The Baroness and I were talking this morning about how anxious we are for a new festival season to begin, and that led us to a discussion of why we absolutely LOVE being at Faire. But, before we tell you what we most enjoy, we want to hear from our fellow fanatics. So: Why do you LOVE the Faire?
Faire is family, at least to those who work there or are dedicated attendees. A chance to put on your best garb or dirtiest peasant gear and visit times gone by. It is the age of chivalry. Where every man has a chance to be a prince, a pirate or villain. Every woman has a chance to be mysterious, to be a queen, a gypsy or a saucy wench.
Where children can see story books come to life and get a sense of wonder. To be able to help those who have fallen in love get their fairytale.
Where I can protect the elephant from people who are conditioned by television to not think that being around animals is dangerous and thus, get themselves in harms way.
To be able to work with my many puppets, enjoy comradory of friends and share the music of days past.
Of all the faires/festivals I have worked... CRF is special because...
While on my journey to Derbyshire, my car broke down and I landed in Larspurshire. On a one chance meeting I met a kindred spirit, my soul mate, my liar of ill repute, my heart's song... my husband.
I have been going to the Colorado Renaissance Festival for almost 30 years and have "worked" (I do work my behind off, but nothing that fun can can seriously be called "work") there for almost 10.
My absolute favorite part of faire... the people who pay to get in- both mundane and those, like our own Baron & Baroness, who dress the part. Interacting with customers is one of the greatest pleasures in life and no amount of therapy can out perform it.
Being able to make stuff up and have fun is something one can't get away with outside of faire. Where else can you respond to people who have just asked- 'Do you serve haggis?" with "Yes, Milady, we serve everyone..."
(BTW, the food at faire is awesome and more affordable than any other public venue I've been to.)
I love the royal court and the jousters and the street cast- what a blast to interact with such a fine & talented group of people.
I love many of the young people I work with in my booth, as well as many of the long time employees who work behind the scenes so everyone else can do what they do. Anna, from "Sarge & Anna's" is always a joy to talk to and I am one of the many fortunate ones to have known Sarge.
We have always had fantastic musicians and a fine group of crafters- all of whom are great to converse with as well.
The atmosphere: "Where would we be without this great land of ours..." I love the smell of the grass down by the jousting arena and hanging out in wood chip commons when I can.
Veracity: Oh, I love it I love it I love it! I particularly enjoy being deathly honest with Captain Spleen. Many aren't aware of the fact he invented "Post-its."
The hot weather- the hotter the better! Many people come up to my booth and feel the heat from the grill and say, "Wow, you must be hot back there!" To which I reply- "much thanks to thee!"
I love that people I don't know, and people I do know, can enjoy having an interaction with me without worrying about what my political background is, whether they agree with me or not- and I care about all of them just the same.
There are people I love to hang out with outside of faire, who I would have never met were it not for faire, like Monk and his beautiful wife and family. (And we share the same birthday!)
Hamsters- nah, I'm not much of one for hamsters. Gee, I wish that just one time someone would explain them to me. No, seriously, just one time.
I love that (Hey) one person (Aren't) can think he gets away with (You) leaving empty beer cans in strategic places- such as my personal belongings- (enormously cheap beer) and still can't hear me through the zone of silence even though the roof is gone.
I love that no matter how hard it rains Mistress Charlotte is always there.
I could keep going and going... but for the three people who read this far I thank thee!
Last but not least... I went to faire a single, un-attached person- with the last thing on my mind of looking for or finding the most wonderful person in the world. Then I saw her in her habit and here we are today- I love her more than ever. Yes, soul mates is the best way to put it.
Huzzah to Baron! Great thread!
I Hate the Faire. >:(
no, not REALLY. :D
I love having a safe place to run and play with my son. a place that feeds his imagination as well as mine.
...watching my kids learn and grow and build their own friendships.
I love having that many people in one place that actually GET MY JOKES. seriously, the witty banter is severely lacking in the mundane world. most people just can't keep up.
