First the 'negatives.'
1. It was miserable hot. My workers were having heat-related difficulties. As a result, sales were about 10-15% lower than weekend 1 last year.
2. Why is Highland Fling on the first weekend? Wht not have it a weekend or two later to increase the chances od moderate weather. You know, like Scotland? Those people were dying in the heat and sun. The games were poorly attended as a result. Maybe put... Silk Road on first weekend? You know, from the area that is all hot all the time with no heavily physical games?
3. I think they should return to giving the host of the Smoker and Queen's Tea a cut of the sales. Sunday had 3 tables... What a waste. They used to sell out daily when the host got a cut.
Now the 'positives.'
1. It was great to be amongst friends and family again. I am horrible at finding time to see them, with life, wife, remodeling, work and school in the way. Scheduling it out like this makes it 'mandatory.'
2. It is nice to have nightly 'vacation' time with my 'wife' away from the troubles of the real world. We need this break badly.
3. I am having a blast owning and running a business. I plan to open one as my full time venture next year. Don't know what, tho... ;)
I see that the second weekend will be hot and humid again as well. That means WENCH GARB rather than Noble.
One must dress according to the weather.
Negative-
1- the heat was getting to the cast. I saw alot of people walking around that were part of the Ren Fest cast that look miserable... and didn't want to play with others.
2- Some things were not open in some of the food venues. Some booths had long lines, and only 1 person helping people when there was definetly room for more. Could have just been bad timing on my part, or was attendance up from first weekend last year?
3- Ren Fest regulars who have been to shows several times need to sit down and shush! I have seen the shows a couple times... I know the scripts are easy... and you can often firgure out what they are going to say next, but I don't want to hear it from the person sitting behind me and ruin the joke for everyone around. And please don't walk up to the stage and interupt the show to get a kiss from the performers (Tortuga Twins R rated show TWICE). That just grinds my gears!
POSITIVE!! YEA!!
1- So many well dressed people! It's finally catching on that a good costume equals you having a better time! I noticed more people in dress this year than last year! Love it!
2- Despite the interuptions, the shows were AWESOME!! A little rusty at times, but that made it even funnier! Tortuga Twins R show was a drunken success (minus kissy boy) which kept me laughing the whole show (except capt. luver boy).
3- The whole Ren Fest expirience. I've been waiting all year for the Ren Fest to start again, and I left saying to my wife, That was an awesome day! Thank you to everyone who was there, and to everyone who made the wait worth it's while!
~Prince Thomas
This was our first time at open and enjoyed it thoroughly. We were dressed in noble garb and made it through OK with the heat (although we are tempted to "dress down" next time with the heat).
Met and enjoyed a short chat with the king and wanted to comment he was one of the nicest people.
Only were able to attend 1 day, but will be back in two weeks for all 3.
Negatives:
1) It was hot and people were cranky... not me but some of the kids oh man... cranky.
2) they went for gravel instead of wood chips this year as filler... you all might jump for joy as it reduces the chance of mud, but my knees look like they went through a meat grinder!
Positives:
1) Cranky kids always love bubbles as do adults... especially grown men that do interesting ballet leaps after them *giggles all over again*
2) I was super busy the whole time... *didn't get dinner either night because I was swamped with kids*
3) IT WAS FIRST WEEKEND AND I DIDN'T INJURE MYSELF (save for a lost voice and my meat grinder knees... last time I play in that area)
Quotethey went for gravel instead of wood chips this year as filler
Saphire - I think the gravel was free. LOL! ;D
Quote from: auntiegiggles on August 23, 2010, 03:07:14 PM
[
Saphire - I think the gravel was free. LOL! ;D
LOL that is probably true... at least it was in limited supply and they didn't put it at front gate!
And the gravel doesn't float down hill on the rainy days...
Sales were "meh" on Saturday, lousy on Sunday. Was probably a good weekend to have a new shop slave out sick...
Didn't get out of our neighborhood. Anyone impressed by any new crafter's wares? There's two new jewelers between us and the Fest Friends, and weapons seller I don't recall seems to have bought the "Anam Cara" booth near Bad Manor.
Quote from: groomporter on August 23, 2010, 04:36:46 PM
And the gravel doesn't float down hill on the rainy days...
Sales were "meh" on Saturday, lousy on Sunday. Was probably a good weekend to have a new shop slave out sick...
Didn't get out of our neighborhood. Anyone impressed by any new crafter's wares? There's two new jewelers between us and the Fest Friends, and weapons seller I don't recall seems to have bought the "Anam Cara" booth near Bad Manor.
FYI I cant remember the name of the jeweler, but the one right next to Fest Friends is not new they just moved.
We had very few soap eaters. The only one Saturday was someone who works out there who didn't want to see a blank board. I got one comment that sometimes it's just so hot that you aren't in the mood to eat soap. It's either that or people have started to listen.
Saturday was an awesome day for us but Sunday was amazingly painful. It was a rain day crowd without the rain. Wandering around, I was surprised to see how empty it was on the grounds.
I managed to catch one of the new staged fights which I thought was brilliant. I was saddened to learn that it wasn't published anywhere where or when the fights were happening.
It seemed to be a normal first weekend. Lots of "oh wait, what?" moments. I came in later on Sunday (around 11am) and was told the pit was full and that I'd have to park up front. Very weird.
And I can't believe how many insect bites I got! Grrr. Here's to hoping that the 2nd weekend is better.
Positives:
Full moon made for walking site at night pleasant and kept me from tripping over trashcans
Everyone dealt with the no pass issue really well (well with the exception of a few people here and there)
I managed to get decent sleep
No huge issues overnight, people were too tired for shenanigans.
Negatives:
Sunday night outgoing traffic is full of suck. In order to get everyone out at a decent time I directed traffic. I have NO OBLIGATION TO DO THIS. NONE. I could totally ignore all of you and watch as you crash but I didn't. I directed traffic. STOP MEANS STOP, not creep up on me until I can put a foot on your bumper to MAKE you stop. If I am making the hand wavey signal and screaming GO DARNIT GO!! Don't stare at me blindly. PAY ATTENTION! I managed to get the long line out in about 30 minutes which is incredible but I can't do that if I get run over.
The heat...it was oppressive. I spent much of my time with swamp @$$. Blech. I hate that.
Hot, Hot, Hot!...and I don't like it Hot, Hot, Hot!....
Even though Gin and I have some decent warm weather garb, it still isn't much fun out there when the high temperatures and the humidity kick in. We started feeling the effect of it around 2:00 pm and were out of there by 3:00 pm. On warm days out there I doubt we will stick around much later then 3:00 pm. It just really is no fun anymore then.
Fest Friends is a true life savor in that Kinda weather! A little shade and lots of water, lemonade and iced tea! We would have been out of there sooner if not for being able to drop by there and fill up our mugs with water a couple of times!....
Want to win the lotto so we can build the dream booth with electricity and hidden fans to move the air. Too bad it's generally too humid in Minnesota for "swamp coolers" to work well https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Evaporative_cooler
Since we have a partial canvas roof I've always been tempted to try spraying some water on top of it. My theory would be that it's high enough that the evaporation shouldn't raise the humidity down in the shop, but for the same reason, I have doubts it would lower the temp on the main floor enough to be worth the trouble.
Despite the heat, and a blister the size of Texas on the bottom of my foot ???
