Well friends, we were out to the grounds yesterday cleaning at the Willing Soles booth. We took a slow drive (on the roads only!) (OK, there was that one part we did go off the road but there were other tire tracks there and we avoided yucky sloppy muddy goop) around the grounds and things are looking a little worn after a difficult year, weather wise. It is hopeful that folks will be able to get out and do a bit of sprucing up to their shops.
The pirate ship is standing in it's original location. The special events area is gone completely-dug up. The road behind our booth is a muddy mess and will be difficult to pass until it dries out. There is no longer an entrance to that upper parking pit although the lower pit looked tidy and ready for cars. The Glade (old parking area with the big trees) is still being used for horses (I think) and they moved lots of handicapped parking to closer to the front gate (which looks in desperate need of a fresh coating of paint). The Wild West food court has not been altered and Bad Manor looks more akin to the Haunted Mansion than the grandest home in the village. A visual check over our friend's shops did not show any particular or intentional damage although the one down from us is still filled with small animal (pet??) excremement.
The Fest Friends Glade is looking even more amazing this year. Can't wait to see it all decked out. You all do fantastic work!
More work to be done next weekend. If anyone wants us to do a quick check on their booth, please ask and we'll wander over and give it a peak for you.
See you all very soon!
Greetings,
We have bought Booth 343 after renting there the last 3 years and if you wander by we would love to hear how she's doing. Also, how are the mosquitos this year? My wife said she was nearly carried away last year. We are very excited for the festival to begin as we think this year will really be great and I hope you have an awesome season as well. :)
Will there still be some parking in the trees by the horses (Charlies grove). We usually park there, good place to take a break.
Quote from: Gauwyn of Bracknell on July 18, 2011, 04:40:10 PM
Will there still be some parking in the trees by the horses (Charlies grove). We usually park there, good place to take a break.
No idea, my dear. It would totally be up to Fest Management. Hope so! that is a very nice area. We used to host our breakfasts there until we all got jobs. ;)
Quote from: Castle Canine Creations on July 18, 2011, 04:11:20 PM
Greetings,
We have bought Booth 343 after renting there the last 3 years and if you wander by we would love to hear how she's doing. Also, how are the mosquitos this year? My wife said she was nearly carried away last year. We are very excited for the festival to begin as we think this year will really be great and I hope you have an awesome season as well. :)
I'll be happy to give your booth the once over when I'm out next time. :) Can you please tell me where booth 343 is located? I'm terrible with the booth numbers and since I don't own a dog I'm afraid I am unfamilliar with your shop.
As for mosquitos... well, I didn't really notice any last weekend but we were all so covered in sweat that the little buggers probably couldn't get a good enough hold to drink from any of us. LOL
Quote from: Marietta Graziella on July 18, 2011, 06:55:12 PM
As for mosquitos... well, I didn't really notice any last weekend but we were all so covered in sweat that the little buggers probably couldn't get a good enough hold to drink from any of us. LOL
That is true, the only bugs we encountered were two stubborn hornets hunting for their nest that Dreggy destroyed. Plus we get a nice cross breeze in our shop that helps keep bugs out. ;D
We are located near the children's realm and the treetop stage. We also sell Celtic Handfasting cords since you don't have a doggie. ;D Hope the weather isn't too bad, we have had 19 straight days over 100 here in Texas. Ouch. Thanks, and have a great day.
Thanks for the update MG!!
Quote from: Castle Canine Creations on July 18, 2011, 04:11:20 PM
Greetings,
We have bought Booth 343 after renting there the last 3 years and if you wander by we would love to hear how she's doing. Also, how are the mosquitos this year? My wife said she was nearly carried away last year. We are very excited for the festival to begin as we think this year will really be great and I hope you have an awesome season as well. :)
Booth 343 is standing! Looks good to me minus the normal fall/winter debris. I did step inside your tarps and don't see any signs of vandalism!
Thanks for checking my wife is anxious to leave our 100+ degree heat I just wish I could come up. She has some plans for the building but most of them will be for next year. Have a great day. :)
Quote from: Marietta Graziella on July 18, 2011, 08:39:42 AM
...The pirate ship is standing in it's original location. The special events area is gone completely-dug up. ..
Any idea where they're going to be holding the special events if that area is gone? From their website it looks like they still plan on having the events that were held back there (BBQ, Pet fest, highland games etc). Can't imagine some of those events moving into the regular grounds area.
Wait what?! It already started? Where's my costume, where's my mug!!!
Quote from: Will Scarlet on July 28, 2011, 12:56:24 PM
Wait what?! It already started? Where's my costume, where's my mug!!!
Focus Will Scarlet! There is pillaging to be done! ;)
*smirks* Well my dear Marietta, there is always pillaging to be done. There is no on or off season for that! I am Scandinavian. . . . don'cha know!
*ahem* I mean Saxon! I'm a full blooded Saxon. . .
Quote from: Leyla on July 28, 2011, 03:19:42 AM
Quote from: Marietta Graziella on July 18, 2011, 08:39:42 AM
...The pirate ship is standing in it's original location. The special events area is gone completely-dug up. ..
