i am so excited about our second year of sherwood. i miss yall so much. many improvements and additions. much larger parking lot. still sand and gravel. new stage. doubled the size of the joust. more seating around joust and falcon show. more clan and general camping. showers. restrooms.
next gathering on december 4th. plan on being there.
rengypsy
I wish you could hear all the very positive comments about Sherwood from folks at TRF. I am happily spreading the good vibrations and letting folks who don't know what a wonderful Faire Sherwood is!!
Can't wait for next season!
I'm looking forward to it.
Some random mundane stranger came up to me at Middlefaire and spent 30 minutes telling me how great Sherwood was and how I really should go and see it.
So there are a lot of fans out there already. ;D
I'm not sure any faire has ever opened with as much planning and success as Sherwood. The blood, sweat and tears poured into SFF surely resulted in magic. Looking forward to seeing you all again next season.
Truer words can't be said. Sherwood saved my sanity this past year.
I had several people talk to me about Sherwood at the Hogeye in Elgin Saturday. I was also telling them about the extra days and everyone seemed excited.
the success of sherwood has been and will continue to be the result of it being a collaborative effort between the patrons and participants and management. we wholly respect our various and diverse roles...and realize the paramount significance of each.
we so love yall and appreciate your willingness to make sherwood better and better.
rengypsy
Let me add some humorous events from this past weekend at TRF Patron campgrounds.
On two separate occassions we had an individual wander through the Drunken Gnome/The Claw encampment. In each case there were about 12 of us gathered around the firepit.
Opening comment from each person was something like " I just heard about Sherwood Faire, is it any good?".
Well, being the helpful folks that we are, we spent about 20 minutes telling the person about how bad Sherwood Forest Faire was. I stated that the campgrounds manager was a real a$$hole and that no body had any fun and that it was a real dull faire. Just after we saw the persons jaw drop, I opened up my cloak and showed the SWFF T-shirt and stated that I was that a$$hole and that SWFF was better on opening year than other faires were after 5 years. We described the faire layout and all the performers and vendors with hard booths.
Things are getting better, such as flush toilets (not the trailers) and showers (with hot water (gasp)). New performers, new vendors, additional parking area, expanded campgrounds.
SWFF is here to stay.
Flushies!
(http://i717.photobucket.com/albums/ww173/prestonjjrtr/Smileys/SmileyHappyDance.gif)
This faire is a long way for us, but it sounds like it would be well worth it. We don't go to TRF anymore for a number of reasons. We don't have family in Houston anymore; it's a long trip; the couple of times we went, it was SO hot; it is also too big for us!
While the first two reasons would still hold, the last two do not, and it would be fun to go to a faire that is in its early years. I may just have to add this to our 2011 list!
do come out Merlin! We always need more wizards! SFF is a fantastic faire! The cooler weather is a treat!
For those who can't tolerate the south Texas heat, Sherwood is definitely the faire to attend. So long as you are tolerable of potentially freezing weather (o:
SWFF is a definite "Must Attend" faire. We live in the Southwest Houston area but have decided to make Sherwood our home faire. It has a much more personal feel. I suppose it may have something to do with actually shedding sweat, blood and tears for it, but that aside, it doesn't feel like a medieval mall like TRF does.
I personally feel like I've just walked into the house of a close beloved relative when I come through the gate. Welcoming, cozy, entertaining and very friendly.
I highly recommend making the trip if you can. And if you are a camping kinda person there are plenty of us on this forum who have plenty of room to throw up a tent.
(o:
I wish that I could be there but I sail for the East on December 3rd . . .
Next year!
KP, you make it sound so inviting! ...and freezing weather bothers me not, even if I'm camping! We're trying to pack an awful lot into next year, but maybe we can add this.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on November 08, 2010, 02:06:58 PM
KP, you make it sound so inviting! ...and freezing weather bothers me not, even if I'm camping! We're trying to pack an awful lot into next year, but maybe we can add this.
KP is telling the truth;
as him this is my home faire it is still 2 hours away because of austin traffic.
I do not tent camp any more ( 21 years army tent camping)
We use a T/T; we had to stay at the state park about 15 miles away last season. we went during the november2009, - January 2010 time frame when fair was in construction mode with lots of cold wet weather, it truyly seemed more family than TRf fair.
now that I can set up T/t in the parking lot
i will stay on the grounds. It is a fair not to miss
Merlin,
This Half-Elf is looking forward to greeting you at Sherwood in the Spring. May good winds blow your way so that you and yours will be able to make the journey.
