have dropped dramatically. The news is a steady tream of bad, its scary to heard and we react accordingly, hanging on to our money " just in case ". I think your assement of the situation overall in your post sums it up pretty well.
Darien Lake ~ Adults $25.99 Children $21.99 Family of Four $95.96
SeaBreeze ~ Adults $23.99 Children $19.99 Family of Four $87.96
Sterling Faire ~ Adults $24.95 Children $14.95 Family of Four $79.80
All three offer free admission for certain ages. Any place you go, there will be gas prices, which are lower than last year, parking fee for some, thruway tolls and food costs. Bring a picnic to enjoy if funds are low. Buy a few food choices to add to the 'basket'. We always do. :) That way you are supporting the vendors.
Save ahead for what you may want as a souvenir. One piece will bring back happy memories. You don't have to go broke. ;)
As far as vendor booth fees, they KNOW it is a chance they take by setting up any place. The economy has hit more people then at faire. Most Warwick visitors, do not plan on buying anything more than what is needed. It is a sad state of affairs but it is all so true. I try to get a 'token' each time I go to faire. I really can't afford it, but I want them to know, I appreciate them and then I have an added memory of my visit!
That's all I have to say........ ;D
I already KNOW what I said, so you don't have to quote me....lmao!! :P
Quote from: rivver on July 15, 2009, 09:45:33 AM
...I have visited the Sterling Faire twice this season.
Which two days were those? We've really only had ONE sunny day so far out of the four. The other three have all been cloudy and dark until after noon. (until mid afternoon on two of those three)
Quoting in forums is a common practice to keep comments in context. With the likelyhood that some one else may chime in while you typing thus comming into sequence ahead of you, your comment would them seem odd as the context of it in relationshsip to the post its intended to respond to is lost.
QuoteQuoting in forums is a common practice to keep comments in context. With the likelyhood that some one else may chime in while you typing thus comming into sequence ahead of you, your comment would them seem odd as the context of it in relationshsip to the post its intended to respond to is lost.
As evidenced by what just happened while I was typing the above response.
While I can sympathize with those who struggle to come up with the admission prices, I must say that the Sterling Festival is giving patrons an experience that is beyond quantification in dollar terms, and gives patrons the biggest return in terms of entertainment value than anything else I can think of, including other Renaissance festivals.
There are far less professional faires that charge almost as much, and you will continually be solicited for tips by performers everywhere, which creates another barrier between patrons and performers that suppresses the atmosphere for everyone. The actors at most other faires are not even close to BTM Players in their abilities, demeanor and professionalism - in short the quality is far higher at the Sterling festival than almost any other faire in the country. Certainly at other faires there are some very talented actors but there is not enough consistency in the entire cast to create the atmosphere that Sterling does day after day. The vendors are also top notch no dreck is sold at Sterling unlike some other faires.
Some of you who live nearby and haven't seen other faires don't know how good you have it. When you walk out the gate at the end of the day, look at the hundreds of actors, variety artists, and musicians, all of whom are paid (and not exorbitantly either) and ask what would you cut out, what would you compromise in quality to bring ticket prices down?
I also agree with ALS that lowering ticket prices is not a panacea for a faire especially for vendors. It's like saying Mercedes should lower their prices to sell more cars. You are living near perhaps the very best Ren Faire in the country. Enjoy it and tell your friends!
OMG! Was I just scolded??? :o
I know about the quoting and the little warning that may come up when you post.......it was a joke...lmao!! ;D
Not at all, I got the impression from your post that my quoting had somehow offended you and I just wanted to make clear why I was doing it to avoid possibly upsetting you further. I apparently mistook the tone of you post and appologize for the confussion.
yes but u have to remember that the $24.95 ticket prices also include tax an in the past five years ticket prices only went up $4.96 which isnt bad considering all the new things we have an that we have an that weve been getting new performers.
