Hello all!
So I was planning to come and visit your beautiful festival on the 20/21st and the possibly the next weekend as well and I was hoping for a little info.
What hotels in the area would you recommend?
What will the weather be like? I have checked the forecast, but in my home Colorado faire I learned that the actual forecast was irrelevant to the actual weather that we'd have (:
Any shows/ food that you'd in particular recommend?
How does the festival feel about masked costumes/ fantasy critters?
Would management be opposed to me handing out favors to some of the kids that I meet? Its part of my thing that I do at my home festival but I don't want to step on any toes.
I will be sending an email to/calling the festival off the number on the web page with photos and whatever else they want to see to just to make sure that they're ok with me, but usually the people on the board are quite knowledgeable on the subject ;D
Thanks so much and I hope to see all of you in a few weeks!
~Fireflicker
I have no info for you since I'm fairly new to my own faire, but I'm so excited you're coming out! It'll be great to see you again!
I can't help with the hotels but I can help with a few of the other questions.
1)the weather changes every 10 minutes here so expect anything....its has been unusually hot and rainy this summer. I would expect that to continue during fest (hot being over 90 degrees)
2)Festival is open to fantasy critters (we even have a few on cast :D)
3)Shows....Tortuga Twins are always good
4) Handing out favors not sure - as of this year only one cast member is allowed to hand out favors (Twig) - but I don't know if management will stop patrons form handing them out.
I look forward to meeting you! I am Lady Inga (that's only if I decided to accept my contract and be on cast again....otherwise everyone else calls me Lady Giggles) ;D :D
Fireflicker,
The Baroness and I have visited MnRF many times, and it remains one of our favorites! Both the site and the villagers are beautiful, especially the ones who frequent the forum.
Having traveled most of the US and stayed in hotels of all descriptions, I can tell you than one of the greatest lodging bargains to be found anywhere can be found at the Best Western in Chaska River. It's less than ten minutes from the gate, very well maintained, and boasts nice amenities and a very friendly staff. The prices are unbelievably reasonable for the quiet, spacious rooms. You can't go wrong.
P.S.: You were splendid in CO this season! :)
Huzzah for Fireflicker!! How wonderful that you're coming to visit! Can't wait to see you again.
Quote from: Fireflicker on August 01, 2011, 08:14:51 PM
Would management be opposed to me handing out favors to some of the kids that I meet? Its part of my thing that I do at my home festival but I don't want to step on any toes.
I would suggest refraining from that since they seem to be currently limiting it to certain contracted performers.
As a performer who does hand out things... I don't recommend it... the fights are epic... we are guessing on if I get fired before parade on that first day or if I could do better and maybe make it a whole day :P
Otherwise fantasy creatures are oh so welcome. They don't seem to mind masks, though you may have to show your face at the front gate, then put it back on. Hopefully if we can manage it we have had a "fairy" tea most days of the festival at 4pm in the childrens realm. But I am not sure that will happen this year as we are down a gnome.
I can't help with places to stay. I either drive or stay with my husband on site, which is a performer only thing. But from being on site for the whole weekend, can I recommend bug spray? Not enough.... the grounds are very beautiful and unfortunately near a swamp/nature preserve.... help mosquitos that could probably fly away with you. And with the hot and rainy weather, we have such a bumper crop of them this year....
And then I like the kabobs... they are tasty to me. With the runner up being hot apple dumplings with ice cream *yum*. I don't see many showes but my husband truely enjoys the DAnger Commitee. And I heard the Hypnotist was good... sorry I can't be of more help.
Hope to see you if my cute little winged self is still there :)
Saphire Glade
aka Jewel the Water Faerie *which is my street characters name*
I would concur with the Baron on the place in Chaska - we are staying there opening weekend (along with Labor Day weekend). It is so close to faire.
Will be nice to see you, too.
If you can't get in to the Best Western, Oak Ridge is close by and has a shuttle to take you to and from the fest grounds. I've stayed there, they have a fabulous Sunday brunch.
As long as your costume doesn't include any weapons (or the weapons are peace-tied), you should have any issues getting in the front gate. We've had fairies, unicorns, ogres, rock monsters, picts, and other creatures I can only guess at what they are. You will have to have some sort of foot covering, Minnesota Department of Health doesn't allow us to let in bare feet.
