RenaissanceFestival.com Forums

Midwest => Minnesota Renaissance Festival => Topic started by: groomporter on June 03, 2010, 12:33:02 PM

Title: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: groomporter on June 03, 2010, 12:33:02 PM
Sounds like they're going to be trying to push the 40th Anniversary big in the promotions this year.

This was just sent to the participants-only E-list

QuoteAttn: Artisans and Masters of the Minnesota Renaissance Festival! (Please pass on to others not on this list)

We are looking to promote you and need your help! We are currently writing press releases and working with local magazines and newspapers and we want to share some of your information in conjunction with the 40th Anniversary!

Can you send us:

* Any press releases you have on your business or products (past news stories)
* Any pictures of your products
* Have you received an award for something you have created?
* What's new? Any cool new products?
* If you have been here for 30 + years would really want to hear from you!

There was a questionnaire sent out the by the Crafts Department last week, if everyone can fill that out and send it back, it would be really helpful for the Marketing Department. We are looking to create relationships with the Artisan community to work together on advertising!

Give us any information you have, and we will see how we can use it!
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Marietta Graziella on June 03, 2010, 01:15:40 PM
There just NOW starting to organize this information...?    Guess if it were me, I'd have been canvassing folks last season.   :-\
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Beaudan Tocks on June 03, 2010, 04:26:21 PM
Quote from: Marietta Graziella on June 03, 2010, 01:15:40 PM
There just NOW starting to organize this information...?    Guess if it were me, I'd have been canvassing folks last season.   :-\

Yeah...  But YOU are one smart Cookie  ::)
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: groomporter on June 03, 2010, 05:07:50 PM
Well MAF is hardly known for advance planning as evidenced by the unfinished food booths last year... At least they're playing up the anniversary be interesting to see what they do.
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: DeadBishop on June 03, 2010, 05:55:06 PM
Hey, they announced this in June...this IS considered advanced planning for MAF...  :P
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Lady L on June 03, 2010, 11:34:03 PM
LOL, you are so right, DB!
They knew which booths needed to be fixed or rebuilt before festival started in 2009, but they didn't notify anyone until this spring.
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Charlotte Rowan on June 06, 2010, 12:07:55 AM
40 years, wow.
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Lady Kathleen of Olmsted on June 06, 2010, 12:13:08 AM


That's a milestone for sure!!!

My first date with the Earl was at the Northern California Pleasure faire in September of 1971. That Faire was celebrating it's 5th year in 1971.

We are now what you call, "die-hard rennies". :)
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: LadyFae on June 06, 2010, 10:02:44 AM
Lady Kathleen!  The little girl who was so in love with the Earl at Chippewa Falls- I saw her this weekend at the Waterpark of America in Bloomington!
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: groomporter on June 10, 2010, 02:10:13 PM
I forgot my iPod so I was brainstorming during a boring day at the part time job, so I sent an idea to the MAF marketing people:

QuoteI was wondering has anyone checked if the park still exists where the Renfest was held for the first couple years? If it hasn't been turned into a housing development it might be fun to hold some sort of promotional event there celebrating the 40th anniversary.

Traffic probably wouldn't allow it but if horses and carriages were available I could see the court making a "Royal Progress" from the original site to the current location the week before opening.
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Marietta Graziella on June 10, 2010, 05:21:52 PM
That sounds like a great idea!  I think it would make a wonderful publicity event.
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Will Gamwell on June 14, 2010, 11:50:26 AM
Ah yes, The 40th Anniversary.  Just one more thing to add to the lines I holler during parades.
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: dbaldock on June 14, 2010, 12:39:42 PM
I believe that my parents (who spend Summers near Clearwater, MN) and I will be at MNRF on the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend, when I'm on vacation and visiting them this Summer.  Looking forward to meeting some of y'all, and seeing any of the 40th Anniversary special events.  The last time I visited MNRF was in '96 or '97.


Take Care,
David Baldock
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: white trillium on June 14, 2010, 11:24:03 PM
We'll look for you that weekend.  It should be an exciting weekend!
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Muffin on June 15, 2010, 09:29:22 AM
Quote from: dbaldock on June 14, 2010, 12:39:42 PM
I believe that my parents (who spend Summers near Clearwater, MN) and I will be at MNRF on the Saturday of Labor Day Weekend, when I'm on vacation and visiting them this Summer.  Looking forward to meeting some of y'all, and seeing any of the 40th Anniversary special events.  The last time I visited MNRF was in '96 or '97.