Quote from: franco on July 15, 2009, 02:01:52 PM
While I can sympathize with those who struggle to come up with the admission prices, I must say that the Sterling Festival is giving patrons an experience that is beyond quantification in dollar terms, and gives patrons the biggest return in terms of entertainment value than anything else I can think of, including other Renaissance festivals.
This is very, very true. But only if you
know that. For example, the first time my family went to faire, we were honestly pretty bored. We walked around, looked into some booths ("Wow, that's a beautiful sculpture! For $12,000?! Moving on!"), ate some food, watched the joust, walked some more, and left. We didn't know that the shows were A) free, B) any good, or C) interactive. We didn't know that there were artisanal demonstrations throughout the day. We didn't know that there was entertainment that developed organically in the lanes. We thought it was going to be similar to the State Fair, only set in the renaissance. Because of our misconceptions, we missed out on a lot and certainly didn't feel we got the most "bang for our buck".
My husband and I were talking about Faire the other day; about prices and the value of a ticket. It's interesting because if you don't know what's available and how best to enjoy it, it's easy to feel ripped-off when you spend $25 per ticket and are only on site for a few hours. However, if you're "educated" and know how much is available at Faire it's pretty much impossible to do it all in a day. Which is a fantastic indicator of just how much is available, but then you might feel ripped-off because you didn't get to do everything you wanted!
I might suggest some some kind of a "Suggested Itinerary for First-Time Visitors to Warwick". Perhaps there would even be a few versions highlighting either Music or Pirates or "Classic England" (jousts, Queen's Tea, Staged Shakespeare, etc...), depending on the patron's taste and the weekend's theme.
QuoteThis is very, very true. But only if you know that. For example, the first time my family went to faire, we were honestly pretty bored. We walked around, looked into some booths ("Wow, that's a beautiful sculpture! For $12,000?! Moving on!"), ate some food, watched the joust, walked some more, and left. We didn't know that the shows were A) free, B) any good, or C) interactive. We didn't know that there were artisanal demonstrations throughout the day. We didn't know that there was entertainment that developed organically in the lanes. We thought it was going to be similar to the State Fair, only set in the renaissance. Because of our misconceptions, we missed out on a lot and certainly didn't feel we got the most "bang for our buck".
My husband and I were talking about Faire the other day; about prices and the value of a ticket. It's interesting because if you don't know what's available and how best to enjoy it, it's easy to feel ripped-off when you spend $25 per ticket and are only on site for a few hours. However, if you're "educated" and know how much is available at Faire it's pretty much impossible to do it all in a day. Which is a fantastic indicator of just how much is available, but then you might feel ripped-off because you didn't get to do everything you wanted!
I might suggest some some kind of a "Suggested Itinerary for First-Time Visitors to Warwick". Perhaps there would even be a few versions highlighting either Music or Pirates or "Classic England" (jousts, Queen's Tea, Staged Shakespeare, etc...), depending on the patron's taste and the weekend's theme.
This has to be one of the best summations and suggestions I have seen for how to deal with those that aren't RenGeeks like us. I was trying to say this very thing about danes in my other posts but wasn't anywhere near this concise and clear. And the idea of suggested itineraries is WONDERFUL! Have you ever wondered why Cruise ships have activities directors? Its the same basic idea. Most people, if left to their own whiles, will miss MUCH of what is available to them and in the end feel like they got nothing for their money. Most people need a "push" to help them enjoy themselves and to get involved in the activities around them, especially if as you noted they know nothing about the faire upon arrival. I would honestly love it if the Mercs Guild of the FoF could work out a deal with the Faire to get the plaitrons more active and to aid in this in some way.
IndeanaSunday Absolutely true, great point! Ren Faires are an acquired taste, and most people don't know how to experience them. They are THAT different! Most people think it's all about the joust and a turkey leg, and while it makes for a good spectacle, it isn't what people are going to come back for again and again. Really though, some people are immune to the charms of a good faire no matter what.
