It is time at last!
I want to thank all of you for your passion for faire and further wanting to share our faire experience with others. Many have come forward offering assistance. I wanted to share with you the pitch I forwarded with respect to MDRF. This "pitch" was a collaberation of several sources and all I did was take their ideas and put them together ... it was rather easy.
This thread is where we can discuss 2009! PLEASE, do not come here to politic or bad mouth other faires ... this is a place to express your love of MDRF, not to compare and contrast ... just MDRF discussion please. Violators will be put in the stocks and your comments will be deleted with extreme prejudice!
I want to thank Amras and Black Fox for reminding me of the beauty of MDRF, their words - Every weekend at MDRF is an invasion for we treat all those who come as family. Thanks guys for your friendship and for keeping my ship on course.
Now ... the PITCH:
Where would we be without our friends & family ... T'is the eternal question is it not? Well, one great place I always look for my friends & family is the Maryland Renaissance Festival (MDRF), where I always feel like I am home, as will you.
I took the liberty of soliciting several faire folk and contributors of this forum to tell me what makes MDRF special and why we are the place to come home to! Here are just some great reasons why MDRF is so special.
- Number 1 faire in the country for the second year in a row as per Renaissance PodCast voting
- MDRF grounds have been repeatedly described as one of the most beautiful faires in the country
- Many of MDRF stage acts aren't part of "the circuit", thus the only place you're likely to see these acts are at MDRF
- MDRF is a "no hat" faire – saving you more money for shopping!
- Over 130 craft shops and 42 food outlets sitting in 25 acres of the Tudor Village we affectionately call Revel Grove
- MDRF will be turning 33 years old this year
- Regular admission price still below $20, Group rates are available
- MDRFers are some of the friendliest people and our morning tailgates totally rock! (thanks Analise)
- The fest has some truly amazing acts and is "big" enough to pull in some "big" names (i.e. Medieaval Baebes, Albanach)
- The size of the fest also means we can accommodate any size group of Rennies descending. Plenty of parking (free!), plenty of nice shady spots and seats at our many pubs. Lots to see and do and places to have gatherings during the Faire-day
- Full contact Jousting
- MDRF Lundegaard guilds are among the most active of any in the nation
- Depending on what weekend is picked, R/Fers will have a year+ from the end of the voting period to save money for faire and to make arrangements (Aug – Oct)
- Faire is based on Henry VIII and by 2009 we will probably be at his sixth wife Catherine Parr
*For more information about MDRF visit our website www.rennfest.com (http://www.rennfest.com)
I think Dallan said it best,
"I'm sure you'll get a lot of input on MDRF size, quality and quantity of vendors and acts etc. However I would also recommend something of equal importance...the people. The warmth shared by the people I have met is fantastic. We have been slowly meeting more people and are always greeted the same way. I've popped around other forums and have never seen the welcome to a stranger the way one is welcomed to MDRF; both on the forum and at faire. No question we have wonderful people involved."
Thank you Dallan, you and your family have been valued friends and we are happy that you are part of our faire family.
Other things to consider about MDRF is that our season starts a little later than other which would give travelers a chance to save money for up to a year in preparation for an Invasion (Aug – Oct).
MDRF is within a stones throw of Historic Annapolis (Capitol of MD), not to mention wedged nicely between our Nations Capitol, Washington, DC (20 miles) and Baltimore, MD (25 miles).
Considering the proximity to these major cities it affords travelers extended opportunities outside of faire to take in any number of tourist attractions.
Our location lends access to three major International airports, BWI, Regan National and Dulles.
Because of the above, lodging is limitless, there is nothing shy of budget to high class lodging, camping (8 miles) to castles – we have it all.
Yes, we love our faire ... and we are sure that you will too. We treat every weekend like an invasion weekend at MDRF and our Labor Day gatherings are without a doubt legendary! I don't know what else to say but WELCOME!
Come to MDRF and make some faire memories with us. MDRF, your always home here!
Might I add to this pitch as an Out-of-Towner?
I visited MDRF last season for the first time (which is pretty sad because I used to live in RI and it would have been just a 6 hour drive but I waited to move to FL where it's an 18 hour drive...) and I have to say that in 17 years of going to Faires... it's the loveliest I've ever seen.