I don't get to see many of the shows, but the ones I do recommend are: Danger Committee, Wacky Chickens, Zilch, Moonie, Merry Men, and any of the Dueling Grounds shows. I'm in the last group, we have (as per scheduling today) our first show in the Children's Realm at 11:00 (Fighting Fairy Tales), the second show at the Bear Stage at 3:00 (Shakespeare, Just the Fights), and the last show at the Bear Stage at 5:30 (Trial by Combat).
Check the food thread for recommendations on what to eat.
Quote from: groomporter on August 01, 2011, 11:29:09 PM
Quote from: Fireflicker on August 01, 2011, 08:14:51 PM
Would management be opposed to me handing out favors to some of the kids that I meet? Its part of my thing that I do at my home festival but I don't want to step on any toes.
I would suggest refraining from that since they seem to be currently limiting it to certain contracted performers.
Really? I get that they (management) can tell the cast what to do and not do, but can they really stop a patron from handing out little favors? That just seems ridiculous to me! ::) Have the favors from cast gotten out of control? or was someone offended by what their child or they were given? It all just seems so very odd...
Ms Trish and Marietta, it will wonderful to see you both again at your home faire! (of course the fact that MRF is flat had nothing to do with that... ::) )
Baron, thanks for the mind words and the recommendation. Will you be visiting MRF as well?
I don't know if it's so much limited to certain performers as it is not all performers wish to give stuff out (it can get expensive); in my home festival I was never told that I couldn't but rules might be different. I do it as bribery for the little ones (otherwise they wouldn't approach me and parents are very insistent on photos ;D) and because I think that it makes the whole experience a little more magical for them - when I was a child getting something for a dragon would have made my day. I'll check with the festival before I get there.
I look forward to meeting all of you (:
Quote from: Muffin on August 02, 2011, 08:53:15 AM
Quote from: groomporter on August 01, 2011, 11:29:09 PM
Quote from: Fireflicker on August 01, 2011, 08:14:51 PM
Would management be opposed to me handing out favors to some of the kids that I meet? Its part of my thing that I do at my home festival but I don't want to step on any toes.
I would suggest refraining from that since they seem to be currently limiting it to certain contracted performers.
Really? I get that they (management) can tell the cast what to do and not do, but can they really stop a patron from handing out little favors? That just seems ridiculous to me! ::) Have the favors from cast gotten out of control? or was someone offended by what their child or they were given? It all just seems so very odd...
I am aware of one time where they asked a patron to stop or leave. She was dressed very much like a different fairy though, and drunk if I remember it.
Quote from: Muffin on August 02, 2011, 08:53:15 AM
Have the favors from cast gotten out of control? or was someone offended by what their child or they were given? It all just seems so very odd...
saphire_glade can correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding is that Twig made a big stink about others (other faeries in particular) handing out little favors. Apparently claiming they were stealing part of her act?
I say the hell with them all. If you want to give away a little stone, or shell, or piece of glass.. anything that's not dangerous, and done in a respectable manner, as part of your 'act' or part of your character, or really for whatever innocent manner, you should do so. This is supposed to be an enjoyable experience, and IMHO should be for patrons, playtrons, and staff.
Quote from: tcindie on August 02, 2011, 10:39:45 AM
Quote from: Muffin on August 02, 2011, 08:53:15 AM
Have the favors from cast gotten out of control? or was someone offended by what their child or they were given? It all just seems so very odd...
saphire_glade can correct me if I'm wrong, but my understanding is that Twig made a big stink about others (other faeries in particular) handing out little favors. Apparently claiming they were stealing part of her act?
I say the hell with them all. If you want to give away a little stone, or shell, or piece of glass.. anything that's not dangerous, and done in a respectable manner, as part of your 'act' or part of your character, or really for whatever innocent manner, you should do so. This is supposed to be an enjoyable experience, and IMHO should be for patrons, playtrons, and staff.
Yep, that's that ongoing rumor!
I concur, to hell with them! =D
Come, enjoy and do what you do as part of your character's act. =D
Quote from: LadyFae on August 02, 2011, 11:07:39 AM
...I concur, to hell with them! =D ...
I'm sure that's my final destination. You want me to take them along?
Twig made a stink (rumor) about it? Did she report it to Faeries Local #224? "Fascinating, Captain..."