However I truly believe Renaissance Festivals will continue to grow and become more popular because the mundane culture gets more invasive, alien and decrepit as time goes on. As our world is more filled with strip malls and asphalt, rude indifferent people and increasingly manipulative forms of entertainment, loud noises from engines and crass visual images, a Ren Fest, even though it is fantasy, is an escape to much more real world.
I agree that the "Suggested Itinerary" is a grand idea. I wonder if the faire's marketing team is missing opportunities to promote the faire? Or maybe they're doing it and I'm just not aware of it. It seems like putting a small cadre of actors and musicians into someplace like Syracuse's Clinton Square or Hanover Square during lunchtime, performing and handing out flyers, would be a great way to stir up interest. Particularly if one or more of the local news agencies could be talked into showing up. Also, 9WSYR has a local talkshow called Bridge Street that I'd guess might be interested in doing a segment on the Faire. There's also Time-Warner Cable's News 10 Now, the Syracuse Newspapers (along with their website Syracuse.com), etc., etc. When you factor in Rochester and the smaller cities like Fulton, Oswego, Auburn (which already had an article in their paper which was posted here a few weeks back), that's a lot of opportunity for free or low-cost publicity.
But I don't see a lot of those shows and/or publications, so maybe they're chock full of Rennie goodness and I'm missing it. If so, here's a health to the marketing team! ;D
I do think there needs to be a bit more advertising to get the word out. I remember as a kid going to Silver Stadium and they had people from the Faire out there in costume throwing out the first pitch. It was quite humorous. There also used to be a billboards around that I haven't seen in years. I've seen/heard a couple of commercials here in Rochester, but nothing too much. It was highlighted one weekend with the travel guy on Rochester 9 news.
It seems now that most of the advertising has to come by word of mouth. I do my part, but a lot of people I know either thought it was closed- due to the EBay thing a few years ago- or figure that it never really changes so if they go once every 5 years or so they are missing nothing. My wife and I do have a great time every year, but it definitely has been a few years since any of the performers have changed up their routines much. I do realize that it is not an easy thing to do, but when you have people saying that they had not been there in over 10 years and the performers are still doing the same shtick, well, that could be another issue as to why people don't go as often.
A lot of times, this faire ends up being my only day of vacation during the summer, the one day that I allow no intrusion from real life to effect me in any way, and I want to see it continue and flourish. I've been coming here regularly since I was 15- I'm now 45. I definitely remember when it was more of a biker thing than a family outing- especially with the wench auction and the prizes you could win like the kisses from your favorite serving person/actress or actor.
I don't mind paying the money because it is worth it to me and my wife. I love not feeling obligated to tip the performers or the wenches, though I usually tip the wenches. I want to bring my niece to this someday and I definitely want to bring our future child here someday too. Everyone I have ever talked to that has been to more than 1 faire has always told me that Sterling is one of the oldest and best Ren Faires in the country and we should be proud to have it so close by. I know I really appreciated Sterling a lot more after my wife and I visited a few other faires and were dismayed by things we never encountered at Sterling. (Tipping the performers so they can get paid, food tickets, prices actually being a lot more than here at Sterling, the simple fact I don't need to spend money on an overnight stay, etc...)
I really like the idea of the suggested things to do if it is your first time visiting the faire. Actually that is an amazing suggestion and I am surprised it hasn't been thought of before. The first thing that needs to be done is to get fresh patrons coming.
Well, I rambled on and got off topic and tried to bring back on topic. Sorry about that.
Aaronocois do you have my house bugged? LOL I was saying the same thing to my wife this morning, about sending out the actors to other events to spark interest. Perhaps in May and June have a traveling group or three visit other events. Of course Sterling could return the favor, in one form or another. It's true a lot of people don't know what goes on. We have been wanting to go to Sterling for years and had some idea what it was about. Our first time showed us there is more than just the show. Now, if we were able to discover that, and we were already interested, what does the common person think? One thing we can do, as fans, promote Faire on: My space, You tube etc. Not just Sterling but other ones. I know many have accounts with these sites and if the rest of us add our voices how many people will we reach? Just a couple of ideas from someone new who is looking at this with fresh eyes.