I had a BLAST this weekend. Can't wait for next weekend! ;D
Quote from: Random Girl on August 23, 2010, 06:10:11 PM
If I am making the hand wavey signal and screaming GO DARNIT GO!! Don't stare at me blindly.
I was one of those idiots who didn't get that you were directing me to go. I apologize for that. I was fired but THANK YOU SO MUCH for directing traffic!! That was awesome! And I was so not expecting it either. :D
I heard we had record low attendance on Sun. Looked like it to me, it was so empty. Someone that came out to help at one of the shops said there were only 12 rows of cars in the customer parking. Sales were terrible on Sun. for me. The weather was, as said before, too hot and humid.
Hope it improves around Labor Day.
Quote from: TheFerret on August 23, 2010, 05:51:33 PM
I managed to catch one of the new staged fights which I thought was brilliant. I was saddened to learn that it wasn't published anywhere where or when the fights were happening.
May I ask which fight you saw Ferret?
If you check the schedule, both the "Airing of Grievances" (@3PM in front of Bad Manor and the Dueling Grounds (@6PM on the Bear/Bare Stage) are both fight shows. The remainder of the fights are all "as they happen". Although my fight with Sir Guy is tending to take place at about 4:30 down by Queens Pub.
As for my thoughts on the weekend:It was great to be out there again.
I had a great time playing with being Will Scarlet, fighting, drumming.
Unfortunately my new schedule doesn't allow for much room to visit people. So If I see you in passing and wave instead of stopping to say hi, please don't take it personally.
Too Hot & MUGGY!!!!
Curse the damn oppressive heat and humidity. Sales at my pub were the lowest I've ever seen. You'd think that hot weather would drive people to drink MORE cold beer, not less, but that was just not the case. One of our ale tenders nearly fainted from the heat on Saturday. She had to stop working and go sit inside the giant cooler that houses the kegs to cool off. We nearly sent her to First Aid, but she finally recovered. Close one there. Heat exhaustion isn't anything to trifle with.
Still had a good time, of course, but I REALLY hope we don't have a repeat of the same weather for weekend 2.
Quote from: Will Scarlet on August 24, 2010, 09:16:07 AM
Quote from: TheFerret on August 23, 2010, 05:51:33 PM
I managed to catch one of the new staged fights which I thought was brilliant. I was saddened to learn that it wasn't published anywhere where or when the fights were happening.
May I ask which fight you saw Ferret?
If you check the schedule, both the "Airing of Grievances" (@3PM in front of Bad Manor and the Dueling Grounds (@6PM on the Bear/Bare Stage) are both fight shows. The remainder of the fights are all "as they happen". Although my fight with Sir Guy is tending to take place at about 4:30 down by Queens Pub.
I'm hoping she was talking about Battle of the Sexes, which she took some marvellous pictures of. We perform that on around 2, near Bad Manor.
Quote from: TheFerret on August 23, 2010, 05:51:33 PM
I came in later on Sunday (around 11am) and was told the pit was full and that I'd have to park up front. Very weird.
I had to park up top on Saturday, and in the pit on Sunday when I only came for half the day. No big deal, except that it would have been a lot handier to have it switched... Saturday I had my parents' neighbors' grandson who works for CKS with me, and the poor guy had to walk all the way from B gate to C gate to get in. And Sunday I had my dog with me, so I had to park in the pit and go all the way to main gate to get HIM in! URGH!
Other than the heat, though, not many negatives. I had a great time!! Looking forward to next week!
Quote from: TheFerret on August 23, 2010, 05:51:33 PM
I got one comment that sometimes it's just so hot that you aren't in the mood to eat soap.Quote
HAHAHAHA that is totally the quote of the day!
Quote from: MissBubu on August 24, 2010, 12:29:43 PM
Quote from: Will Scarlet on August 24, 2010, 09:16:07 AM
Quote from: TheFerret on August 23, 2010, 05:51:33 PM
I managed to catch one of the new staged fights which I thought was brilliant. I was saddened to learn that it wasn't published anywhere where or when the fights were happening.
May I ask which fight you saw Ferret?
If you check the schedule, both the "Airing of Grievances" (@3PM in front of Bad Manor and the Dueling Grounds (@6PM on the Bear/Bare Stage) are both fight shows. The remainder of the fights are all "as they happen". Although my fight with Sir Guy is tending to take place at about 4:30 down by Queens Pub.
I'm hoping she was talking about Battle of the Sexes, which she took some marvellous pictures of. We perform that on around 2, near Bad Manor.
It was indeed the Battle of the Sexes. It's hard to get away from the booth sometimes but I'd heard when that fight was and knew I could go see it since it was so dead. I'd love to see the others. :)
Positives:
Everything! I had a great time and enjoyed every minute of it. This was my first ever weekend performing at this festival and I'll remember it forever. I know everybody comes to see the acts they've known and loved for years, so I was really appreciative for those that stopped by to give the new guy a chance. We had a pizpor good time!
Thank you!
Okay, first, I am but only a playtron. Regardless of the heat we had a great time as always when we attended on Saturday. It never ceases to amaze my wife and I how each of you, regardless of the weather, always put on a fantastic faire. The performers, participants, villagers, etc.. were all top notch and never broke character. We travel from Iowa and it's always worth the trip indeed. Thank you all.
I really enjoyed the opening day! Got to meet MG, Capt Bacardi, Muffin, and Beaudan Tocks. Also, met up with Gauwyn again (who was accompanied by his lovely wife and stalwart squire).
I didn't mind the heat.
I also had more than a few chigger (mosquito?) bites on my legs (which were covered by stockings).
Hung out with my buddy Joe, who was garbed for the first time this year!
Drank WAY too much beer, mead, and cider!
Went to Vilification Tennis on recommendation by Gauwyn. Absolutely loved it!
Enjoyed seeing the Dregs.
Heard several versions of Rollin' Down to Old Maui. Really enjoyed that.
Had a great time on the extremely LARGE festival site!
I plan on being back again in Sep, but this time with far less alcohol!
Thank-you, MN Ren Faire, for such a fantastic event. May be the best one I've ever experienced.
Quote from: Butch on August 25, 2010, 07:24:21 PM
I also had more than a few chigger (mosquito?) bites on my legs (which were covered by stockings).
Had some flies biting my ankles on Saturday.
Did the books, our sales were 1/2 of first weekend last year.
I know pickle sales were way down, in my area. I also heard an entertainer say that was the lowest tips they had ever had.
Quote from: Butch on August 25, 2010, 07:24:21 PM
I really enjoyed the opening day! Got to meet MG, Capt Bacardi, Muffin, and Beaudan Tocks. Also, met up with Gauwyn again (who was accompanied by his lovely wife and stalwart squire).
I didn't mind the heat.
I also had more than a few chigger (mosquito?) bites on my legs (which were covered by stockings).
Hung out with my buddy Joe, who was garbed for the first time this year!
Drank WAY too much beer, mead, and cider!
Went to Vilification Tennis on recommendation by Gauwyn. Absolutely loved it!
Enjoyed seeing the Dregs.
Heard several versions of Rollin' Down to Old Maui. Really enjoyed that.
Had a great time on the extremely LARGE festival site!
I plan on being back again in Sep, but this time with far less alcohol!
Thank-you, MN Ren Faire, for such a fantastic event. May be the best one I've ever experienced.