I love having a group of friends that are ALWAYS happy to see me, ALWAYS support me and NEVER judge me. The ones I know just a little, and only hang with there- the ones I know very well, and hang out with sometimes in the outside world, The ones who I have come to love SO dearly, and could not imagine my life without (you know who you are)
I love the amazing & endless display of décolletage. ;) ;D
...the wonderful variety of people that i get to meet.
.....watching managers having meltdowns. (sorry, it's funny)
...rennie camp, telling the stories of the day around the circle...... walking the site after dark...having a safe place to drink all night with no worry of getting arrested or having to drive, where the worst thing that could happen is that Rook tells you to shut up and go to bed..... or, you meet a bear. ("hey Rich, should we go the other way?" "NO, we should hold really still.)
....... MY elephant. where else could you make a 5 ton friend?
.......watching the new people try to find their place in it all.... and the veterans who help them find it......
.... people who say "I love you" and actually mean it.
....seeing people i haven't see in a year, and feeling like i saw them yesterday.
....hearing the music for 1/2 way across site....
....walking and walking, also sitting and watching.
....the sound of laughter everywhere.
....eavesdropping on random conversations as i walk the site, and randomly inserting myself into them.
......screwing with people, friends and strangers alike, just to watch their faces.
.....the variety of food available, SOME of which you can't get anywhere else. ::)
.... the moments I have shared that have touched my soul and changed me forever. some of them with my closest friends, and some of them with people who I will never see again.
....ya, I'm kinda in the dark on the whole hamster thing too. anyone? anyone?
...turning to the nearest patron at 9:59:50am & 05:59:50pm and saying "don't jump", hearing them say "huh?" and then watching them piss themself. :D I NEVER get tired of that.
....closing gate sing!
.... people who want to hug you every time they see you.... and the contest of who stops hugging first.
.... did I mention décolletage? I like that.....
... the joy of opening day, and the sorrow of closing day.
....the site, when no one is there yet, and when it's too packed to move. and the fact that I know it so well, I can walk it with my eyes closed.
...the way it's always the same AND always different.
but the thing I love the most, is being there.
- I love getting the chance to dress up in awesome clothes AND get paid for it AND not look like a total freak.
- I love having an excuse to use a British, or a French, or a Russian accent at will....and not look like a total freak.
- I love the people, the family and friends whom I have gotten to know over the last years, growing with them and knowing that they will be there for me, and I will be there for them. I love knowing that even when I am having a horrible day, I don't have to go very far for a hug or a beer or just someone to commiserate with. That happened quite a few times this year and it was such a relief to know that I have so many people I can go to for support and a shoulder to cry on.
- I love sharing faire with my real family. They've become total rennies in the last 2 years and it's amazing, and I'm so proud of them. I look forward to our 15-hour one-way drive to Phoenix every year just to spend 2 days at the AZRF, turn around, and do the drive again.
- I love the idea of becoming someone else entirely for 2 days a week--the fact that more people know me there as Zoë than by my real name is kind of exciting. It makes me feel special for some weird reason.
- I love the fact that even though it's a "job," I've had way more fun than I've ever had at any other job. It doesn't feel like work to me. Even though the days are long and usually pretty tiring, it's never a challenge to get up the next morning and do it all over again. I sing and dance and have a grand time all day. Even when it's raining.
- I love the shameless flirting. I never get an opportunity any other time to do it, so it feels pretty good to know that someone is looking, for once in my life. Even if it's only momentary.
- Kilts, pirates, tights, romanceteers, swashbucklers...need I go on?
- Returning after a year off and seeing everyone again, and feeling like it hasn't been that long after all.
- Spending my days listening and dancing to Celtic Legacy, and making fun of Ded Bob. Quoting his show with better comedic timing than he has.
- Flower delivery. Where else does this happen?!
- Letting my imagination run wild. I've gotten so much inspiration at faires - watch out, maybe some of you will pop up in my books some day.
I feel like I could go on forever about why I love faire...
Gee this is a hard one Baron!
When I was 12 and walked through the gates on a " Hey lets go there trip" with my mom I felt like I was home no doubt about it. And now surprisingly it basically is for mom and I.
- All my friends are from faire, be it performers to site crew
- I can be as loud mouthed and annoying and strangly if its in an English accent people love it 0_o
- We all get to play dress up! I mean how many of us women ever grew out of dress up?