Polly PoPo
This year the pink pirate and I are seriously thinking of making at least one weekend trip down there. Now the question is camp or stay with friends. I know the pink pirate likes the cooler faires, because honestly, he wears a couch :) He loves the cooler weather so that he can wear his nicer stuff and not worry about sweating through stuff. It also makes my charater of Stitch much easier to do. If I think it is going to be cold I just start grabing random stuff and put it on. It is all in character for me. :)
As for a group to camp with, if we choose to camp, I think we would have some fairemily adopt us. :)
Yes, yes, LadyStitch, do try to make it! Its first year was magical. We were only there the first weekend, but it was great. I'm very much looking forward to 2011.
As for the weather, many of our family have been attending TRF and Scarby for years and seldom were able to wear much variety of our garb simply because it was too, too hot. One gentleman even was able to utilize his cape of many leathers, something not often worn.
We did find layering to be best, giving us the latitude to remove cloaks and capes as the day wore on.
Polly PoPo
Quote from: LadyStitch on November 16, 2010, 04:17:07 PM
As for a group to camp with, if we choose to camp, I think we would have some fairemily adopt us. :)
Lady Stitch, this forum is represented by both Phoenix Risen and Clan Procrastination in the Sherwood camp ground. I'm sure I speak for both camps by saying that you are welcome to pitch your tent with either of us.
We are planning a vist and would welcome places to stay while there.
Thank you
Do the campsites have kingsize beds, Jacuzzi, and tent service? If so, we'll be there...
I fell in love with Sherwood last year when I went, I'm so ready for it to open. And the fact that the weather is COLD and not HOT AS HELL! Well that just makes it even better and I can wear my wool kilts and have sweat dripping off my bum and feeling like I'm going to have a heat stroke.
Sherwood is layed out very well, and I see it getting as big Scarby some day.
Merlin, you can convoy down with my brother and I, could meet in Benton or Malvern.
Brier patch Charlie! Where are thou?!? I thought I was one of only a couple Arkies on board here!
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on November 17, 2010, 08:07:07 PM
Brier patch Charlie! Where are thou?!? I thought I was one of only a couple Arkies on board here!
His user profile says, "wynne Arkansas"
Yeah... I looked him up there, David. Sherwood is an even longer trip for him than me!
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on November 17, 2010, 08:17:17 PM
Yeah... I looked him up there, David. Sherwood is an even longer trip for him than me!
My brother comes from van Buren, 10 hours but he enjoys the weekend
come make the trek you will enjoy it
I was looking for the nearest geriatric campground... Holiday Inn or Hampton Inn ... Bastrop or Elgin ok? Someplace better and/or closer?
I have to agree with everything KP said about Sherwood being home. I've looked for a community to care about, believe in, and belong to for a long time. The moment I set foot in Sherwood, I knew I'd found what I was looking for. It feels like home in a way no place has.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on November 18, 2010, 12:25:38 PM
I was looking for the nearest geriatric campground... Holiday Inn or Hampton Inn ... Bastrop or Elgin ok? Someplace better and/or closer?
Elgin is about 30 mins north and Giddings is about 30 mins south (Hopefully I got those times close - if not someone will correct them soon enough). Both towns are of decent size so you should be able to find something. Otherwise, Austin isn't that far either and no doubt you'll find a good hotel there (o:
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on November 18, 2010, 12:25:38 PM
I was looking for the nearest geriatric campground... Holiday Inn or Hampton Inn ... Bastrop or Elgin ok? Someplace better and/or closer?
I do not beleive so, you hit it on the head, bastrop, Elgin or Giddings your choice, Elgin has some good cafes and food though
We day trip (1.5 hour drive) or camp ( not in a tent) ;
so it is easier
Bastrop, has a nice Holiday Inn, and other places to stay, and it's like only 16 miles from the faire. I wish to hell I was still living there now. So if you want a place to stay Merlin I would go with Bastrop.
Sherwood is right about half way between Giddings and Elgin on Hwy 290. Approx 13-14 miles to each.