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 02, 2011, 12:02:10 PM
Quote from: LadyFae on August 02, 2011, 11:07:39 AM
...I concur, to hell with them! =D ...
I'm sure that's my final destination. You want me to take them along?
Twig made a stink (rumor) about it? Did she report it to Faeries Local #224? "Fascinating, Captain..."
Wow, faeries have a union. Even more incentive to not honk a faerie off, just think what sort of leg breaker they might send after you ;D
Quote from: Muffin on August 02, 2011, 08:53:15 AM
Quote from: groomporter on August 01, 2011, 11:29:09 PM
Quote from: Fireflicker on August 01, 2011, 08:14:51 PM
Would management be opposed to me handing out favors to some of the kids that I meet? Its part of my thing that I do at my home festival but I don't want to step on any toes.
I would suggest refraining from that since they seem to be currently limiting it to certain contracted performers.
Really? I get that they (management) can tell the cast what to do and not do, but can they really stop a patron from handing out little favors? That just seems ridiculous to me! ::) Have the favors from cast gotten out of control? or was someone offended by what their child or they were given? It all just seems so very odd...
It is private property even though it's a public event. I think it would be reasonable for them to be uncomfortable with some unknown playtron giving things to kids since people would assume the person is a part of cast (-especially with people's fears about abductions and molesters) but Fireflicker posted they were going to touch base with Management before attending.
Quote from: saphire_glade on August 02, 2011, 10:34:02 AM
I am aware of one time where they asked a patron to stop or leave. She was dressed very much like a different fairy though, and drunk if I remember it.
I can confirm that, she stumbled through our neighborhood before being stopped by SS.
Quote from: groomporter on August 02, 2011, 01:54:30 PM
Quote from: Muffin on August 02, 2011, 08:53:15 AM
Quote from: groomporter on August 01, 2011, 11:29:09 PM
Quote from: Fireflicker on August 01, 2011, 08:14:51 PM
Would management be opposed to me handing out favors to some of the kids that I meet? Its part of my thing that I do at my home festival but I don't want to step on any toes.
I would suggest refraining from that since they seem to be currently limiting it to certain contracted performers.
Really? I get that they (management) can tell the cast what to do and not do, but can they really stop a patron from handing out little favors? That just seems ridiculous to me! ::) Have the favors from cast gotten out of control? or was someone offended by what their child or they were given? It all just seems so very odd...
It is private property even though it's a public event. I think it would be reasonable for them to be uncomfortable with some unknown playtron giving things to kids since people would assume the person is a part of cast (-especially with people's fears about abductions and molesters) but Fireflicker posted they were going to touch base with Management before attending.
Very true GP, I didn't think of the icky person aspect.. :P
I definitely agree.. whenever interacting with children, whether in costume or otherwise, ANYWHERE, one must be aware of their behavior. Obviously someone who is drunk or otherwise behaving inappropriately isn't anything I would support. But I'll stick by what I said, and re-emphasis this part:
"...not dangerous, and done in a respectable manner, as part of your 'act' or part of your character, or really for whatever innocent manner..."
As for patrons handing out favors, there is also the liability issue that the faire has whether or not it is their cast member. I also know a fairy visitor who was stopped, and she was not drunk... but was competition.
I havent heard that court cant pass out our coins minted for the realm, so I will be continuing to hand them out. Feel free to ask me for a sovereign and/or a crown. Every child, no matter their size, deserves one! ;)
We always stay at the Best Western being discussed, as that is Lady Spicer's idea of "camping" while she works at the festival! There is a small common area on the second floor, worthy of a place fo a glass of wine!
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 02, 2011, 12:02:10 PM
Quote from: LadyFae on August 02, 2011, 11:07:39 AM
...I concur, to hell with them! =D ...
I'm sure that's my final destination. You want me to take them along?
Twig made a stink (rumor) about it? Did she report it to Faeries Local #224? "Fascinating, Captain..."
Not rumor Merlin. I was on cast last year and friends with many of the fairies. Twig has a lot of control out at fest. She is fabulous at what she does - but my personal opinion is that she is aiming for a monopoly on being a fairy. Management is willing to give in to whatever she wants because of the amount of people willing to come to fest just to see her. I don't mean to Twig bash - I just think its unfortunate how management has decided to handle the situation between Twig and other fairies.