-The people I meet and play with are so funny it makes it worth it even more!
- Did i menton the friends? I may not know thier given names but they are some of the most genuine people I have ever had the pleasure of meeting!
- Rennies give KILLER HUGS :-*
- I love the fact that my son can play and build his imagination, I see it in him now even in the off season. And I cannot wait to see what he learns next season besides that horses say Moo
there are so many more!
I really do love you all in a strictly strange family sorta way lol :-*
Why do I love faire? Just do plan and simple.
I have been going for over 20 years (not every year in those twenty years, but 20 years of adventure) Every year was in garb... except one and that year it rained or drizzled all day long and was miserably cold. I bought a half-moon jacket that year to stay warm. Toki owns it now lucky dog!
The outfits... need I say more. I love wearing as historically accurate of clothing as I can. The more regal the better.
Getting confused by faire visitors as being the QUEEN... I am Damit, I am the Queen I just let the other one pretend. Damn King Henry dumping me for her. I am the rightful Queen not Anne! :)
The awesome people I have meet and grown to care and love for, who either work at the faire or attend.
Seeing smiles on Children's faces.
All the wonderful garb
Items NOT made in China, India, Pakistan, Korea
The food and it's not so overly high price (try going to Highland fest, it costs 2 or 3X as much for less. or to Frontier Days $3.50 for a pop $10.00 for a burger you could get at McD's for $1.00
The mountains. While I have never been to any other faire besides Northern Colorado Medieval Festival, it is my belief that CoRF is by far the most beautiful. no other faire is in the mountains or even close to them.
The escape from mundane life
The fact that everyone I know is accepting of all the diversity each and everyone of us brings to CoRF.
The fact I get to practice an art form called Photography and get complimented for it while I learn more.
The smiles I get just thinking of going.
The Stories. OH the stories and I have never worked at faire.
The way mundanes react to you and believe you work at faire when don't
Did I mention the reaction of children
The fact I am NOT that hot in all that garb.
The compliments you get from woman about the clothing you wear.
The smiles young boys get seeing a Conquistador
Exercise need we say more.
Pirates... Everything is better with Pirates!
Free beer and Wine on selected weekends.
Introducing new people to faire like my sister who is now hooked.
Because it is a place that men are Men, horses are Horses, and women are Plump! ;D
Where else can I have coffee and a pretzel for breakfast, a pickle for lunch, and chocolate covered strawberries for dinner?
I love the way it smells. Like all of outdoors came to one spot. With cinnamon almonds.
I love all the different types of people that I can watch.
How do I love faire? Let me count the ways ... Well not really, 'cause that would take too long.
I never dreamed that something I literally fell into would become such a huge enjoyment, and a big part of who I am. There are so very many many things I cherish about faire, including, but certainly not limited to (and in no particular order):
- finding and making new friends, me they ones I see often or those I see rarely
- the play and the history and the flirting
- the words and not just accents - although those are wonderful - but the wit and laughter and banter
- sounds of faire ... be it music or chimes or bells or people singing or people talking ...
- capturing moments with photos (or words)
- kilts ...
Gosh.....you all make it sound so great
Gee, wonder why. ;)
Quote from: Blushing on November 28, 2009, 05:48:07 PM
How do I love faire? Let me count the ways ... Well not really, 'cause that would take too long.
I never dreamed that something I literally fell into would become such a huge enjoyment, and a big part of who I am. There are so very many many things I cherish about faire, including, but certainly not limited to (and in no particular order):
- finding and making new friends, me they ones I see often or those I see rarely
- the play and the history and the flirting
- the words and not just accents - although those are wonderful - but the wit and laughter and banter
- sounds of faire ... be it music or chimes or bells or people singing or people talking ...
- capturing moments with photos (or words)
- kilts ...
Ah yes, the flirting- I see people do it all the time (except for Captain Spleen who is always so well behaved).
And the sounds! I mean, What was that?
Photos! True- we seem to get a lot of great ones at the end of day at wood chip commons.
The people. Because there is a strange and unexplainable bond that makes us all more like family than friends.
Ahh, yes, the flirting . . . all day, every day. It's fun.