Both have some motels and some pretty good places to eat. Southside BBQ and Myers BBQ in Elgin both serve up some pretty good Texas BBQ. The drive to Bastrop is approx 28 miles if you go east on Hwy 290 and south on Hwy 95. Bastrop probably has more choices then either Giddings or Elgin as far as motels. Right outside of Bastrop there is the Lost Pines State Park and the LCRA parks (North Shore and South Shore units) that are on Lake Bastrop. Both pretty nice places to stay if you have an RV and want electric and water. Both have facilities which include flush toilets and showers. And I don't remember where, but I do remember seeing someone post something about a private person building a small RV park across from the Faire on old Hwy 20. I don't know if that was wishful thinking or someone actually putting together a serious plan. And I was told that Faire Management was going to allow persons with large RV's to park in the back of the main parking lot in leu of not being able to get those units into the campgrounds.
Anyways, hope this helps anyone with questions about local facilities around the Sherwood area.
Quote from: RenStarr on November 19, 2010, 09:07:07 AM
I don't know if that was wishful thinking or someone actually putting together a serious plan. And I was told that Faire Management was going to allow persons with large RV's to park in the back of the main parking lot in leu of not being able to get those units into the campgrounds.
That was Mike Pullen, the camp ground manager at Sherwood and one of our own here on the forum. He mentioned it on the SWFF yahoo group and may have even mentioned it here on this forum. Still not sure if it is a sure thing though either.
Quote from: KiltedPrivateer on November 19, 2010, 10:02:03 AM
Quote from: RenStarr on November 19, 2010, 09:07:07 AM
I don't know if that was wishful thinking or someone actually putting together a serious plan. And I was told that Faire Management was going to allow persons with large RV's to park in the back of the main parking lot in leu of not being able to get those units into the campgrounds.
That was Mike Pullen, the camp ground manager at Sherwood and one of our own here on the forum. He mentioned it on the SWFF yahoo group and may have even mentioned it here on this forum. Still not sure if it is a sure thing though either.
KP, Yep you are correct
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=13414.0
;D
Quote from: beckgam462 on November 19, 2010, 12:09:34 PM
Quote from: KiltedPrivateer on November 19, 2010, 10:02:03 AM
Quote from: RenStarr on November 19, 2010, 09:07:07 AM
I don't know if that was wishful thinking or someone actually putting together a serious plan. And I was told that Faire Management was going to allow persons with large RV's to park in the back of the main parking lot in leu of not being able to get those units into the campgrounds.
That was Mike Pullen, the camp ground manager at Sherwood and one of our own here on the forum. He mentioned it on the SWFF yahoo group and may have even mentioned it here on this forum. Still not sure if it is a sure thing though either.
KP, Yep you are correct
http://www.renaissancefestival.com/forums/index.php?topic=13414.0
;D
Yep, I try to keep folks updated as we grow and work on taking care of customer's requirements.
See everyone on the Dec. 4th Gathering.
any new news from sherwood??/
Quote from: beckgam462 on November 20, 2010, 03:58:03 PM
any new news from sherwood??/
Yep, Brian should be posting the new Crier any day now. Two weeks until the Dec. 4th Gathering.
I'm planning on taking a trip down for the first time this upcoming season.
Since I have been over here in the sandbox pretty much the run of TRF, I didn't get my full faire fix, and with the year I've had I NEED one. However, the contract I am on just downsized our RRT out of existence, so I will be home by the time Sherwood starts, and plan on attending as much as possible. I'm walking in with an open mind, but I am hoping to reclaim a bit of the magic that TRF hooked me with 20-some-odd years ago before it, well, changed. The community is why I go to faires, as well as to step away from reality of work and such, and I miss that. Granted, doing a faire with a baby is... well, interesting, to say the least, but Fíonna handled TRF with my wife pretty well this year, so I'd say it's looking hopeful :)
Breandan
we will see you at faire
and the magic is there;
I believe Sherwood IS the Rennie's Faire. Its where we go to recharge after having our souls and wallets sucked dry at TRF.