Was great meeting you!! Wish we would have had more time to play!! It was a crazy day for me on Saturday.. See you again soon!!! :-*
For some reason DW wanted me to post regarding my condition...although not ideal, I guess this thread is the most appropriate place...and since i haven't posted in forever, I thought i would make it worth while and post in Haiku
On my bike, then ground
Bruised, battered but nothing broke
I'm Gravities b!tch
I'm like Han Solo
The stairs are the Kestle run
I broke my wookie
It's been a long week
Mercury Retrograde sucks
I need lots of beer
Quote from: Rune on August 27, 2010, 08:06:03 AM
For some reason DW wanted me to post regarding my condition...although not ideal, I guess this thread is the most appropriate place...and since i haven't posted in forever, I thought i would make it worth while and post in Haiku
On my bike, then ground
Bruised, battered but nothing broke
I'm Gravities b!tch
I'm like Han Solo
The stairs are the Kestle run
I broke my wookie
It's been a long week
Mercury Retrograde sucks
I need lots of beer
Translation please? I don't speak fluent geek! ::) hee hee!!
Poor you!!!!!! Ouchykabible!
I have beer!!!! :-*
Ah yes... That's my DH. Master of the Haiku ??? ::)
Bruised and battered but still perfectly capable of doing a 12oz curl. :-*
Fabulous!! ;D
Quote from: Sorcha on August 27, 2010, 10:07:25 AM
Ah yes... That's my DH. Master of the Haiku ??? ::)
Bruised and battered but still perfectly capable of doing a 12oz curl. :-*
LOL! Thanks, Sorcha! Such an eloquent way with words... =D
I loved it! In fact, I copied it and sent to another friend who loves off the wall haiku. (with proper credit to the author, of course.) ;D
Ok that just made my night. And the rest of night crew's because I shared it with all.
Sales seemed dismal again this weekend. I know this has to do with the State Fair, but still. Sales were down from last year. I hope that the rest of the run flips the other way! I think it will.
I could not buy Mead on Saturday because my State ID had expired, even thoughn it had my birth date on it.
I will not have time these next several weeks to get to the Government center to renew it. BUT!! I have my Government issuesd Military ID with my DOB on it. If that is NOT acceptable, then I will have to go without Mead.
Perhaps I will bring my Passport. THAT is acceptable??
We can buy some mead for you (just don't tell anyone :) )
Quote from: Lady Kathleen of Olmsted on August 30, 2010, 10:20:54 AM
I could not buy Mead on Saturday because my State ID had expired, even thoughn it had my birth date on it.
I will not have time these next several weeks to get to the Government center to renew it. BUT!! I have my Government issuesd Military ID with my DOB on it. If that is NOT acceptable, then I will have to go without Mead.
Perhaps I will bring my Passport. THAT is acceptable??
State law is very picky. Fest makes their vendors follow the rules, yet very few seem to have the ethics to do so.
State law required people to have a valid ID in their posession to consume alcohol AND be over 21. Not just over 21.
Military ID and passports are acceptable.
Quote from: William_MacKean on August 30, 2010, 12:35:56 PM
State law is very picky. Fest makes their vendors follow the rules, yet very few seem to have the ethics to do so...
Really???
My personal experience, both seen and 1:1 would suggest the exact opposite. I know the pubs I frequent take their roles VERY seriously.
I saw the very same, Dreg. I'm waiting on my license renewal, and they would not accept my clipped license without a copy of the renewal paperwork. I'd call that strict adherence.
Quote from: William_MacKean on August 30, 2010, 12:35:56 PM
State law is very picky. Fest makes their vendors follow the rules, yet very few seem to have the ethics to do so...
Wow............. Um.. yeah... The Aletenders and Pubmasters take this matter VERY VERY seriously and most if not all of us are TIPS trained.. We as pubworkers are subject to daily stings done by Safety Services and Scott County.. My pub was stung twice that we know of on Saturday alone!!! Should you fail a sting you can and will be fined, the project could lose their license, you will for sure not be able to work fest and will lose your pass.
So I don't give a flying fricassee if you look like you are 65, NO ID, NO BEER!!! If your license is expired it is not a valid id, no beer. If your license is clipped and you don't have the papers, guess what this is not a valid id, no beer.
I deal with people daily that don't want to show me their id, or stomp and kick and act like a baby because they are 45 and shouldn't have to be carded. It's my butt on the line, and I am not going down for you.. If I don't remember you from last year or last weekend, my apologies, just have your ID ready cause I'm going to ask you for it!
Anyone else get eaten alive this weekend? We had a ton of mosquitoes in the back of our shop and I'm feeling rather miserable and itchy today...
On the way plus side, the peasants came by and had a "bath" with our free shop and the fountain next door. :D
Quote from: Muffin on August 30, 2010, 01:40:54 PM
Quote from: William_MacKean on August 30, 2010, 12:35:56 PM
State law is very picky. Fest makes their vendors follow the rules, yet very few seem to have the ethics to do so...
Wow............. Um.. yeah... The Aletenders and Pubmasters take this matter VERY VERY seriously and most if not all of us are TIPS trained.. We as pubworkers are subject to daily stings done by Safety Services and Scott County.. My pub was stung twice that we know of on Saturday alone!!! Should you fail a sting you can and will be fined, the project could lose their license, you will for sure not be able to work fest and will lose your pass.
So I don't give a flying fricassee if you look like you are 65, NO ID, NO BEER!!! If your license is expired it is not a valid id, no beer. If your license is clipped and you don't have the papers, guess what this is not a valid id, no beer.
I deal with people daily that don't want to show me their id, or stomp and kick and act like a baby because they are 45 and shouldn't have to be carded. It's my butt on the line, and I am not going down for you.. If I don't remember you from last year or last weekend, my apologies, just have your ID ready cause I'm going to ask you for it!
Here-Here!
Most current and past Jaycees are very good with the rules. It is those other entities out there...
I got carded everywhere, except after buying my third or fourth, by then they had seem my ugly old mug too often :D
The laws are the same in Iowa, you have to have an ID to consume alcohol, even if you are older than dirt!
Rules are meant to be followed and I will have my Military ID with me this Saturday.
Even Betty White, at 88, would have to show an ID to buy mead. ;)
That Egypt'n Mead is most excellent! I got carded everywhere at the MNRF too.
Quote from: William_MacKean on August 30, 2010, 02:22:15 PM
Quote from: Muffin on August 30, 2010, 01:40:54 PM
Quote from: William_MacKean on August 30, 2010, 12:35:56 PM
State law is very picky. Fest makes their vendors follow the rules, yet very few seem to have the ethics to do so...
Wow............. Um.. yeah... The Aletenders and Pubmasters take this matter VERY VERY seriously and most if not all of us are TIPS trained.. We as pubworkers are subject to daily stings done by Safety Services and Scott County.. My pub was stung twice that we know of on Saturday alone!!! Should you fail a sting you can and will be fined, the project could lose their license, you will for sure not be able to work fest and will lose your pass.
So I don't give a flying fricassee if you look like you are 65, NO ID, NO BEER!!! If your license is expired it is not a valid id, no beer. If your license is clipped and you don't have the papers, guess what this is not a valid id, no beer.
I deal with people daily that don't want to show me their id, or stomp and kick and act like a baby because they are 45 and shouldn't have to be carded. It's my butt on the line, and I am not going down for you.. If I don't remember you from last year or last weekend, my apologies, just have your ID ready cause I'm going to ask you for it!
Here-Here!
Most current and past Jaycees are very good with the rules. It is those other entities out there...