Because who wouldn't enjoy living in their own fantasy world every weekend all summer?
Now I miss it. How long 'till opening weekend again?
"How long 'till opening weekend again?"
193 days. But who is counting?
now it's 192, but true, who is counting :)
And here's the good news: Only 74 until we meet in Arizona! ;D
Are you and the Baroness going over President's Day weekend? My family and I are going a little later on in the run, so I think we might miss most of the out-of-towners.
Quote from: Baron on December 01, 2009, 09:12:30 AM
And here's the good news: Only 74 until we meet in Arizona! ;D
huzzah!!
hmm maybe i should head to arizona i could visit my friend
Will only be at the colorado faire a few days this year i plan to take my camera and travel this state some since i havn't really done that in the 12 years i have been here.
Fair Zoe, several of what we call The Colorado Nontourage will be going to Arizona over President's Day weekend. At present, the Baroness and myself, HRM Queen Anne (traveling incognito as Lady Greye, of course), Lord Greye, Chaz and Melissa (Mistress Snoop) Grundy, Melissa's sister Lisa, Russ and Sheila Young, and our associate members from Kansas Gauwyn of Broknell and his lovely bride Adilay are planning to attend. Several others are interested but haven't committed. We chose President's weekend in order to get three days of Faire out of the trip, rather than just two. Couldn't you persuade your parents to come that weekend so that all three of you can carouse with us?
Sir Garath, for shame! You have all of April, May, August, September and October to travel the State to exercise your megapixies. As a member in good standing of this forum, you should well know that June and July is for Faire and nought else!
(bows low) Is this an order my dear Baron? If so i will make sure i try and turn my sails to port more often and bring a smile with me and leave a few smiles on the ladies faces as well.
But lately my heart is to the sea and the wanderlust why i will be heading to the ports of Rochester New York and the port of New York city for the holidays.
But know if i am not at faire much my heart is with you all.
Francisco Paula Portuguese Pirate.
Quote from: Baron on December 01, 2009, 03:32:11 PM
Fair Zoe, several of what we call The Colorado Nontourage will be going to Arizona over President's Day weekend. At present, the Baroness and myself, HRM Queen Anne (traveling incognito as Lady Greye, of course), Lord Greye, Chaz and Melissa (Mistress Snoop) Grundy, Melissa's sister Lisa, Russ and Sheila Young, and our associate members from Kansas Gauwyn of Broknell and his lovely bride Adilay are planning to attend. Several others are interested but haven't committed. We chose President's weekend in order to get three days of Faire out of the trip, rather than just two. Couldn't you persuade your parents to come that weekend so that all three of you can carouse with us?
I don't think so. I don't get the holiday off from classes, so even if we could get down there that weekend we'd have to leave on Sunday and travel through the night so that I could get back. We're planning to go a little later when my brother and I are both on spring break, so that we don't have to rush. Unless I managed to find some cheap airfare and someone who might pick me up from the airport, and went by myself, I doubt I'll be able to go that particular weekend.
I just HATE it when adult life intrudes on Faire!
Silly real life!
Quote from: Zoë on December 02, 2009, 11:19:08 AM
Silly real life!
HEY.... Faire IS real........
this side of the fence is a nightmare.
haha amen to that lol
yeh.... wish someone..... ANYONE.......would frikkin WAKE me!
Here I got a snow ball with yer name on it....
I have got to get in on this one!
Hmm let me think...I like how we are all family, even the people I don't like.
I like the way after 9 months you pick up right where you left off.
I like shouting Huzzah!
I like the camping, the music, the fun, the beers.(he ain't the only one sratigically leaving cans)
I like seeing the bear and not being frightened.(cautious yes frightened no, "Do you think we should go the other way?")
I like the way kids light up with energy from just the sight of you.
I like the way kids freak out at something they have never seen before.(I get that a lot)
I like the way pretty girls smile.(just in general)
I like all the pretty girls.
I like being a total nerd and it is not only acceptable but preferable.("that's professional nerd to you")
I like knowing I have affected someone on a regular basis.
I like being held in high regard, and understanding what that means.