Quote from: Xantrawler on July 16, 2009, 03:58:34 PM
One thing we can do, as fans, promote Faire on: My space, You tube etc. Not just Sterling but other ones. I know many have accounts with these sites and if the rest of us add our voices how many people will we reach? Just a couple of ideas from someone new who is looking at this with fresh eyes.
I have a Sterling Renaissance Festival Fan/Friend page on MySpace and Sterling has an official page too ! Sterling's page: www.myspace.com/sterlingfestival My page: www.myspace.com/sterlingrenfestfriends
Also, on the subject of prices: I believe you get what you pay for and if Sterling lowered their prices then they most likely would cut what they offer. Remember, the gate fee includes everything but food/drink, games/rides and artisan/vendor goods just like many other Festivals, Fairs(County & State Fairs included) and Amusement Parks(rides included but everything else extra). I would
not want fewer actors, shows cut out, buildings falling into disrepair, grounds shoddy, improvements halted, etc...
I'm not made of money but I still manage to go to my fave place on the planet ! It's all a matter of priorities. Sterling is my main thing to do in the summer. It's not Sterling's fault if someone decides they can't afford to go there IMHO. I'm not trying to be a jerk - it's just how I feel about the subject. I also believe that thoughts go where energy flows. If you come from a state of lack you get lack and vice-versa. The Universe has more than enough to go around for everyone - you just have to believe that ! That may sound like a bunch of phooey to some but it's working for me so I don't knock it lol ;D
I guess you need to decide what you want, a guy to come in, pour his money into a show that would not have opened other wise ( I know this for a fact, from the mouth of the former craft director ) and had been run into the ground and allowed to deteriorate and try not to go broke doing it, or a guy to come in pour his money into a show that would not have opened otherwise and had been run into the ground and allowed to deteriorate and go broke doing it and close it in 5 years. The public will decide.
QuoteThe Sterling faire is similar to an arts festival,
If you take out the rides, the dozens of stage plays, the jousting and the improptue street theater, then I suppose your correct, its just an art festival, or at least I don't remember seeing any of that kind of stuff at Clothesline or Art at the Gardens at Sonnenberg last year. I'm sorry if that sounds a bit short but, I think theres a bit more going on at Sterling for your admitions than pottery and jewelery and a glass of wine which is what you'll get for the price of admitions at the above art festivals.
Alasssssssssssss............ :-X
Ticket prices and food sales, are very much where they need to be for Sterling, especially with this economy. A night out at McDonald's and to the movies, for a family of four, costs around the same. There you get just a movie, whereas at Sterling, a family enjoys a memorable day out together, with a lot of fun filled family shows! :D
SirDouglas, has to face the economy, where everything is higher.....supplies, food goods and meeting paychecks for the actors. He has to make a profit someplace, in order to keep the faire afloat!
The faire was in a downhill spiral, spinning out of control and existence! Along came a Knight, who pulled it out of the brink of despair. He worked hard, poured his heart,Soul & money into it, to make it a place people want to go! He is still working his butt off!
A lot of former actors and shows, are coming back, due to his hard work! Master Shakesphere wants to come back full time, due to SirDouglas' hard work. Looney Lucy is coming back....shows there now, are happy with the results!
Should he lower prices for admission and food sales?? Nope! I will gladly pay, as I love the faire and I thank SirDouglas for keeping Sterling a place, where we all can go, to loose the outside world's turmoils, if even for a few hours! Oh and by the way.....PaFaire is $29.95 for admission. ::)
Quote from: rivver on July 23, 2009, 05:20:08 AM
I don't understand the defensive responses to my post.