Let me also tell you... the locals... the regulars there... welcomed us with open arms and were so warm and hospitable... such great hosts... that I have made this long journey an annual event for me and my family.
It would really be a crime not to check out this Faire, so vote for MDRF for RenDezvous 2009! Let's get as many of us to experience this wonderful Faire next season!
Thanks!
Thank you cousin! It was indeed great to host you and yours last year and as I said back then ... let us not make this your last visit.
I have so many fond memories of MDRF. LG and I can remember attending faire when it was in Columbia, MD ... that was a long time ago. The MDRF is a special family, all with the same mindset, make our faire enjoyable for all. We strive to welcome folk in the same manner as we were ... with open arms. Walking through those gates always feels like coming home, not going to faire. And like Cheers, it is great to go places where "everyone knows your name" That is the MDRF I know so well!
Scotsman you are too kind. Thanks for using my quote. Last time I was quoted was when I let the F bomb drop in front of my 6 year old. The RF quote makes me look better than my kid's quote. :o
I voted for Maryland. You owe me a Guinness. ;)
Seriously, though, this is one of the most beautiful faires I've had the pleasure of attending. I'd love to visit again!
Quote from: Dallan on June 16, 2008, 06:30:27 PM
Scotsman you are too kind. Thanks for using my quote. Last time I was quoted was when I let the F bomb drop in front of my 6 year old. The RF quote makes me look better than my kid's quote. :o
Your input hit home cousin! I am glad to here you will be joining the MD M'Cracks ... Clan O'Morda!
Put my vote for MDRF in today!
Scotsman, your pitch warms my heart and nearly brought a tear to my eye! Of course count my vote in! Come on August!
Quote from: Lady Neysa on June 17, 2008, 08:03:52 PM
Scotsman, your pitch warms my heart and nearly brought a tear to my eye! Of course count my vote in! Come on August!
I gotta be honest ... the comments came from all those around here ... my job was just to put it in order. I wish I could take credit but the real credit goes to the MDRF family who make our faire so special. Thank all of you for you acceptance of Lady Guinness and myself ... you guys are awesome!
For your vote to count, dont forget to cast it here:
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=1474.0
Quote from: Scotsman on June 17, 2008, 06:07:19 AM
Quote from: Dallan on June 16, 2008, 06:30:27 PM
Scotsman you are too kind. Thanks for using my quote. Last time I was quoted was when I let the F bomb drop in front of my 6 year old. The RF quote makes me look better than my kid's quote. :o
Your input hit home cousin! I am glad to here you will be joining the MD M'Cracks ... Clan O'Morda!
I think you mean Clan White but I will let you slide this time. Remember we stoled them. :) I did learn from the best though. ;)
I voted for MDRF also.
Wow, we are being fought over. Something tells me this goes a little deeper than it appears. :)
Looks like MDRF is in the lead so far. HUZZAH!
Scotsman. your words on MDRF were very nice and anyone who has ever been to our Shire know how friendly it's people are. Yes we are like a family here and we graciously welcome the distant kin we are just meeting each wonderful weekend.
Quote from: Dallan on June 19, 2008, 09:21:18 AM
Wow, we are being fought over. Something tells me this goes a little deeper than it appears. :)
Looks like MDRF is in the lead so far. HUZZAH!
LOL Yeah when my wife and I broke away from O'Morda to form Clan White Scotsman was a little miffed. ;) Since then there has been this friendly competition between us over pets. :D :D :D
BTW, My vote when in days ago for Maryland! I'm here to help if we win it!
Actually I have nothing but good to say about MDRF.The last time I went (which has been a few years) I was amazed at everything I saw there.Scotsman you do have a right good faire up there, of course my favorite day up there is the day of wrong.The last one I went to I got a kick out of.I have a group of friends from VARF who are regulars up there who did a Wizard of Oz theme which I got a huge kick out of.Now I have no idea what this voting is all about but if it turns out to be M'Crack voting then someone please fill me in on what it is so I can cast my vote.Master James don't worry i'm all for Clan White my friend ;D
PS. I need more signatures.I only have about 16 right now
You forgot one......MDRF is family friendly with the great pirate ship playground, the climbing wall, the games, the elephant rides, etc. Food & drink that kids like and food and drink (aka ale) that parents like.