Did I mention all the pretty girls?
this could go on all night so I'll just say that you people make it all worth while
Quote from: Adriana Rose on December 06, 2009, 05:40:33 PM
Here I got a snow ball with yer name on it....
** Brushing snow from hair **
OH, it is so ON!
**reaching down for a BIG glovefull of snow***
Well... part of it is hating. the. 21st. century, with its vulgarity, tawdriness, terrorism, taxation, and tension...
Part of it, as you might guess--maybe the biggest part of it--is the people. You lot.
A huge part of it is the music, the song, the pageantry, the poetry, and the colors. I am greedy of sight. The Faire is a great feast for the senses.
I love the animals, in my own way, and the incredible beauty from the hand of the Greatest Artisan framed by the art and splendor of all who have left a part of themselves up in Larkspur.
The humor is wonderful--and the acts of kindness I've seen performed, and had the chance to take part in...
The Honor.
The look in the children's eyes...
The food!
Nights in the camp with music, mead, and conversation--and afterwards in the comfort of Winston...
Summer.
The thought that I've done a good job, taught children and the young that there are wonderful things NOT behind a glass screen... That whatever the rest of the world is, I've been courteous, innocent, dedicated, and honorable... As have some others, some very fine people.
Memories of those still there, long gone, and watching the next crop maturing into glory and splendor...
Singing.
Best!
Quote from: Baron on November 21, 2009, 10:17:54 PM
The Baroness and I were talking this morning about how anxious we are for a new festival season to begin, and that led us to a discussion of why we absolutely LOVE being at Faire. But, before we tell you what we most enjoy, we want to hear from our fellow fanatics. So: Why do you LOVE the Faire?
With all due respect, Baron, I, your humble servant, am still waiting to hear you say what you most enjoy...
Well, Goode Demetrius, what's NOT to love? :D
But since you asked so nicely, I'll be happy to list a few of the things that the Baroness and I particularly enjoy:
- Feeling a bit of what the Baroness calls "Christmas stomach" as we get garbed up in the morning.
- Watching the crowd gather at the front gate and chatting with patrons, playtrons and cast before
canon.
- Strolling the site, knowing so many people who accept us as (more or less) "insiders"
- Getting to know other rennies
- Having our photos taken over and over.
- Explaining to patrons that there are no restrooms on the site, but that we'll be happy to direct them
to the nearest privy.
- Talking with obviously smitten "newbies", sharing their excitement, and answering their questions
about the Faire, about our garb, about Tudor history, etc.
- Shopping for new garb and accessories (M'Lady's favorite!)
- Knowing the next line in most of the shows
- The Baroness particularly enjoys explaining that no, she is certainly not the queen, but would be
happy to teach the young lady how to curtsy when she does encounter Her Royal Majesty
- Being the Baron and Baroness
Etc, etc, etc.
I would summarize by saying that there is absolutely no reason on earth for anyone to go through those gates except to have a good time, and that attitude permeates the very atmosphere of the place!
Quote from: Baron on February 28, 2010, 07:11:09 PM
Well, Goode Demetrius, what's NOT to love? :D
I would summarize by saying that there is absolutely no reason on earth for anyone to go through those gates except to have a good time, and that attitude permeates the very atmosphere of the place!
Huzzah! And well said! Your summary says it all.
Should one enter with or without hair-
as long as we can pull a fast one on Zoe- I'm happy! :)
I'll be keeping an eye on you...
Quote from: Zoë on March 02, 2010, 08:03:43 AM
I'll be keeping an eye on you...
At least you still have two!! (
I think I'm the victim here...)
p.s. all of a sudden... see, this one's gone...
;)
Oh my my my....here comes my two cents :D
Honestly, I agree with the few of you that claimed "what's not to love?" and as I pondered that, only one thing really came to mind.
-The fact that the sole reason the festival exists, is only a part of it all for the EXACT opposite reasons WE are all involved. That is to say, that the festival exists thanks largely to one or perhaps a few people, whom do not seem to take any kind of interest in it as we do. That saddens me greatly. As someone who has, and probably will several more times in my life, worked there for FREE, I cannot wrap my brains around the festival being a cash cow for someone else. But I suppose that is why Im not running the joint. They can have the money as long as it keeps the gates to my sanity open for 8 weeks a year.