Ya I you can throw a 16 year-old past some people. ::)
I've never been carded out at Fest! Hmm...
Yes, sales were bad in my area, too. Yes, the mosquitos were thick and hungry. I had bug spray and sprayed my shop area and myself and still had bites.
A shop person who sells at the State Fair said it wasn't good there, either. They had a good crowd, but not the sales.
Quote from: Lady L on August 31, 2010, 01:39:27 AM
Yes, sales were bad in my area, too. Yes, the mosquitos were thick and hungry. I had bug spray and sprayed my shop area and myself and still had bites.
Yeah, the mosquitos were TERRIBLE!! Must bring Cutter OFF this weekend....
Quote from: Muffin on August 30, 2010, 01:40:54 PM
Quote from: William_MacKean on August 30, 2010, 12:35:56 PM
State law is very picky. Fest makes their vendors follow the rules, yet very few seem to have the ethics to do so...
Wow............. Um.. yeah... The Aletenders and Pubmasters take this matter VERY VERY seriously and most if not all of us are TIPS trained.. We as pubworkers are subject to daily stings done by Safety Services and Scott County.. My pub was stung twice that we know of on Saturday alone!!! Should you fail a sting you can and will be fined, the project could lose their license, you will for sure not be able to work fest and will lose your pass.
So I don't give a flying fricassee if you look like you are 65, NO ID, NO BEER!!! If your license is expired it is not a valid id, no beer. If your license is clipped and you don't have the papers, guess what this is not a valid id, no beer.
I deal with people daily that don't want to show me their id, or stomp and kick and act like a baby because they are 45 and shouldn't have to be carded. It's my butt on the line, and I am not going down for you.. If I don't remember you from last year or last weekend, my apologies, just have your ID ready cause I'm going to ask you for it!
Indeed! One reason I didn't love the beer gig... I was too scared I'd screw up and not notice a fake ID or something. And SO many people yelled at us for asking for ID/not selling to them if they didn't have it.
The angry ones are the easy ones. I don't mix arseholes and alcohol. It is the sweet 45 year old woman with her 24 year old daughter that breaks me up.
I am 48 and was carded once on opening day. I don't understand those that complain about it. Do you want a beer or don't you? As for me, I likee my beer so I was more than willing to show my ID so I could get that goodness in me!
The last couple weekends were a new sleeping experience for me. I have camped on site often before, but never on an air mattress and never with someone. With the heat, humidity and bodies, I had a difficult time deciding if I was hot or cold.
Most of my body was warm. The parts spooned against my fiance (Katie the Mead Gal) were sweaty. The blankets were all humid. And the part on the air mattress was cold. Wierd.
We're bringing a blanket to sleep on for the rest of the run. It be getting cold!!!
I really don't mind being carded. Heck, at my age I am flattered when I am! Generally speaking, I don't have a problem at fest because I almost always buy my beer exclusively from the Foaming Stein and they pretty much all know me there!..
But, on that rare occasion when I decide to go for a mead or am a long ways from the Stein I pretty much have my ID in hand if I do not recognize the people who are serving. If I don't know them I expect them to card me.....
Of course, if I decide to go for something out of my flask with some pop....well, they don't card to buy pop!...LoL
I thought it was weird that I've never been carded out at Fest then I remembered why- I've been pregnant 2 out of the 4 years at Fest that I've really attended and I haven't BOUGHT any alcohol! Those other two years though... But no, I expect to get carded and am most definately NOT offended when I am! =D
I know that a lot of people see the being carded thing as stupid because they think that they are just being age checked BUT there is more to it than that! I have no problem showing that I am of age and of ability to legally drink! =)
I not only got carded, but asked for a glass of wine for my wife and was denied. 1 drink per person per visit. Makes it EXTREMEMLY hard while trying to watch a show and you run out of beer (and wine). Why is this a rule? I don't care about the carding thing.... never minded much.... but only 1 drink? Hmmmmmm......
~Andy
Quote from: Prince Thomas on September 05, 2010, 10:48:41 AM
I not only got carded, but asked for a glass of wine for my wife and was denied. 1 drink per person per visit. Makes it EXTREMEMLY hard while trying to watch a show and you run out of beer (and wine). Why is this a rule? I don't care about the carding thing.... never minded much.... but only 1 drink? Hmmmmmm......
~Andy
Probably so there is no chance a second drink is handed to a minor or someone who has had too much to drink. The person selling/serving has no way of knowing who the second drink is for.
MNRF has to adhere to rules and regulations to keep their beverage licenses, and are responsible if something bad happens and they were a part of it.
Ferret
Quote from: Ferret on September 05, 2010, 11:01:47 AMProbably so there is no chance a second drink is handed to a minor or someone who has had too much to drink. The person selling/serving has no way of knowing who the second drink is for.
MNRF has to adhere to rules and regulations to keep their beverage licenses, and are responsible if something bad happens and they were a part of it.
Ferret
Exactly. It prevents 'hand-offs.' It won't eliminate them, but it shows the authorities that we take the safety of minors at our faire seriously. It is quite inconvenient at times. And it cuts our sales down significantly.
Also: State law requires that you have your ID with you to consume alcohol. Not just be 21, but to have a valid ID present. So, 90 year old grandma without her ID cannot drink. Sometimes we forget to ask some older folks.
Quote from: groomporter on August 23, 2010, 07:03:27 PM
Want to win the lotto so we can build the dream booth with electricity and hidden fans to move the air. Too bad it's generally too humid in Minnesota for "swamp coolers" to work well https://secure.wikimedia.org/wikipedia/en/wiki/Evaporative_cooler
Since we have a partial canvas roof I've always been tempted to try spraying some water on top of it. My theory would be that it's high enough that the evaporation shouldn't raise the humidity down in the shop, but for the same reason, I have doubts it would lower the temp on the main floor enough to be worth the trouble.
If you do some Google Searches, there are some sites that show charts of the effectiveness of Misters/Foggers at cooling an area, depending on the humidity level (and whether you're using a High-Pressure or Low-Pressure system). I looked into some systems to use at a friend's house in the central Texas area (where they also have high humidity).
I was able to visit MNRF on the Saturday of Labor Day weekend. It was a beautiful, and cool day --- glad I wasn't there when it was so hot, we get plenty of heat in Texas! ;) :D
Take Care,
David Baldock
Andy....
A lot of the leather and wood mugs you see people with out there will hold 2 drinks. If you ask servers to fill your mug they will usually do so. They will pour 2 glasses or 2 bottles into your mug. When you walk away then you are only walking away with 1 drink so they know you aren't handing it off to someone. Of course, it does cost twice as much to do this, but it will usually prevent you from running out in the middle of a show and needing more!....LoL
Asking around, this weekend's sales were down again from last year. I know my booths are down 15% from last year's numbers. Picking up the third booth puts me at par from last year, maybe a tad ahead. Still, I feel for the crafters who use the faire for income and livlihood.
I cannot help but wonder if the ownership made an error in trying to target families, instead of the 21-28 year old singles with high discretionary income. Families just don't have that. Once you have a child, you are pretty much on a permanent budget. The moment a recession hits, parents get nervous and lock up all discretionary spending, like festivals, in favor of parks, zoos, and walks around a lake. I think the trends show me to be correct.