So if you want to know how much power that girl has I can attest.... the entertainment director literally said if she were just to ask, the other fae would have to take off their wings and that is that. So yes, she pitched a fit. She is very good at what she does, but she has 2 things going for her 1) she is cute 2) she gives kids a treasure. And let me tell you... you only stay cute so long....
But yeah, I say Fireflicker if you do it respectfully and reasonably I don't see why you shouldn't. If someone in a red polo with Renaissance Festival on it asks you to stop. I would recommend it... at least if you plan on staying... if you don't, well have at :P
And Lady Spicer: I somehow think that new rule is only being applied to a few people. Tia the Dryad and myself were the only 2 made aware of this new rule. Trinket and Ivy the Faun were apparently left out of that despite the fact they too hand out trinkets as Tia and myself... oh well... guess you just go with it and see what you get
Quote from: Lady Spicer on August 02, 2011, 05:06:12 PM
I havent heard that court cant pass out our coins minted for the realm, so I will be continuing to hand them out. Feel free to ask me for a sovereign and/or a crown. Every child, no matter their size, deserves one! ;)
SWEET! Now I can put my thieving ways behind me!!! ;D
Blindly giving that much control is dangerous. (We've just seen a sample of that in Congress!) What's the old saying? "Be careful of who you step on on your way up—they will be there on your way down." If it is true that Twig is stepping on toes, she needs to consider other actors. There are plenty of wonderful fae characters out there.
I met Fireflicker at CoRF, and it was totally awesome. He/she (I won't tell you which, if you don't already know) agreed to pose with me for Nim to get a shot, and it was suddenly like a paparazzi invasion! EVERYBODY wanted to get a shot of an incredible dragon with a crusty old fart of a wizard. (Believe me, it was Fireflicker that was the draw.) I must say, Fireflicker is one of the BEST faire characters I've run into. I hope to see you again, Fireflicker!
Oh but that is her living. This is my fun.
And can someone with a picture PLEASE PLEASE PLEASE try find me and Fireflicker in the same spot so we can get a photo together. I always wanted to take a picture with one of my uncles... and my cousins are dragonflies... so dragons must be my uncles right?
I have stayed at SpringHill Suites ( Marriot) in Eden Prairie for 3 years in a row! Nice hotel, clean, comfy, and they usually includ 2 tickets to the faire with the rental of a rooom. Hope this helps!
Renren :)
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on August 03, 2011, 09:19:56 PM
Blindly giving that much control is dangerous. (We've just seen a sample of that in Congress!) What's the old saying? "Be careful of who you step on on your way up—they will be there on your way down." If it is true that Twig is stepping on toes, she needs to consider other actors. There are plenty of wonderful fae characters out there.
I met Fireflicker at CoRF, and it was totally awesome. He/she (I won't tell you which, if you don't already know) agreed to pose with me for Nim to get a shot, and it was suddenly like a paparazzi invasion! EVERYBODY wanted to get a shot of an incredible dragon with a crusty old fart of a wizard. (Believe me, it was Fireflicker that was the draw.) I must say, Fireflicker is one of the BEST faire characters I've run into. I hope to see you again, Fireflicker!
Oh Please Merlin the Elder and Fireflicker PLEASE, PLEASE PLEASE try to come to KYRF sometime (and preferably the same weekend)!!! My daughter (Elven Princess and aspiring dragon trainer, not that Fireflicker needs training, but maybe you could give her some tips ;D) would love to meet both of you!!
Wow! That's some invitation...I'm touched (I'm glad Rani isn't here to make a comment on that ;D ) I would be most pleased to meet your Elven Princess and yourself, and would be delighted to see Fireflicker again!
Will... you are not a child... maybe a "thief" or straight out "indescribable"!
Not sure you can have coins without thieving... or at least working for them! (Lady Spicer likes a good glass of wine, or cognac...)
Americas Best Value Inns and Suites (formerly the Canterbury INN) is a pretty nice place to stay too. It's actually the home office for the festival. They have pretty good deals. You can get a room and 2 tickets for fest for just over 100 dollars. It's right off of HWY 169 (about 10 minutes from fest), which in my opinion makes it a little easier to get back to after fest on a busy day since 169 is a 4 lane HWY. There are lots of places to eat and shop fairly close by too just an intersection away on 169. Also if you want to drive into the cities, like to the Mall of America it's a shorter drive then from Chaska.