Quote from: jmkhalfmoon on June 23, 2008, 03:09:37 PM
You forgot one......MDRF is family friendly with the great pirate ship playground, the climbing wall, the games, the elephant rides, etc. Food & drink that kids like and food and drink (aka ale) that parents like.
Excellent points! Thank you for posting them!
Guess in all the excitement we kind of overlooked the kids. Some of the free activities for the kids are the mentioned playground, pony rides, knighting ceremonies. As you enter, if you stop by the customer service booth, you can pick up a program that will highlight all the shows and activities just for kids. :D
I never overlook the kid... he won't let me!!!
He LOVED MD... the slide, the pirate ship playground...
he can't wait to go back!
(oh, yeah, the time out of school might have something to do with it as well...)
It should also be mentioned that the locals know how to tailgate before opening cannon and that Maryland has excellent pubs!
This Irishman supports Maryland for 2009!
Quote from: Hibernian on June 27, 2008, 01:04:58 PM
It should also be mentioned that the locals know how to tailgate before opening cannon and that Maryland has excellent pubs!
This Irishman supports Maryland for 2009!
Yup ... good points friend ... looking forward to hosting you and my beer token lad this year!
Quote from: Hibernian on June 27, 2008, 01:04:58 PM
It should also be mentioned that the locals know how to tailgate before opening cannon and that Maryland has excellent pubs!
Amen!!
Just a quick reminder that the voting ends tomorrow 10 July.
What all are we voting on Scotsman?
This faire has also been TigerFairy approved!!! Tee hee Not to mention I absolutely Love it! And I'm not sure if Athena has been in here yet, though I know she'll agree... the Eye Candy ROCKS!!! Tell me when, and I'll be there hades or high water! ;D
Quote from: lordwriothsley on July 09, 2008, 10:01:17 AM
What all are we voting on Scotsman?
Rendevous ... you can go here to vote ...
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=1474.0 (http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=1474.0)
Quote from: Fairyfly on July 09, 2008, 10:08:49 AM
This faire has also been TigerFairy approved!!! Tee hee Not to mention I absolutely Love it! And I'm not sure if Athena has been in here yet, though I know she'll agree... the Eye Candy ROCKS!!! Tell me when, and I'll be there hades or high water! ;D
Well lass, you don't have to wait for Rendevous to have a reason to come see us! Just about 6 weeks to go and the gates wll be open!
There's GOLD ~ Pieces of '08 in... how many days?
I have to pack!
I should have my vote cast by tonight and don't worry MDRF is my favorite far thus far and I can't wait for it's gates to open in sex weeks.
there's a festival in Maryland?
Quote from: lordwriothsley on July 09, 2008, 05:01:41 PM
I should have my vote cast by tonight and don't worry MDRF is my favorite far thus far and I can't wait for it's gates to open in sex weeks.
Several of my friends and I on (of all things) a Catholic discussion group noticed a couple of days ago that the Webosphere was celebrating "Freud Day." It seems to have spread to R/F Land.
Greetings from Vegas!
I logged in to see that we are the proud hosts of Randevous 2009! Awesome.
I, for one, look forward to this, and have for several years! It is always a thrill for Lady Guinness and myself to share our faire with other like minded faire folk.
Our task now is to begin the voting for which weekend to host Rendevous.
My choice is simple ... Labor Day - and why not, three full days of faire and kinship!
That said .... any weekend is good for us. At MDRF, every weekend is invasion weekend. Let the Merriment begin!
Congrats cousins!
Scotsman congratulations to you and Lady Guiness for being named hosts of the 2009 Rendevous.I know it will be an awesome occasion next year.Heck every occasion is awesome when the M'Cracks are together.Three full days of faire and fun I can't wait.I'm already getting excited just thinking about it.Hopefully i will get to be a part of it next year.
Quote from: lordwriothsley on July 14, 2008, 09:39:14 PM
Scotsman congratulations to you and Lady Guiness for being named hosts of the 2009 Rendevous.I know it will be an awesome occasion next year.Heck every occasion is awesome when the M'Cracks are together.Three full days of faire and fun I can't wait.I'm already getting excited just thinking about it.Hopefully i will get to be a part of it next year.