My Personal opinion of course (o:
Okay, lad and lassies: it's a definite maybe. If Lady Nimue can get the days off, we are going to schedule it. With all of the urgings from everyone, I would feel like a cad wizard to refuse the invitation! All that's left is to verify the days off with her employer, then book our indoor camping site in one of the neighboring communities.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on November 29, 2010, 03:33:47 PM
Okay, lad and lassies: it's a definite maybe. If Lady Nimue can get the days off, we are going to schedule it. With all of the urgings from everyone, I would feel like a cad wizard to refuse the invitation! All that's left is to verify the days off with her employer, then book our indoor camping site in one of the neighboring communities.
This is a link to Google Maps Directions from Little Rock, AR to Sherwood Forest Faire:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Little+Rock,+AR&daddr=1883+Old+Highway+20,+McDade,+TX+78650+%28Sherwood+Forest+Faire+-+Day+Parking%29&hl=en&geocode=FXEwEgIdxcV_-imbVh-hNKHShzEXW_MNEPUFNA%3BFdlXzQEdsV41-iFfLx4G7TPd5A&mra=ls&sll=32.537552,-94.768066&sspn=6.601229,9.876709&ie=UTF8&ll=32.481963,-94.724121&spn=6.605304,9.876709&z=7 (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=d&source=s_d&saddr=Little+Rock,+AR&daddr=1883+Old+Highway+20,+McDade,+TX+78650+%28Sherwood+Forest+Faire+-+Day+Parking%29&hl=en&geocode=FXEwEgIdxcV_-imbVh-hNKHShzEXW_MNEPUFNA%3BFdlXzQEdsV41-iFfLx4G7TPd5A&mra=ls&sll=32.537552,-94.768066&sspn=6.601229,9.876709&ie=UTF8&ll=32.481963,-94.724121&spn=6.605304,9.876709&z=7)And here's a link to Google Maps showing the nearby Hotels & Motels:
http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&q=Hotels+OR+Motels&sll=30.340287,-97.23587&sspn=0.422524,0.617294&ie=UTF8&rq=1&ev=p&split=1&radius=22.09&hq=Hotels+OR+Motels&hnear=&ll=30.266777,-97.173386&spn=0.408016,0.617294&z=11 (http://maps.google.com/maps?f=q&source=s_q&hl=en&q=Hotels+OR+Motels&sll=30.340287,-97.23587&sspn=0.422524,0.617294&ie=UTF8&rq=1&ev=p&split=1&radius=22.09&hq=Hotels+OR+Motels&hnear=&ll=30.266777,-97.173386&spn=0.408016,0.617294&z=11)The Days Inn in Rockdale / Lexington might be the best for y'all, since it's on the way back toward Arkansas.
Take Care,
David Baldock
Thanks, David. I think, though, we're going to stay at Bastrop and meet up with some other folks.
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on November 29, 2010, 06:13:26 PM
Thanks, David. I think, though, we're going to stay at Bastrop and meet up with some other folks.
If you're going to be eating any Lunch or Dinner meals outside of Sherwood, I can recommend 2 very good restaurants in Bastrop:
Cedar's Mediterranean Grill (http://www.cedarsmedgrill.com/1.html)The
Death by Garlic sandwich is really good, and also try the Chipotle Hummus. Mmmmm!
Roadhouse Restaurant (http://www.kendrasroadhouse.com/rhmain.html)Great Burgers, Chicken Sandwiches, and also a selection of good Vegetarian items.
I am excited about it...I loved it last year and I expect it to be EVEN more magical this year. I have been befriended by George and Brian and find they LOVE this faire they are involved in creating. I have a new camera and lens...and LOADS of new garb I made during TRF... I am SOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOOO Ready!
Have season tix gone on sale yet?
Quote from: KiltedPrivateer on December 09, 2010, 03:18:45 PM
Have season tix gone on sale yet?
Yep
http://sherwoodforestfaire.com/tickets/
discount advance tickets are available online.
Thank you - Just bought our FoF tickets. I'm really glad they decided to do this for this year. I especially like the lapel pin versus the wrist bands from last year. Excellent decision. Many thanks to the mind behind that thought process (o:
I don't know about everyone, but I am excited (http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=rQqwG_rQx7A)
Okay, you guys. You got me so excited I made a mess... ;)
Opening Weekend! We've booked into the Hampton Inn in Bastrop (in case you've missed my other post...I'm sorry! I'm really excited about this!) Let me know if anyone else is staying in Bastrop.
Thats More Like It LOL