As for Twig. I can't believe fest gives her that much power. Seriously, I wouldn't miss her if she were gone. I don't think she's that big of a draw. She's no one we go looking for when we got fest. If we happen to wander by her, we might stop and watch her for a bit, but we certainly don't try to find her. In my opinion she's not the draw that Puke and Snot were. Not the draw that the new Puke and Snot and the Tortuga Twins are . Really, fest should be all about fun for the kids, and I am sure kids like collecting as many trinkets as they can and they don't care what fairy they get them from. If Twig wants to monopolize that aspect for only herself it shows how little she really does care about the kids. Yes she is a significant character at fest, but she ain't all that!
So very glad I had the opportunity to hang out with Colorado's favorite dragon today! Helping you pick out your new collar was fun - I hope you love it, Flicker! Best wishes to your mom and I hope you have fun at Bristol next weekend!
T.
Thank you Fireflicker for indulging my request for a small photo shoot today! Here's a little bit of what I managed to capture...
(http://a7.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-ash4/s720x720/311233_10150413502214256_193831979255_10713471_4610364_n.jpg)
(http://a5.sphotos.ak.fbcdn.net/hphotos-ak-snc7/s720x720/299743_10150413502264256_193831979255_10713472_3313418_n.jpg)
Awesome pics DB! You MUST post them on the Fireflicker FB Fan page! I'm sure that they will be much appreciated. :)
Neat! sorry I missed seeing you in person
Great shots, DB! Fireflicker, you look awesome!
Fireflicker, I'm so glad I got to meet you this weekend. You are an amazing dragon! We'll fatten up a nice, tender peasant child for your next visit.
I LOVED MEETING YOU! Please make sure your friend lets me know where pictures of you and the kids are if she can. You were amazing and the kids adored you :)
I hope to be able to visit you at your home one day :)
Was great to meet you. ;D I hope you enjoyed our faire!
Looking good, FF!!
I would have to say at the Colorado faire that FireFlicker is getting her own little following
https://picasaweb.google.com/Hikadaf/Renfaire16th#5630415250603060914
This young dragon seemed to be there most weekends.
I would say maybe in a few years her following may even be bigger then twigs.
LOVED meeting you Fireflicker! You were amazing this weekend ;D
It was going talking to you, fireflicker.
Quote from: Francisco Paula on August 22, 2011, 09:37:17 AM
I would say maybe in a few years her following may even be bigger then twigs.
wow, that could be dangerous :D :D :D <== Note smileys!!
Come back anytime!
Very cool pics. I bet people would have been surpised if you were posed like that all quiet when they walked up to the water garden area.
I'm afraid that Lord Spicer had to to see you but from afar! Twould seem any free moment we had, thou wert surrounded by adoring public!
You were well received by our public, and we hope you will return! If thou hast not free entrance to the festival, please let us know. We will make efforts to ensure your entrance!
8)
It was such a pleasure to see you this weekend. I hope you enjoyed our Festival!
It would seem to me, Fireflicker, that you have the following and support for a career in Dragoning. Faire owners, take note! You are looking at a major attraction here...
Awsome pics DB. I was at fest on sunday and only got one shot of fireflicker as we were having lunch and didn't see her again before we left.
Fire flicker, thanks for attending MRF. I overheard so many people(vendors, mundane,playtrons, and even cast) talking about you. The consensus was all hoped to see you again at MRF.
DB-those pictures are awesome!!!
So I am a horrible, horrible dragon for replying so late to all of you. My deepest apologies! Between Bristol and getting ready for college, things have been rather wild lately (:
It was so amazing to meet all of you! And you should all know that your festival grounds are awesome - just come to Colorado for a weekend and you'll understand what I mean (: Flatness and growing green things oh my!
DB, the photos look amazing! I've never seen anyone else do such a fantastic job in capturing the dragon's image, with all the blacks and whatnot. Are you going to post any of the others that you shot?
MG and Trish, you both were amazing and understanding. I was so glad to see a familiar face at the festival, and thanks for helping my navigate the faire.
I hope that I can come and visit again next year - I always need more connections/friends. Again, thanks all for such a magically amazing time and your support and I hope to see you all in 2012!
Once things settle down with fest, I will definitely have more pics finished. :)
everything is relative. i really like the rocky hillside of the CO fest. :)