Just to confirm ... It is not Lady Guinness and I, it is MDRF that is hosting, we are just part of the planners. Also the date has yet to be named for it too must be voted on - the tentative dates will be posted on Monday next week because I am on the road right now. That said Lord W, thank you for your support and I hope soon to make your introduction soon.
Sorry about that Scotsman I misundstood your last post but yes I look forward to officially meeting you and Lady Guiness soon as possible myself.
*jumping up and down clapping hands*
I get to come to Maryland next year!!!! Squeee! ;D
Quote from: Marietta Graziella on July 15, 2008, 08:17:07 AM
*jumping up and down clapping hands*
I get to come to Maryland next year!!!! Squeee! ;D
Indeed MG ... it will be good to see you in our home - that said I will be seeing your crew in MN in September, I am really looking forward to another day at your wonderful faire!
Congratulations, Brother!
Let me know if I can be of any assistance!
Quote from: Scotsman on July 14, 2008, 09:10:23 PM
Greetings from Vegas!
I logged in to see that we are the proud hosts of Randevous 2009! Awesome.
I, for one, look forward to this, and have for several years! It is always a thrill for Lady Guinness and myself to share our faire with other like minded faire folk.
Our task now is to begin the voting for which weekend to host Rendevous.
My choice is simple ... Labor Day - and why not, three full days of faire and kinship!
That said .... any weekend is good for us. At MDRF, every weekend is invasion weekend. Let the Merriment begin!
Congrats cousins!
Awesome news my friend! Of course neither the Ravens nor my kid's football schedule for 09 will be out until 09 so Labor Day Weekend probably works best for Lady Di and me.
Vegas in July? Hope you brought a coat! I was just in Houston last week and thought that was bad. Of course Vegas is a dry heat. ;)
Actually my brother called me last night as he just returned from Vegas and was complaining about the heat (100+ temp). So take care Scotsman, so you don't melt :D
SWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEETTTTTTTTT!!!!! This has been a long time coming! You know I'm there! Any help you need just let me know! Congrats to everyone!! This is going to be great!!!!!!
I wonder if work will allow me to put in for the time off a full year in advance?
You can always try but if not you can start setting monies aside (in your case afte you return from GOLD :D)
Woo Hoo!!
We couldn't make this years Rendevous, but we're looking foreward to 2009!
Oh Yeah Rendevous is shaping to be an awesome event for next year.I hope i can make it........I will try to talk to my mom into going cause this sounds awesome guys.
Keep an eye out folks ... I will be posting in the Rendevous thread the dates up for vote - I just need to get settled in first.
Quote from: Scotsman on July 21, 2008, 07:25:55 AM
Keep an eye out folks ... I will be posting in the Rendevous thread the dates up for vote - I just need to get settled in first.
So how was your trip to Vegas.Hopefully it went well and you won alot of money. ;D
Quote from: lordwriothsley on July 21, 2008, 09:41:34 AM
Quote from: Scotsman on July 21, 2008, 07:25:55 AM
Keep an eye out folks ... I will be posting in the Rendevous thread the dates up for vote - I just need to get settled in first.
So how was your trip to Vegas.Hopefully it went well and you won alot of money. ;D
It was all business friend. I am not a fan of Vagas for I do not gamble - the odds are all on the house, I'd rather save my money for the pub ;D
Amen Brother.I am not a fan of gambling either,I did it once a long time ago and will never do it again. :)
The voting is up and running!!!
I, for one, am voting for Labor Day Weekend ... nuff said!
Vote here:
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=2319.0 (http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=2319.0)
Ok I voted for Labor Day. It's the only weekend I know I won't have kid's or Ravens' football. While I was there I also did a little politicking, asked a question, bantered a little and changed my vote. That's ok right? :D ;D
I did not realize this was a democracy. I thought you were the king and we were your loyal subjects!
You two slay me! Thanks for the votes and participation ... I said it before and I will do it yet again, good to have you two in the family.
Quote from: Lady Di on July 23, 2008, 03:44:56 PM
I did not realize this was a democracy. I thought you were the king and we were your loyal subjects!