Now, on to the things I love---<3
-First and foremost the children;
-the wonderment I can see in all of their unicorn and dragon painted faces as they clutch their Italian icees, not daring to blink, lest they miss even a particle of magic
-When I was a noble, being called a princess, or on the rare occasion, being called Cinderella.
-As Mischief, watching the emotions play across their faces--"is she a REAL fairy? is she a lady in a costume? can she really fly? is that fairy dust!? omg can I fly too!!!"
-silently giggling to myself at the end of the day, as I watch some kids literally being dragged kicking and screaming "I DONT WANNA LEAVE!!! I DONT WANNA!!!" out the the parking lot by haggard looking parents....secretly wishing I could throw such a tantrum, blessing them for loudly displaying the emotions my heart feels.
(I could go on and on about the kids, they are neck and neck with my next favorite thing about faire)
Second, all of you;
-For one reason or another, every one of you has touched my heart in some way. I know its been said, but strangely, I do feel that we are all a rather large, oddly dysfunctional, family......a family full of people that no amount of BS from any of the aforementioned "cash cow beneficiaries" can tear me away from.
Third...the food;
-There is no other place on Earth that can match the delictable-ness that are spinach and feta croissants from the bakery. That plus an iced chai in the morning is pure bliss in my world.
- Ive never found a place with better crab cakes, fried pickles and green beans, I crave those ALL year!
And lastly the faire itself;
- Baron, I too love the "christmas stomach" feeling. That pure sense of giddyness you feel while getting ready for the day
- The fact that for those 8 weeks ONLY, I am 1. willing 2. ABLE and 3. EXCITED to be awake at 6am to get ready for the day.
-Knowing I will get to see all of you, and meet the "newbies"
-Playing dress-up all day, and sometimes being paid to do so.
-Getting to escape into my own fantasy world, where bills, work, solicitors, bosses, taxes, paychecks, depression, anxiety, and in general REAL life, aren't allowed in.
*le sigh* Now Im all excited......:) Demitri? Are you sitting outside the gates yet? and if so, would you care for some company?
Lady Remi forgot to mention the time she was a peasant. I LOVED her as a peasant. She was so into it. A treasure to watch. The whole "P" family makes me giggle. I'm glad to see you will be coming back.
I'm excited. I think the only reason Demetri isn't complaining about the mess I'm making in the house is due to the fact that it's for a festival outfit.
Wee! Festival is almost here!
I love faire because I'm always finding more things to love about faire. =)
Quote from: Lady Remi on March 12, 2010, 02:52:04 AM
*le sigh* Now Im all excited......:) Demitri? Are you sitting outside the gates yet? and if so, would you care for some company?
Yeah, I'm still outside the front gate, waiting for Zoe to drive by on the way to Arizona so I can hop on and attach myself to the roof of her car.
Absolutely, please come join me!! I posted a thread about us all getting together, but no one showed up.
I'm not sure I believe my sister when she says she's making stuff for faire- all these people making stuff up all the time...
Oh look, a moose!
Quote from: Demetrius on March 12, 2010, 11:38:44 PM
Oh look, a moose![/color]
A moose bit my sister once....
moose bites can be very painful...
I had one chase my truck then it started to chew on the side view mirrors.. they arent too bright
I had one run away from me when I spooked it at about 15 yards. First time I ever saw a moose. I saw my 2nd and 3rd a few hours latter while drive home from where I saw the 1st
Quote from: Hey- Arent You? on March 14, 2010, 11:24:31 PM
Quote from: Demetrius on March 12, 2010, 11:38:44 PM
Oh look, a moose!
A moose bit my sister once....
moose bites can be very painful...
Are you sure it wasn't a moosephant?
Quote from: Lady de Laney on March 15, 2010, 09:05:41 PM
I had one run away from me when I spooked it at about 15 yards. First time I ever saw a moose.
Wait... you said "moose" What was it that spooked you?
I've been hearing a familiar voice, while waiting outside the front gate- could it be Cap'n Spleen? I thought Francisco might have been with him, but now I am sure he was sans Francisco...