Take Care,
David Baldock

YAY!!! Make sure you stop by Foaming Stein pub, you will find several R/F'ers there either working or loitering  ;)..
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Sitara on June 15, 2010, 09:45:47 AM
Heck, those of us who are working tend to loiter as well.  We need union breaks and all :)
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: groomporter on June 15, 2010, 12:01:19 PM
Just got this from fest

QuoteWe are going to start featuring 3 crafters on our website each week, there
will also be a link on our facebook page to the featured page on our
website.  So we are hoping this will help crafters get their name out there.

This is the most they've done to promote crafters for years.
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Kiss-me-Kate on June 15, 2010, 10:42:52 PM
Perhaps they have someone new in promotions this year?  Or someone left, so new ideas are welcome, and not stifled?

I think they should feature the crafters anyways, regardless of a special anniversary year, or not.   I know most crafters endorse/link up to the Fest somehow on their pages.

Crafters, the Fest and Entertainment are all in it together, they might as well help each other out.
But that is just me, and I will get off my soapbox.

Twig/OWRF was such a teaser, now I REALLY want August to get here.
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: dbaldock on June 15, 2010, 11:06:15 PM
Quote from: Sitara on June 15, 2010, 09:45:47 AM
Heck, those of us who are working tend to loiter as well.  We need union breaks and all :)

Is that "union breaks" or "union brakes"?   ;)   ;D
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Marietta Graziella on June 20, 2010, 12:52:38 PM
I would love to see more crafters featured on their web page.  The entertainment acts are wonderfully fun but wandering the shops is also a big part of the day for me.  There are probably many crafters I have missed and by having them featured I'd get my interest piqued to find their booth.

Please, marketing, as Kate said, it's a team effort to make MNRF a great place.  Give everyone a bit of "love and attention".
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Beaudan Tocks on June 21, 2010, 12:38:54 PM
Speaking of Advertising...   Love the new Avatar MG   ;D
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Marietta Graziella on June 21, 2010, 06:59:02 PM
Quote from: Beaudan Tocks on June 21, 2010, 12:38:54 PM
Speaking of Advertising...   Love the new Avatar MG   ;D

*Look of shock and utter confusion* 

Why, whatever do you mean... "advertising"?   ;) ;D

It's the sunbeam that really sets things off, don't you think?   LOL  That pic is rather squished, actually.  It's much better in full version.
(http://i72.photobucket.com/albums/i182/denamike/RenDezvous%202010/MG.jpg)
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Beaudan Tocks on June 21, 2010, 11:12:43 PM
 :o  YES!!!  The sun could not have been in a more perfect position  ;)



Thank You
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: groomporter on June 21, 2010, 11:31:02 PM
Quote from: Beaudan Tocks on June 21, 2010, 11:12:43 PM
:o  YES!!!  The sun could not have been in a more perfect position  ;)



Thank You

Or in other words...

Yum.
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Marietta Graziella on June 22, 2010, 08:34:48 AM
Alright you lot, back on topic please before we get in trouble!   ;)
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: groomporter on June 30, 2010, 11:26:59 AM
Woohoo! We were selected to be on of the first "Featured Crafters" on the new page of the MNRF website
http://www.renaissancefest.com/MRF/feature.html

Woohoo! although I suppose it would be better for business if we were listed just before fest starts when their website traffic is probably highest, but I already got 100 hits from it since they put it up yesterday. Woohoo!
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Muffin on June 30, 2010, 12:27:49 PM
Quote from: groomporter on June 30, 2010, 11:26:59 AM
Woohoo! We were selected to be on of the first "Featured Crafters" on the new page of the MNRF website
http://www.renaissancefest.com/MRF/feature.html

Woohoo! although I suppose it would be better for business if we were listed just before fest starts when their website traffic is probably highest, but I already got 100 hits from it since they put it up yesterday. Woohoo!

YAY!!!!!!  ;D
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Marietta Graziella on June 30, 2010, 05:59:05 PM
That's great news Groomporter!
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Butch on June 30, 2010, 10:11:51 PM
Cool, and congratulations!
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: DeadBishop on July 01, 2010, 12:53:38 AM
Way to go GP!
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Marietta Graziella on July 04, 2010, 09:04:04 AM
Just looked at Groomporter's site...  Love the box games.  Will you have those available for purchase at your booth?  I must have missed them previously because I always bought the portable ones.    I'd like to get Shut the box and The Captains Mistress for our pub.  ;D
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: groomporter on July 04, 2010, 10:17:11 AM
Yeah those are newish, we should have some available for fest.
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Lady Nicolette on July 26, 2010, 09:46:37 AM
Shameless plug for Willing Soles...

http://www.renaissancefest.com/MRF/feature.html
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 26, 2010, 09:50:25 AM
Quote from: Lady Nicolette on July 26, 2010, 09:46:37 AM
Shameless plug for Willing Soles...

http://www.renaissancefest.com/MRF/feature.html

They finally featured us!  Fantastic!
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Lady Nicolette on July 26, 2010, 11:11:10 AM
Quote from: Mad Jack Wolfe on July 26, 2010, 09:50:25 AM
Quote from: Lady Nicolette on July 26, 2010, 09:46:37 AM
Shameless plug for Willing Soles...

http://www.renaissancefest.com/MRF/feature.html

They finally featured us!  Fantastic!