Quote from: William_MacKean on September 07, 2010, 09:35:53 AM
I cannot help but wonder if the ownership made an error in trying to target families, instead of the 21-28 year old singles with high discretionary income. Families just don't have that. Once you have a child, you are pretty much on a permanent budget. The moment a recession hits, parents get nervous and lock up all discretionary spending, like festivals, in favor of parks, zoos, and walks around a lake. I think the trends show me to be correct.
I can't disagree with you there! I have three little budget hogs on my hands, but I still LOVE to take them to Fest!
I have been saying for years that the move to a family show is a poor financial decision. Four tipsy 20 somethings are going to spend more in every venue than a cash strapped family of four.
Quote from: William_MacKean on September 07, 2010, 09:35:53 AM
...I cannot help but wonder if the ownership made an error in trying to target families, instead of the 21-28 year old singles with high discretionary income...Once you have a child, you are pretty much on a permanent budget. The moment a recession hits, parents get nervous and lock up all discretionary spending, like festivals, in favor of parks, zoos, and walks around a lake. I think the trends show me to be correct.
Hogwash! First, the fest targets all the markets you mentioned. Twig the faerie...Ales and Tales...Home-brew competitions...Longbow contests, Weddings, Children's realm, etc.
Second, I too know booth owners, many who sell to the "nervous parents on a permanent budget"...they're sales are up this year compared to last.
I so tire of the "parents don't spend money on their kids, let's dump them" BS so common here lately. "Kids suck", let's discourage them from coming...seems to be a common theme lately. I dumped hundreds in one day on my two kids and their two friends, I know of other parents who did the same.
Look around at the numerous booths that sell wooden swords, puzzle benches, fairytale hats and magic wands...Twig alone drags 'em in by the hundreds, perhaps thousands (compare her FB page to that of any other "festie" page)!
21 to 28 year olds with "high discretionary income"? Seriously? Not the ones I know.
Everyone's hurting in this economy including the marketing budget of most companies. You may not have kids, you may not want them at fest. But I do and I tire of the anti-child attitude many here and at Fest have taken. "Parks, zoos, and walks around a lake", are you kidding me? Been to a twins game lately? The stands are filled with families dropping big buck so their child can sit with them to enjoy the game.
Your market may not be to those under 21 but no need to disparage those that do.
Quote from: Noble Dreg on September 07, 2010, 12:41:33 PM
Quote from: William_MacKean on September 07, 2010, 09:35:53 AM
...I cannot help but wonder if the ownership made an error in trying to target families, instead of the 21-28 year old singles with high discretionary income...Once you have a child, you are pretty much on a permanent budget. The moment a recession hits, parents get nervous and lock up all discretionary spending, like festivals, in favor of parks, zoos, and walks around a lake. I think the trends show me to be correct.
Hogwash! First, the fest targets all the markets you mentioned. Twig the faerie...Ales and Tales...Home-brew competitions...Longbow contests, Weddings, Children's realm, etc.
Second, I too know booth owners, many who sell to the "nervous parents on a permanent budget"...they're sales are up this year compared to last.
I so tire of the "parents don't spend money on their kids, let's dump them" BS so common here lately. "Kids suck", let's discourage them from coming...seems to be a common theme lately. I dumped hundreds in one day on my two kids and their two friends, I know of other parents who did the same.
Look around at the numerous booths that sell wooden swords, puzzle benches, fairytale hats and magic wands...Twig alone drags 'em in by the hundreds, perhaps thousands (compare her FB page to that of any other "festie" page)!
21 to 28 year olds with "high discretionary income"? Seriously? Not the ones I know.
Everyone's hurting in this economy including the marketing budget of most companies. You may not have kids, you may not want them at fest. But I do and I tire of the anti-child attitude many here and at Fest have taken. "Parks, zoos, and walks around a lake", are you kidding me? Been to a twins game lately? The stands are filled with families dropping big buck so their child can sit with them to enjoy the game.
Your market may not be to those under 21 but no need to disparage those that do.
LOVE this!
I agree with Noble Dreg:
There are sooo many families that come out there right with the other groups. I mean you can't take your kids to the homebrew competetion, but I see plenty of parents being led around by their kids, buying a ton of things. And if you can bring your kids more and more people are willing to make it like there vacation for the year. And I know they are not the stingiest customers ever. I made more tips this weekend than I have made total in past years.
Now are they the ones going to be buying the super expensive weaponry and armor and thousand dollar outfits? probably not, but there will more than likely be a teenager who will see one want it, and when they have the money come back for it, maybe not the next weekend or the next year, but remember... the kids now, will be your customers later you just have to keep their interest so that one day they will be that 21-28 and hopefully have that income to spend.
But being a newly married, out of college and paying off that 4 years of private catholic college and the 2 years of the not privated university education, I guarentee you that if I wasn't there to work I certainly couldn't afford to be out there, let alone drop any money on buying things. A lot of my friends are the same way,. we look we love, we haven't a dime to spare. In the recession they are taking those with experience over us with enthusaism. I get lucky... I am federal employee... I am assured pay, just not that much. In the future it will be better
To put it in a little perspective, the festival has been talking about cleaning up the acts to make them more "family friendly" in recent years, (My understanding is that it may have been in reaction to some specific jokes/incidents ) Last year Vilification Tennis was wondering how this was going to effect them (Haven't asked how/if they have changed things) but we do still have a couple shows in the program listed as "loose cannons" that are not recommended for children.
In any case, some Renfairs have been focused a bit too much on the party aspect and the "3 B's" (Boobs, boots and beer) in recent years, and the pendulum has swung a bit the other way. What they really have to remember is that they need to market to as wide an audience as possible. Families help keep attendance high and help keep the food/soft drink/toy and cheap souvenirs volume up. Younger legal adults help the beer and wine sales more as well as certain other crafts and acts.
But they also need to market to the arts community better to support the fine arts crafters on site, and I was happy to see a "featured crafters" page on the website, since the artisan aspect has been a minor part of advertising for a number of years and MNRF used to have a good reputation for hand made art. Another problem is that fest seems to be looked down upon by the local live theater community whereas I would think some form of outreach could be mutually beneficial.
Quote from: groomporter on September 07, 2010, 02:19:53 PM
...But they also need to market to the arts community better to support the fine arts crafters on site, and I was happy to see a "featured crafters" page on the website, since the artisan aspect has been a minor part of advertising for a number of years and MNRF used to have a good reputation for hand made art. Another problem is that fest seems to be looked down upon by the local live theater community whereas I would think some form of outreach could be mutually beneficial.
Here hear!
Thanks to both Dreg and Groomporter. Personally each end of the pendulum (totally G-rated family entertainment and/or bawdiness just for the sake of it) tend to not be my particular thing, but the Faires have to appeal to as many people as possible, just as much as regular fairs or theme parks do in order to survive and even better, turn a profit so we can all keep enjoying whatever it is that we like to do best there.
Modified to add:
And indeed, attention to the artisans/crafters and also the real theatre (and music) aspects of the Faire are much welcomed and have been lacking more over recent years...
I sell booze. My market is the 21-28 year olds with discretionary income. I talk to them all day every day. I hear their lamenting of the taming of the faire a LOT more than I hear them praising it for the families. (A thought echoed by most participants with more than 5 years at the faire.) If I sold fairy wings, I would think differently. But I do not, so I protect, defend and boost my target market. This does not mean that I am putting other markets down. I am not. Let's boost our own target markets and the totality of the market will increase for mutual benefit. (I jest, but drunks make kids that eventually buy fairy wings.) But seriously. One angry mother sends a letter and the whole show has to change? C'mon. Some perspective is needed, here.