I understand them completely. You made some statements that were either false or questionable (regarding being the highest ticket price in the country and the weather being sunny) and proposed a solution that people, based on their experience at other faires, had found to be counterproductive (half-price day). You also made the statement:
Quote from: rivver on July 15, 2009, 09:45:33 AM
The attendance is down more than 50%.
which may be entirely accurate, but without a source it's hard to be sure if you were just guessing or basing that on fact.
Add it all up, and I think you might see where you were pushing some hot buttons there. It wouldn't be surprising if people got defensive, if indeed they did. I think they/we were just debating your points.
EDIT ~ even though Pa may be higher, we plan on a visit, this year. 8)
I'm the one who put up the post about other forms of entertainment. I shall try another route. We can compare Sterling to similar events. We can look at theater. For price I will use our local community group's rate. Sterling goes for nine hours, each day. The community theater needs to do four shows at $8 a show or $32.
Staying with Renaissance Festivals: I have looked at other Festivals and the ones of Sterling's caliber charge roughly the same price. Sterling may need to come down on the season pass as I have noticed others have lower price. Festivals that are below $10 do look enjoyable, but are not near the quality as Sterling.
I don't know if you were implying the price should be near that of a arts fair or not. I believe a previous poster wrote lowering the price will bring a different type of crowd. This crowd may have no interest in many of the crafts offered. I noticed you sell hand sculpted faeries and such. While I believe the price is fair that does not mean others will. Should you lower your price so they will buy your product? This is not slamming you or your product, I wish to point out you have the same situation as Sir Douglas and Company. You have a product and must balance price with being able to make a living.
As for people being defensive I believe it's more a matter of debate. You brought up a point and people responded, some sided with you, others were against you.
The crowd issue we shall save for another thread, I'm sure we all have opinions and ideas on what can be done for that. I have strained everyone's eyes enough, thanks for reading.
Well now that I have visted Sterling I feel I can weigh in a bit here. I THOUROUGHLY enjoyed our visit but I did find the prices a bit higher than some other faires I've attended. The cost for m'lady and I for 2 days was more expensive that what I pay for a single season pass at MDRF. That means that 2 weekends for both of us, with the discount 2 day passes, would be more than we spend for the entire season at MDRF for the pair of us. Having said that, the prices are on par with what PARF charges. Most other faires though on the east coast and even some in the midwest are less expensive both at the gate and for conssessions. That doesn't mean that I wouldn't attend Sterling again, just saying that given all the faires I've attended, Sterling is one of the most expensive to go to.
Hmmm ... just saw this on TV ... well my son did ..... during the Sterling commercial. (which I am very briefly in ;D ) Half price ($12) tickets for the Faire....unfortunately it says sold out on the adult tickets. Maybe they will restock? Worth checking out. THere are still childrens tickets available at the discount ($7). Maybe some of you can take advantage of it.. http://discountdeals.13wham.com/showcategory.aspx?categoryid=1&show=all (http://discountdeals.13wham.com/showcategory.aspx?categoryid=1&show=all)
that is a deal. wish i would have known about that. i do get a law enforcement discount though whcih helps me. still worth every penny.
I wanted to post this here because this is my first time going to Sterling and I wanted to know what the proposed "Suggested Itinerary" would be to a newbie - It is a costly faire to attend but, I've spent the past 4 years hearing everyone talk highly of Sterling & I finally get a chance to go - Plus, it doesn't help if your good friend gives you a Sterling cast CD of the pub sing - That is thing I love about faire is everyone coming together at the end of the day to sing to the patrons - So, for 25$ what should I do to make it worth it? Is there anything special that sets Sterling apart? - Thanks!
i personally think you must see don waun and miguel. all the musicians are great. this weekend is the highland fling and if rafferty the piper is returning, he is awesome.
This is why we think they need a "Suggested Itinerary" for new people to Sterling. However, with that said, there are SO MANY things to see at Sterling you won't come close to covering it in one day or even one weekend.
What are your interests? Comedy, music, magic/carnival, children themed, animals, combat, etc?