Any idea where they're going to be holding the special events if that area is gone? From their website it looks like they still plan on having the events that were held back there (BBQ, Pet fest, highland games etc). Can't imagine some of those events moving into the regular grounds area.
It will be interesting to see what will be where and what all has changed. Apparently first aid is moving up by B gate since the ambulances can't get up the road to its previous location anymore. The nice thing about that change is it gives joust a nice place to land with their horses and trailers -- apparently they're going to be housed where first aid was. I'm curious to see what else will be different. This week can't go quick enough, I'm itching to get out there and get my tent set up and take my first stroll around grounds on Saturday.
Quote from: tcindie on August 02, 2011, 10:47:32 AM
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It will be interesting to see what will be where and what all has changed. Apparently first aid is moving up by B gate since the ambulances can't get up the road to its previous location anymore. The nice thing about that change is it gives joust a nice place to land with their horses and trailers -- apparently they're going to be housed where first aid was. I'm curious to see what else will be different. This week can't go quick enough, I'm itching to get out there and get my tent set up and take my first stroll around grounds on Saturday.
I thought last year they moved the jouster' camp to the tree covered area over by A Gate, I wouldn't think there would be any pasture space outside the old First Aid Gate these days.
Quote from: groomporter on August 02, 2011, 02:06:43 PM
I thought last year they moved the jouster' camp to the tree covered area over by A Gate, I wouldn't think there would be any pasture space outside the old First Aid Gate these days.
Well, being at the fencing booth myself, I can assure you that Joust was more or less at horse gate last year.. They brought the horses in and out through there anyway.
They built paddocks right next to the entrance to the track where the horses were staged before and just after joust. I think just long enough for Kelly and the bunch to round up the trailers, load the horses up and drive them off.. presumably by A gate. Once they drove off it wasn't really clear where they drove off to. :)
However, what I've been told is that the first aid building itself is being gutted and turned into a paddock that they'll be able to keep the horses at, and their camper or whatever so they won't need a trailer way down by 41 and wont have to haul the horses around as much this year.
That's my understanding of it anyway. Where first aid is going, I'm not sure.
Anyone know the area - I have been told it is Charlies Grove (as you exit main gate is to the right over the road and down) there is a grove of trees. There have been horse trailers there the last couple years. Great place to park, since there is some shade. Is still there and useable for parking?
My guess is probably not. That area was mowed, and there was a trailer there when we went through a bit ago.
Quote from: Kiss-me-Kate on August 02, 2011, 07:33:49 PM
My guess is probably not. That area was mowed, and there was a trailer there when we went through a bit ago.
were the trees still there?
Quote from: Gauwyn of Bracknell on August 03, 2011, 05:50:04 AM
were the trees still there?
Last I saw the trees were still there.
Since Charlie has run parking for years now, and when I last saw him he said see you next season, I would assume he will be back.
Got the canvas roof on the booth today, leaves raked out, weeds whacked, torn nylon mosquito netting replaced with aluminium screen material, 2x4's stacked and waiting, all the furniture gets pulled out of the shed tomorrow morning and washed.
Sounds great, GP. Can't wait to learn some new games at your booth this year!
We have our lovely box games that we bought from you last year, now in our pub! They look terrific. I'll try to get a good picture.
You own a pub?!? If I can clear it with Nim, will you marry me too? ;)
I read over at Face Book the progress at the Fest Friends Glade. Those who are not members should consider it.
The Earl and I will be there most weekends in September. This will be our 3rd year being members. It is worth it. Throw in extra change if you can to show your appreciation for the work being done there. It is through memberships and extra donations that make the fest Friends Glade the place to hang out, rest between outings, and make new friends.
We will be members in 2012 and beyond for sure.
Quote from: groomporter on August 05, 2011, 05:16:57 PM
Got the canvas roof on the booth today, leaves raked out, weeds whacked, torn nylon mosquito netting replaced with aluminium screen material, 2x4's stacked and waiting, all the furniture gets pulled out of the shed tomorrow morning and washed.
Out at 8am yesterday to beat the worst of the heat. Crew got the rest of the booth and furniture cleaned and dusted. evicted the half-eaten robin that something must have dragged into the back room. With a lot of help and cordless tools from a friend we improved the shaded cover over the our food and water station out back.
Next week put the tarp over that area, bring out a bunch of displays stuff that we don't store there, the solar lights for after hours, and a few detail decorations...
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 06, 2011, 02:12:13 PM
You own a pub?!? If I can clear it with Nim, will you marry me too? ;)
Oh MtE, you smooth talker... ;)
We just finished putting in the pub in our downstairs. It looks like an old English pub from when hubby and I lived in England. We had purchased games from Groomporter's booth at MNRF specifically to put in there. They look fantastic and were played by many guests during the night. ;D
You are such a tease, MG. I withdraw my offer of matrimony, and it has nothing to do with the fact that we are both already entrenched in marital contracts. But when I finally make it to Minnesota, I expect you to treat me to a tasty ale in your pub, since you have succeeded in both breaking my heart and making me thirsty.