On one hand, the faire is trying to clean up all the acts and focus on period entertainment. On the other hand, they now have a sports bar to watch TV at and have added 3-4 more alcohol booths. They tell Vil to calm down, but the Smoker cuts lose. All with management approval.
I think the time is long past for 'White Weekends' and 'Blue Weekends.' I think we also need to take a realistic look at 5-Finger Friday. Schools are cutting back their budgets. I don't think many take advantage like was hoped.
Quote from: William_MacKean on September 07, 2010, 04:02:10 PM
I think the time is long past for 'White Weekends' and 'Blue Weekends.' I think we also need to take a realistic look at 5-Finger Friday. Schools are cutting back their budgets. I don't think many take advantage like was hoped.
I'm still relativly new to Ren Fest, what do these terms mean?
For the past 4 years, I've been doing Rendezvous (1800 time era) and have noticed a decline there also. You can blame it on a down economy, and you can blame it on the way managment wants to handle things. Like always, you can blame it on the weather some weekends. What I have noticed, is that we are participating in an art that is dieing. 5 years ago, my wife said, "Let's go to Ren Fest", my first thought was, "get dressed up in goofy clothes and prance around like fairies..... nope!". And that is the mindset of MOST people outside of the fest! The reason why people walk through the gate is BECAUSE of the kids, or wives that want to look at stuff. Your 18-21 group only shows up to "be themselves" and not be judged for dressing emo or goth because, let's face it, we accept it. The main focus we should be looking at, is we are all here for fun, we can all walk away if we don't like what we here, and if people can spend money, they will. Also, the more firends you have a fest, the funner it is... so bring a friend... who knows, they might just become a regular!!
<3
@ William: Even I don't know what the Blue and White weekends are... but 5-Finger friday is called Festival friday by the management. It is a day where schools are encouraged to send buses full of kids to the festival, they put on some special programs for them and in general let them have the run of the festival. It is called 5-Finger friday because that is when a lot of shop merchandise dissappears in the 5 fingers of the kids running around.
Now on the note of complaint letters, if any of you are patrons out there and were bothered by the massive attack of the minnesota state bird *the Mosquito* I would encourage you to send a letter. They pass around diseases and in general make for an unhappy time. If they get enough letters about it, MAYBE NEXT YEAR THEY WILL DECIDE THEY AREN'T TO CHEAP TO SPARY FOR THEM!!!!!! *at least rumor among cast says they didn't bother to, as it was "too expensive"
If they need something to fix lets start with the bug population cause you know what that is bad for all targeted audiances, as I know no one who likes being eaten alive.
Well said Dreg. I know we were discussing this very topic of kids this weekend. If I gave you the impression that I was family bashing, I apologize. I must clarify that I hate naughty/misbehaving kids. (Not that mine is an angel...)Like the one the clocked me in the face with my own whip this weekend.
That said, I have a 14 kid, and we have been attending for seven years together. Fest is our happy place.
If we weren't participants; be it on "cast" or, as a sales person selling shoes at Willing Soles, *shameless plug* I would only be able to attend once or twice per season. It would be my staycation too.
I save all year for Twig and MNRF to buy a few shinys and support my local artisans and musical acts.
I also have a 20 year old, and let me tell ya, he has NO discretionary income. He probably won't for a few years,being a starving college student, and then he will have the lovely loans to pay back. You live in Disneyland if you think otherwise. Most people in their twenties are broke.
As for the family friendly, Vil Ten can not tell pedophile jokes, and they can't say penis, vagina, or the F word. Too many complaints. If you want the super raunchy jokes, attend their shows at the BLB. *another shameless plug -for my kid*
I personally have attended Fest for 25+ years, and it is my experience that we can't make everyone happy.
I don't post on here a lot, but I do have a passion for the MNRF. My family has been attending as playtrons for the past 7 years. Like Kiss-me-Kate, fest is one of the things we can all do and enjoy together. One of the things we like most about the MNRF as opposed to other faires is that "anything goes" at the MNRF, whereas other faires are more traditional, like frowning upon anyone that wears purple other than royalty (my wife has a purple dress and nobody at the MNRF has ever said anything to her). If someone wants to dress in goth, so be it. There is something everyone. After 40 years, I would assume that most people know this about the MNRF. People that are easily offended should not go and then complain about the things they are easily offended by, just as those that enjoy being offended should not complain about things that are family oriented. The fest is large enough to accommodate both crowds.
Oh, and we do spend $$$ at the fest each year. Whether it's booze, food, crafts, apparel, you name it.
Quote from: andy on September 07, 2010, 07:30:47 PM
One of the things we like most about the MNRF as opposed to other faires is that "anything goes" at the MNRF, whereas other faires are more traditional,
Yeah, could be worse, I just had a circuit booth worker tell me that Colorado does not allow participants to have dreadlocks, visible tattoos or multiple piercings. I've heard a year or two ago about the tattoos elsewhere.
When our children were younger we only came out to fest once per year - I admire the parents that bring their kids out every weekend. Now that only one of our kids attends fest with us on a regular basis, the three of us have season passes and the other two kids may make a rare appearance. We see more shows, tip every time we see a show, band or other entertainer - but we still are fairly careful with our discretionary spending (as much as my spouse would love an awesome sword or boots.....other bills come first)
I enjoy a mug of mead, ale or other adult beverage as much as the next person, but I'm not out there to drink to excess. I really like the "featured artisans" addition and what appears to be an increased focus on street interaction.
All of the "markets" are important to the health and financial future of any festival. If you get too many drunk rowdy twenty somethings then families may be a little less likely to come out. On the other hand, if all shows are rated "G" you'll lose another market. It is all about balance.
Quote from: groomporter on September 07, 2010, 02:19:53 PM
But they also need to market to the arts community better to support the fine arts crafters on site, and I was happy to see a "featured crafters" page on the website, since the artisan aspect has been a minor part of advertising for a number of years and MNRF used to have a good reputation for hand made art. Another problem is that fest seems to be looked down upon by the local live theater community whereas I would think some form of outreach could be mutually beneficial.
I agree. It used to be, this was a great place to see and purchase original fine art. It isn't the market for that, anymore. When I first bought a shop there, there were publishers and gallery owners that came out to discover new talent. I haven't seen that in 8 years. There is no showcase at Hall of Masters, so that doesnt' help.
My sales have been worse than terrible. Kids want the hand carved, one of a kind, hardwood magic wands we have for sale, but the parents are saying "no." this year. Last year, they were flying out the door. The price range is the same-$15.00 to $25.00. ???
Quote from: saphire_glade on September 07, 2010, 04:48:21 PM
Now on the note of complaint letters, if any of you are patrons out there and were bothered by the massive attack of the minnesota state bird *the Mosquito* I would encourage you to send a letter. They pass around diseases and in general make for an unhappy time. If they get enough letters about it, MAYBE NEXT YEAR THEY WILL DECIDE THEY AREN'T TO CHEAP TO SPARY FOR THEM!!!!!! *at least rumor among cast says they didn't bother to, as it was "too expensive"
If they need something to fix lets start with the bug population cause you know what that is bad for all targeted audiances, as I know no one who likes being eaten alive.