You can download the program Here (http://www.sterlingfestival.com/entertainment/ScheduleofEvents/tabid/162/Default.aspx) to get a better idea of what you want to see.
Some of my favorite shows off the top of my head:
* Mud Beggar Show
* Don Juan and Miguel (see the wierd show and can catch Danny Lord of Mischief right beforehand)
* Hey Nunny Nunny
* DaVinci Brothers
* Daniel Duke of Danger
* Zilch the Storyteller
* Wench Auction
* Pirate Show
* Trial & Dunke
* Wolgemut !! (Great LOUD music - German bagpipe and drums)
* Wellwenches
* Joust
* Falconry
* Human Chess Match
I could also spend most of the day at the Falstaff Pub listening to the music. And another just going around checking out the artisans and food.
Staying for the final pub sing is a must....the cast sings WITH the guests/patrons - not AT them; a distinction that is a HUGE difference from many "finales".
And the "gauntlet" (sp?) outside the gate as everyone leaves...(Sterling tradition is that the cast lines the exit from the gate and the patrons pass between the two lines of cast)
Aye, the Pub Sing is a must, but I find that many people don't like to stay until close. Its a shame since IMHO the Pub Sing is the best part of the day. As for the gauntlet, I never get to see it. lol As soon as they yell "To the Gate" I am instead on my way all the way back down the hill to undress M'Ladies (as hoops don't travel well worn in the car) and play pack mule to get all their gear back up to the lot. By the time we get out the gate, its usually quarter to 8. Makes it nice for not having to deal with traffic getting out of the lot though. ;D
Nailin, when you say Sterling Cast Pub Sing cd, is that something that's only available to cast members? Because I would love a cd of the pub sing!
Quote from: Lady Rebecca on July 30, 2009, 01:31:48 PM
Nailin, when you say Sterling Cast Pub Sing cd, is that something that's only available to cast members? Because I would love a cd of the pub sing!
A few years back, I forget when, i think it was 2005 ...... Sterling had a casette tape you could buy in the gift shop, of the final pub sing. I have it and enjoy listening to the songs on it.
It would be great if they were to put it out again. A possible idea to run by Doug Waterbury some time.
Actually, I'm familiar with this because I just finally bought a copy this year. The CD was recorded in 1994 (I think - I don't actually have it in my hand. But it was definitely ages ago)... oh fine, I'll go get it.
Ok, lessee here...
"Together Forever, the pubsongs of Warwickshire"
1. Morrison's Jig
2. Mayor's Address
3. All for me Grog
4. Spanish Ladies
5. High Barbary
6. The Wild Rover
7. The Keeper
8. The Maid of Amsterdam
9. Rosin, the Beau
10. Maids, when you're Young
11. Roll your Leg Over
12. The Crayfish
13. Bedlam Boys
14. Bonnie Ship, the Diamond
15. To be a Good Companion
16. Wylde Mountain Thyme
17. Queen's Farewell & Auld Lang Syne
Recorded live at SRF in 1994. Presumably across several days, because I don't ever remember the pubsing being as long as this CD.
To go along with the CD, there's also a smallish book titled something like "The History and Music of Warwick." It's like $5.00 in the gift shop and has a quick background on the Village of Warwick as it's imagined to be for the Faire (or as it was imagined to be back in the early 90s - I think some of the details and characters have changed since then. Like the Earl of Warwick being replaced with the Sheriff, I believe.), plus lyrics and guitar chords for most of the Pub Songs on the CD.
My son and I have been taking guitar lessons for about two months, and we taught ourselves to play Drunken Sailor (which is just two chords back and forth) and Wild Rover (which is harder), both of them very badly. It's a nice little booklet though, especially for a mere $5.
My only disappointment with these two items is that the faire has moved on since 94, and the Pubsing sounds quite a bit different now. Though it was nice to be reminded that they used to spend time before each song teaching at least the chorus to the audience, which they no longer seem to do. Other than that, they're nice treasures from the faire and will help make the off-season a bit less bleak.