It IS pretty nice seeing it all in colour and all, friendly staff!
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Marietta Graziella on July 26, 2010, 10:03:09 PM
Quote from: Lady Nicolette on July 26, 2010, 11:11:10 AM
Quote from: Mad Jack Wolfe on July 26, 2010, 09:50:25 AM
Quote from: Lady Nicolette on July 26, 2010, 09:46:37 AM
Shameless plug for Willing Soles...

http://www.renaissancefest.com/MRF/feature.html

They finally featured us!  Fantastic!

It IS pretty nice seeing it all in colour and all, friendly staff!

"Friendly Staff"   I love it!   Does that mean I shouldn't hit Jack out front of the shop?  ;) :D
Squeeee! 
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: DeadBishop on July 27, 2010, 02:18:24 AM
Quote from: Marietta Graziella on July 26, 2010, 10:03:09 PM
Quote from: Lady Nicolette on July 26, 2010, 11:11:10 AM
Quote from: Mad Jack Wolfe on July 26, 2010, 09:50:25 AM
Quote from: Lady Nicolette on July 26, 2010, 09:46:37 AM
Shameless plug for Willing Soles...

http://www.renaissancefest.com/MRF/feature.html

They finally featured us!  Fantastic!

It IS pretty nice seeing it all in colour and all, friendly staff!

"Friendly Staff"   I love it!   Does that mean I shouldn't hit Jack out front of the shop?  ;) :D
Squeeee! 

I thought that was the main reason customers were buying shoes... ;D
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: escherblacksmith on July 27, 2010, 08:35:53 AM
Wait, you guys sell shoes there?
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 27, 2010, 09:11:09 AM
Yeah, yeah, yeah... abuse the pirate, why dontcha?   ;) :D

I'll have to start yelling (again) "Watch out for the ginger one!  She bites!"
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: dbaldock on July 27, 2010, 12:33:47 PM
Quote from: Mad Jack Wolfe on July 27, 2010, 09:11:09 AM
Yeah, yeah, yeah... abuse the pirate, why dontcha?   ;) :D

I'll have to start yelling (again) "Watch out for the ginger one!  She bites!"

Only if you're willing to show us the bite marks...  ;)   ;D
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: LadyFae on July 27, 2010, 12:37:16 PM
Quote from: Mad Jack Wolfe on July 27, 2010, 09:11:09 AM
I'll have to start yelling (again) "Watch out for the ginger one!  She bites!"

In my experience she doesn't bite- she nibbles...
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Marietta Graziella on July 27, 2010, 04:12:00 PM
Holy cats I'm being accused of canibalism!   I don't bite or nibble but I will...  Oh look, shiney! :o ;) :D

I'll have to get Jack in the chair and do the "sales routine" of attempting to sell him shoes while kneeling infront of him.  ::)
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Captain Jack Wolfe on July 28, 2010, 07:26:03 AM
Ha!  You're just trying to get my boots off me.   ;) :D
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Capt. Bacardi on July 28, 2010, 08:01:25 AM
Quote from: Mad Jack Wolfe on July 28, 2010, 07:26:03 AM
Ha!  You're just trying to get my boots off me.   ;) :D

Do not let Wenchie hear about that...  :o  :o  ::)
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: Welsh Wench on July 30, 2010, 07:51:34 PM
*BAM! BAM! BAM! OW!*

Sorry....hear about what? Couldn't hear you over the hammering.

*stands back and admires new sign at Willin Soles*

I think it looks pretty good, don't you?


(http://i37.photobucket.com/albums/e65/welshwench/BARF2010104.jpg)
Title: Re: MNRF 40th Anniversay
Post by: groomporter on July 30, 2010, 09:11:38 PM
Quote from: Marietta Graziella on July 27, 2010, 04:12:00 PM
Holy cats I'm being accused of canibalism!   I don't bite or nibble but I will... 

Reminds me of my friends pick-up lines "If you are what you eat, I can be you by morning..."