NOOOOO he's not supposed to know that Lady Di! ;) ;D :-*
Quote from: Lady Mikayla of Phoenicia on July 24, 2008, 07:59:18 AM
Quote from: Lady Di on July 23, 2008, 03:44:56 PM
I did not realize this was a democracy. I thought you were the king and we were your loyal subjects!
NOOOOO he's not supposed to know that Lady Di! ;) ;D :-*
Okay, I won't tell him if you don't. But it doesn't matter, we all know the queen rules the thrown! Long live Queen Lady Guiness!!
OMG ... please don't start that! My groveling is already bad enough now ...
It paid off.
RenDezvous will be at MDRF and that's all that's important, right ?!
Now let's have a vote on the date... and then make it Labour Day Weekend.
We can have a vote and then make it Labour Day... elections can be rigged... right?
:D
Cast your vote for the date in the Rendevous thread ... Labor Day is of course one of the dates up for vote.
Labor Day has a large lead at this point.
Quote from: Dallan on July 30, 2008, 01:20:36 PM
Labor Day has a large lead at this point.
Yeah, but there are still a lot of folks to weigh in.
So when does the voting officially end for Rendevous 09'?
Quote from: lordwriothsley on July 30, 2008, 04:02:00 PM
So when does the voting officially end for Rendevous 09'?
The voting for Rendevous HAS ended ... MDRF won. We are now voting on which date to hold Rendevous. If you go to the Rendevous thread and read the first post it contains all the rules and info. I hope this helps. FYI, Rendevous (if you have never been to one) is the biggest invasion you will ever witness and always full of surprises!
Thanks Scotsman it did help alot.And no I have never been to a Rendezvous before,I didn't even know it existed until I joined this forum and from what have been hearing it sounds like a blast and something that I want to attend.Now is it a M'Crack invasion or is it something different?
It is something different. RenDezvous is when people on this forum invade a faire. M'Crack Invasion is just that.
Thanks Pin'n that helped alot as well.Now when I was at TNRF on Labor Day Weekend Saturday and Sunday I did see a huge group of people there wearing these R/F badges including some of TNRF's cast members as well.So i'm wandering if this years Rendevous was at TNRF or if that was a different thing cause at the end of the faire day they all got together at the front gate for a massive group photo which one of the men in that group invited me in even though i was not a member of this forum at the time.
Yes it was, and I was there, somewhere. Now you just need to get your R/F pin.
You are right I do need to get my R/F pin.Now i don't know if you know the answer to this but where could i find my official pin from?
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=210.0.
That should help you
Actually, the Memorial Day invasion was two invasions in one - Rendevous and Ette ... needless to say, we will be hard pressed to duplicate that one. Those folks put on one heck of an invasion.
Wasn't this past Labor Day Weekend M'Crack invasion at TNRF as well as Rendezvous and Ette?
Quote from: lordwriothsley on July 31, 2008, 07:45:33 AM
Wasn't this past Labor Day Weekend M'Crack invasion at TNRF as well as Rendezvous and Ette.
Labor Day is in Aug ... coming up. You are thinking of Memorial Day, and yes the M'Crack's held a family day at the same time.
Quote from: Scotsman on July 31, 2008, 07:47:51 AM
Quote from: lordwriothsley on July 31, 2008, 07:45:33 AM
Wasn't this past Labor Day Weekend M'Crack invasion at TNRF as well as Rendezvous and Ette.
Labor Day is in Aug ... coming up. You are thinking of Memorial Day, and yes the M'Crack's held a family day at the same time.
Scotsman you are right my friend I was thinking Memorial Day Weekend.Apperently my brain has gone somewhere south and i'm still trying to locate it right now. ;D
I will be nice and not say anything right now ;D
Pin'n if you don't mind I would like to take a shot at this.You were probably thinking "well Lord W how can you loose something you never had right"? Well if thats what you were thinking then you were totally right I've said before and I will say it again a "a mind is a terrible thing to waste,only if i had one to waste that is". ;D
::) ::) ::) ::) ::) ::)
I think 'nuff said
Quote from: PinnMcrack on July 31, 2008, 07:27:36 AM
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=210.0.