Now HERE's something I can get behind!! SERIOUSLY, the mosquitos were terrible on Monday!! I know many entertainers were cranky and out-of-sorts as a result of being eaten alive in the campground Sunday night and all day Monday, and it is hard to put on a happy face and entertain when you have tiny blood suckers plaguing you and drinking your blood! Now, I don't camp and I also came armed with seriously strong DEET, so I was pretty happy, but I did feel for those who were being eaten. I shared my DEEt with anyone who asked, but many people, especially those with small children, are wary of using such strong chemicals (and I don't blame them), and if the Festival could spray to prevent such an infestation of bloodsuckers, that would really be preferable.
On the family-friendly issue, I tend to fall in the middle - of course I want families to feel comfortable bringing their kids-- I know I loved it as a kid, and to be honest, Fest wouldn't be nearly as magical without the wee ones. :)
But on the other hand, I really do get annoyed that one letter from an angry parent who was dumb enough to bring their kid to watch Vilification Tennis should not mean the whole festival has to change! It's called "parenting" for a reason - there are things all over the world that parents would prefer their young children not be exposed to, but the whole world is not going to change for them. It is the PARENT'S responsibility to determine whether something is appropriate for their child, and if not, DON'T TAKE THEM TO THAT SHOW! There are plenty of things on the Festival grounds that are kid-friendly. I see nothing wrong with having a few not-so-kid-friendly shows, as long as they are marked as such.
My two pence worth of opinion:
Mosquitos: The surrounding swamp was pelleted before opening weekend. We've had a relatively wet summer so breeding populations are up. Fest grounds are close to a wetland preserve where spraying is not allowed. Mosquitos can fly 14 miles to reach a food source.
Family Friendly: I took Improv classes from Butch. He taught us to not go for the easy jokes. This year I have a fight that is basically about boobs. We ran it for the children of some of our marshalls during rehearsals. The kids loved the fight as a slapstick comedy and didn't get the "naughty" references. When I started working at fest, the "Four Foot Rule" was stressed to us. We can do any jokes as long as the kids don't get the adult humor portion, but are still entertained. Yes, it makes it more difficult, but very few people are offended, and we get to do bawdy humor.
Sales: The economy sucks, people don't have the discretionary income they used to, and the people who used to be patrons work at fest now and don't have the time to go shopping.
Quote from: MissBubu on September 08, 2010, 10:00:13 AMSales: The economy sucks, people don't have the discretionary income they used to, and the people who used to be patrons work at fest now and don't have the time to go shopping.
No kidding!
No fewer than 6 of my more regular customers from last year are now on the Fest payroll. I am happy for them, but sheesh. Quit hiring my customers! (Or let them keep drinking.)
:D
We in the soap booth actually had an okay weekend. Saturday and Sunday rocked so hard that I'm happy Monday was a slow day because I was exhausted beyond belief. It was also the first time that I've arranged to have a street bit. Saturday morning I arranged for a public mourning of the King's bachelorhood (complete with wailing peasants). It was a lot of fun (pictures will be posted eventually) and the court loved it so much that they asked for a repeat sometime during the reception on Sunday. :) Of course, I'm not covered in mosquito bites and have a bit of fest crud but the weekend was brilliant for me. Sadly (and thankfully) people seem to have wised up that the things we call "free soap" are indeed soap, so we had fewer eaters this weekend.
Quote from: MissBubu on September 08, 2010, 10:00:13 AM
Mosquitos: The surrounding swamp was pelleted before opening weekend. We've had a relatively wet summer so breeding populations are up. Fest grounds are close to a wetland preserve where spraying is not allowed. Mosquitos can fly 14 miles to reach a food source.
Had a friend who is a booth worker from the booth next to us call today to say he's showing symptoms that match the milder form of West Nile. It might be just the fest crud after a colder 3-day weekend, but he wanted to pass the word on just to be safe since the skeeters have been pretty thick.
Quote from: groomporter on September 08, 2010, 09:19:54 PM
Quote from: MissBubu on September 08, 2010, 10:00:13 AM
Mosquitos: The surrounding swamp was pelleted before opening weekend. We've had a relatively wet summer so breeding populations are up. Fest grounds are close to a wetland preserve where spraying is not allowed. Mosquitos can fly 14 miles to reach a food source.
Had a friend who is a booth worker from the booth next to us call today to say he's showing symptoms that match the milder form of West Nile. It might be just the fest crud after a colder 3-day weekend, but he wanted to pass the word on just to be safe since the skeeters have been pretty thick.
Yes, I heard something about someone having both West Nile AND some other mosquito-borne disease (malaria?? do mosquitos in MN carry that?) I don't think it was a Fest person, just a random person, but please people, use your insect repellent! If you don't like DEET there are natural alternatives that work okay, you just need to reapply more often.
Malaria's not a worry up here.
CDC info on West Nile
http://www.cdc.gov/ncidod/dvbid/westnile/wnv_factsheet.htm
Personally, I HATE the move at Ren Fest towards family-friendliness. Does EVERYTHING have to be about warm fuzzies, smiles and puppy dogs all the time?
Seriously, there are TONS of things in the world that are family friendly; just about everything caters to families these days, and it has NOTHING to do with morals or values. It's all because of money. Families spend lots of money, and of course the all-mighty dollar drives just about all business decisions, Faire included.
In short, the powers that be are sacrificing fun for cash.
Can't we just have some things that are aimed towards adults anymore? Bawdiness, drinking and sexual innuendo are part and parcel of ren faires!! It's the spice that makes it fun! That's why I go. That's why all my friends go. That's why just about every single person I work with at Faire goes. Without that, faire just becomes another boring, generic event. With garb.
Talk to just about ANYONE who's worked at Fest for a number of years, and they will all tell you that it's not as fun as it used to be. And it's getting worse. Yes, it's still a good time, but it was better, lots better. And there's no reason it couldn't be that way again.
I don't know, I think starting kids off early with a love of Fest is what will keep Fests alive for years to come.
Just my 2 cents.... I attended the last two weekends and I watched the tennis match, along with the T. Twins, part of Johnny Phoenix, 2 Children Left Behind, the Feast of Fantasy, Puke and Snot, and a few others. ALL of these shows warned the audience that there may be questionable content in their show. Heck, Johnny Phoenix spent a good 10 min explaining that the show he was going to do was the rated "R" show. Any parent who then turns around and complains that the shows were offensive and not for kids need to have someone smack them upside the head with a stinky salmon.
Why a stinky salmon you ask... a stupid response to a stupid complaint!
It's either the parents that complain when someone says a fart joke, or the other side of that who take their kids to Watchmen expecting to see another Batman movie. It reminds me of my cousin who only allows their child to watch PBS because other cartoons are too violent.
Okay I think I'm done..... Oh yeah, the mosquitoes sucked! But what do you do in MN?
Quote from: ladydiwinter on September 09, 2010, 08:34:28 PM
Okay I think I'm done..... Oh yeah, the mosquitoes sucked! But what do you do in MN?
WHAT!?!?!?! You take issue with our state bird? LOL! =P
The weekend thoughs have turned into an intesting discussion. I agree with others that there just needs to be a good balance of the good and the bawdy.
Quote from: LadyFae on September 09, 2010, 08:41:39 PM
Quote from: ladydiwinter on September 09, 2010, 08:34:28 PM
Okay I think I'm done..... Oh yeah, the mosquitoes sucked! But what do you do in MN?
WHAT!?!?!?! You take issue with our state bird? LOL! =P
Yeah, I think some of those bugs could carry away a loon!