As for what Waterbury ought to do, I'm notoriously bad at predicting what will be profitable for businesses I'm not familiar with. But with that said, it seems to me like the Remembrance Shop is pretty well-stocked, and that a simple web merchant site upgrade and a very small (probably one-person, possibly even part-time) staff could keep it open (and generating revenue) year-round. If I owned SRF I'd look into how to make money off it even when it's closed, but without more insight into what does and doesn't seem to sell historically it's hard to be sure.
Thanks for the suggestions I have seen some of those acts at both Maryland & Carolina Ren Faires but, I am excited to see the other acts!
Yes, Aaroncois that's the exact CD - Together Forever - that I have :)
The CD in question was recorded during mid-week sessions, between performance weekends, so as not to have recording equipment mucking up a normal pubsing and distracting patrons. It's still an excellent album for learning the songs of faire, although we haven't sung "Bonnie ship, the Diamond" in awhile, "Roll your leg over," "The Crayfish," and "Maids when you're young" didn't get a lot of play for several years under former ownership, and "Wylde Mountain Thyme" only makes it to pubsing closing day. Still, I listen to this album each spring, before auditions, to get the blood flowing and reawaken the magic of the show for me.
Yeah, it's a nice album. I wondered how they'd managed the live recording. I just wish some of the current songs were in there. There's at least one that I don't know at all (the one that Raleigh suggests they sing to the Queen near the end. Something about ships, I dunno. Never heard it before and it doesn't seem to be in either the Warwick pubsong book or in the Cantiga book I've got).
It's probably expensive and tedious enough to produce something like this that as long as there IS one, even if it's old, I'd bet there's not too much interest in making a new one. I can still wish they would though. :P
QuoteThere's at least one that I don't know at all (the one that Raleigh suggests they sing to the Queen near the end. Something about ships, I dunno.
That's The Mingulay Boat Song. I've always been partial to Barby Holder's version. I don't know if there's any audio of her online, but you can find her here: http://prweb0.voicenet.com/~gehlingw/index.html or at PARF this year. Consider this my plea to bring her back next year. :'(
Quote from: Sterling Scot on July 31, 2009, 12:38:44 PM
QuoteThere's at least one that I don't know at all (the one that Raleigh suggests they sing to the Queen near the end. Something about ships, I dunno.
That's The Mingulay Boat Song. I've always been partial to Barby Holder's version. I don't know if there's any audio of her online, but you can find her here: http://prweb0.voicenet.com/~gehlingw/index.html or at PARF this year. Consider this my plea to bring her back next year. :'(
Hey yeah, that's the one! Thanks!!
I didn't notice Barby wasn't there this year.
PARF, the most expensive Faire I've been to, is offering free admission this weekend if you donate blood at the mansion. Nice way to support the Red Cross.
It's funny I came accross this thread, as yesterday I was defending the cost of the tickets. My perspective is maybe "Born again" ;D I have attended in the past and always enjoyed it, but now that I'm older and come with quite a bit of lifes lessons learned, I can tell you in IMHO $25 is more than a fair price. Last year I took the kids on a road trip down to Florida. One of the attractions I wanted to see was Silver Springs. Entry tickets were over $90.00 for the 3 of us. But it was all inclusive! Yes the food wasn't, but what attraction has free food!!??
Our Ren Fair is unique, where else can you be swept away and lost in a different century and see so many acts in such an amazing background? To be caught up in street theater and have the amount of dining options available? I don't at all mind paying $6.00 for a shish kabob with veggies and chicken and $1.00 for fresh fruit, while at the same time at Silver Springs I'm paying the same price for a hot dog!?
With what I've been through in the last 4 or 5 years, it's just wonderful the this place is still here and thanks to the new owner is better than it ever was! Thank you all for letting me vent, and thanks for the suggested itinerary! I'll print that out for this weekend!