That should help you
Lord W -
I just ordered one for my wife. Dead Bishop orders them in batches of 20. My rough count with Lady Di's included is 7 or 8. Once ordered it takes a little while. I just wanted to let you know that unfortunately there is a little time delay in case you are all about instant gratification like me.
Word of advice, always order a spare ... it helps.
Thank you both gentlemen.About how long of a wait would we be talking about here for the R/F pins?
Quote from: lordwriothsley on July 31, 2008, 11:44:15 AM
Thank you both gentlemen.About how long of a wait would we be talking about here for the R/F pins?
You may want to contact DeadBishop through email to get the skinny from the horses mouth ... he is the one who handles that stuff.
Quote from: Scotsman on July 31, 2008, 11:48:02 AM
Quote from: lordwriothsley on July 31, 2008, 11:44:15 AM
Thank you both gentlemen.About how long of a wait would we be talking about here for the R/F pins?
You may want to contact DeadBishop through email to get the skinny from the horses mouth ... he is the one who handles that stuff.
So tell me as someone who's been to a ton of Rendezvous is a requirement to wear your R/F pin to be able to attend?
Not at all. The only requirement is to have fun.
*the goal of faire*
All the pin does is to help others on this board identify each other as they travel throughout the country. This board and its members represents the biggest RF group in the country. What you are involved in is actually Part II. The original board crashed about 6 months ago and most of the info on it was lost. There were over 10K members. We are just now getting comfortable in our new home and membership is once again growing. As a testament to the our Admins (John/DB) the board is booming. We are slowly re-couping our members and as you can see the information on this board is expanding to monstrous proportions. I love this place.
I agree with my occasionally sober cousin. It really is more of a sign that says "Hey we have something very much in common. Please introduce yourself (or let me introduce myself to you)." I've met some really great people by wearing the pin but it's not a requirement. My wife and I love meeting people that have a passion for faire like us and this place and the pin have been helpful. I should also add our kids love it too, our oldest especially. That being said Lord W, stay in touch as MDRF opens with your visits and a pint shall be on me.
Quote from: Dallan on July 31, 2008, 09:22:01 PM
I agree with my occasionally sober cousin.
I resemble that remark! ;D
I must admit I look for the pin also when at Faire, so much fun to see someone who has posted on the boards.
Dallan my friend I will definetly be keeping in touch for the opening of MDRF.I am so looking forward to meeting some more fellow people from this forum as well.In the short time i have been on this forum I already love it I have met some amazing people already and i'm proud to say that you and Scotsman were the first two awesome people that i meant when i first joined.I'm sorry to hear about the old boards i'm sure it bummed alot of people out when they did crash 6 months ago.
Quote from: lordwriothsley on August 01, 2008, 01:20:25 PM
Dallan my friend I will definetly be keeping in touch for the opening of MDRF.I am so looking forward to meeting some more fellow people from this forum as well.In the short time i have been on this forum I already love it I have met some amazing people already and i'm proud to say that you and Scotsman were the first two awesome people that i meant when i first joined.I'm sorry to hear about the old boards i'm sure it bummed alot of people out when they did crash 6 months ago.
Excellent. I look forward to our meeting, at least our formal meeting. We've been attending VARF on closing weekend and you look vaguely familiar.
Well I was the noble in black red and gold at VARF the weekend you were there.I might have seen you in passing but because my schedule is so tight being on cast i might have been caught up in some cast business and just not had the time to stop by and say hello.As for a formal introduction i look forward to that as well as a formal introduction with Scotsman.Who knows maybe you myself and Scotsman could all end making a formal introduction at the same (that is if Scotsman is sober enough ;D) to do so.
Quote from: lordwriothsley on August 05, 2008, 01:32:40 PM
Well I was the noble in black red and gold at VARF the weekend you were there.I might have seen you in passing but because my schedule is so tight being on cast i might have been caught up in some cast business and just not had the time to stop by and say hello.As for a formal introduction i look forward to that as well as a formal introduction with Scotsman.Who knows maybe you myself and Scotsman could all end making a formal introduction at the same (that is if Scotsman is sober enough ;D) to do so.
Sorry I forgot the wink at the end of my post. I know you as part of the cast. I've gotten to know a couple of the cast members. See you soon.
Likewise,same to you to my friend.