We had a good weekend, which after the first two was a blessed relief, and I will actually get to fly out and be with Charlene for the last 2 weekends. :) We are hoping the Petfest brings even more dogs to get dressed up and people that we can let know about our Handfasting Cords as they haven't gone well at all, unlike at Scarborough. Anyway, hope everyone has a great weekend. Bill B.
Quote from: NugBlazer on September 09, 2010, 06:04:40 PM
Personally, I HATE the move at Ren Fest towards family-friendliness. Does EVERYTHING have to be about warm fuzzies, smiles and puppy dogs all the time?
Seriously, there are TONS of things in the world that are family friendly; just about everything caters to families these days, and it has NOTHING to do with morals or values. It's all because of money. Families spend lots of money, and of course the all-mighty dollar drives just about all business decisions, Faire included.
In short, the powers that be are sacrificing fun for cash.
Can't we just have some things that are aimed towards adults anymore? Bawdiness, drinking and sexual innuendo are part and parcel of ren faires!! It's the spice that makes it fun! That's why I go. That's why all my friends go. That's why just about every single person I work with at Faire goes. Without that, faire just becomes another boring, generic event. With garb.
Talk to just about ANYONE who's worked at Fest for a number of years, and they will all tell you that it's not as fun as it used to be. And it's getting worse. Yes, it's still a good time, but it was better, lots better. And there's no reason it couldn't be that way again.
Well, yes it is about the money. Without it there would be no Faire. That's how this thread started. It was said that families DON'T spend money. Sales were down the first weekend, but they seem to be rebounding from what I can tell from reading these posts. That tells me that it had more to do with the hot and humid weather the first weekend than the demographics of those attending. Correct me if I'm wrong. Now, in regards to the bawdiness, drinking, and sexual innuendos, there seemed to be plenty of that going on when we were there opening day, which is the way it should be. It wouldn't be the same without it. But, I don't understand the hatred and the mentality of discouraging families from attending. There is room for everyone. I do agree, however, that those who attend an R rated show shouldn't complain because it was an R rated show. It's like TV, if you don't like it, turn the channel, or leave in this case. There is plenty of family oriented entertainment. Bottom line is, if you discourage families from attending, the overall attendance will decrease, which in turn will cause a decrease in sales, which could in turn be the demise of the Faire.
Quote from: ladydiwinter on September 10, 2010, 02:50:24 PM
Yeah, I think some of those bugs could carry away a loon!
They tried, but I am still here.
Sales were much better this weekend. The Cottage Booth is still almost 1k cups down from last year. The tent is up a hunny or so. Adding the third booth, near Queen's Apples, has made me net positive from last year, but I don't really count that.
So... BUY MORE MEAD!
Quote from: andy on September 10, 2010, 04:16:20 PM
But, I don't understand the hatred and the mentality of discouraging families from attending. There is room for everyone. I do agree, however, that those who attend an R rated show shouldn't complain because it was an R rated show. It's like TV, if you don't like it, turn the channel, or leave in this case. There is plenty of family oriented entertainment. Bottom line is, if you discourage families from attending, the overall attendance will decrease, which in turn will cause a decrease in sales, which could in turn be the demise of the Faire.
The problems we are having with the "family friendly" mentality isn't that we don't want that kind of entertainment at fest, it's that certain people of that mentality won't tolerate the presence of bawdy humor at fest. I would love to see a family friendly section of fest that caters to children, and a section that caters to adults. Management won't do it.
@MissBubu - do you think that "family friendly" mentality is why more emphasis is being put on the Children's area? It looks like they want a child friendly area that is also entertaining - management has placed Lady Sophia in charge of the area - she has asked street performers to come in and visit - they have the fairy tea parties (they had at least one anyways :D) - changed the time of the costume contest so kids can be knighted and enter the contest.......
In the years past when I came as a playtron with nieces the kids area was a quick stop since their wasn't much to do - it seems like there is an attempt to change that - it would be nice if there was more information given out to the patrons so they are aware of the events in the kids area.
Quote from: auntiegiggles on September 14, 2010, 09:07:14 AM
@MissBubu - do you think that "family friendly" mentality is why more emphasis is being put on the Children's area? It looks like they want a child friendly area that is also entertaining - management has placed Lady Sophia in charge of the area - she has asked street performers to come in and visit - they have the fairy tea parties (they had at least one anyways :D) - changed the time of the costume contest so kids can be knighted and enter the contest.......
In the years past when I came as a playtron with nieces the kids area was a quick stop since their wasn't much to do - it seems like there is an attempt to change that - it would be nice if there was more information given out to the patrons so they are aware of the events in the kids area.
The tea party was arranged just that morning. It is going to become a daily event. The time might change because of a show on the stage as both the teaparty and a show at 4pm make it hard to decide where you want to be. And I think the other part is they are really trying to make it into something a lot of partrons have learned that the balloon animals and the magic wand making is down there. So they are trying to get something for kids while they are waiting in line. I know I have been asked numerous times to come entertain in there. *though the space is small and the kids are generally captive in line for 35 or more minutes and get bored and then the fairy takes offense when the little hands end up in her pouches or the start demanding like 20 bubbles and don't take turns so that the kids that just walked in can't get a bubble... and oh I am so not your free babysitter parents while you wait in line and let your kids do whatever they want...*rant done*.
But I am hoping to be able to come up with something to help them out. They once asked me if I would do tours of the secret garden. Which would be nice to do. But they never got back to me with the information I needed to be able to do it. I thought a stage story time with the fairy would be fun or something, but I have not had time to be creative. But they really are working on making that an area that kids can spend time in so that they are enjoying something away from Vil Tennis and the other not kid safe shows.
I always hoped they would make one side like the G rated areas, have more kids vendors and things, the other side bawdy and probably not kid safe and have the live steel over there... but that would be a ton of work and not going to happen.
Quote from: MissBubu on September 14, 2010, 08:24:24 AM
The problems we are having with the "family friendly" mentality isn't that we don't want that kind of entertainment at fest, it's that certain people of that mentality won't tolerate the presence of bawdy humor at fest.
Can't please everyone, huh? The faire isn't for everyone. You have to be very open minded and accept it for what it is. I like the faire the way it is! A good mix.
The Children's Area has been there for many years, but has had a string of bad luck. The man who was running it got his pass pulled (not commenting on that one here because I've heard both sides of the story) at the end of the season last year, and it's not in a very good location. The Peasants do a short play at 5:15.
I always thought that it would be nice to have a "daycare" of sorts in or near the Childrens' Relm- (the Relm would need to be expanded though.) A place where parents could leave their children for a short amount of time- (max 2 hours, ex) so that they could attend Feast of Fantasy or certain shows ext. There would be a small fee and a registration log so that parents don't just keep their kids there all day- that is NOT the point of this idea, and of course there would have to be a limit to the number of children. This, obviously, is just a basic overview of the idea but I think that it would help with a few of the above mentioned issues. Parents could go see the bawdy shows that they want to see and not have to worry about their kids seeing and hearing things that the parents don't want them to. The parents get at least a LITTLE bit of their own kid free Fest time. The kids get entertainment and activities in a SAFE and SECURE environment... I know that there are a lot of legalities that would be involved but IMO I think that it would be well worth it.
To clarify my earlier post, I am NOT anti-family. I have no problem with families coming to Fest. What I don't like is the idea that everything has to pander to families above all else.
Ren Faire should just be itself and do it's own thing, and if families want to attend, great! If not, oh well. But, I digress...