I think we all love Ren Faire and playing in the Elizabethan Age (or before, as I know some faires are set earlier), but if you could set a faire in ANY year AT ALL and have a guarantee that you would get as much enthusiastic participation as many Ren Faires draw, what year would you choose and why? Or would you still choose the Renaissance?
I would love to see a Victorian faire (more than just a 1 weekend Dickens fest)
I think it would be interesting to see an "Industrial Revolution" Faire.
Something that would show the progression from completely manual or animal powered production, through to steam and water powered factories.
And there would, of course, be a steam powered train to ride... ;) :D
1187 Jerusalem.
In 60 BC, Caesar entered into a political alliance with Crassus and Pompey.
Roman Republicanism was dying, the majority of the population was on the grain dole because there was not enough gainful employment in the city. Slaves filled nearly every job from home builder to chmber pot scrubber. (sound familiar?) The Senate was stagnated between the Marians and the Boni political factions.
The wealthiest of Roman society had every imaginable luxury and its women were carried through the streets wearing the finest silk gowns and held lavish parties with upcoming poets, writers and sophists. What was left of the middle class after Sulla's proscriptions kept a very low profile and preferred country villas to city mansions. Houses presented blank walls to the outside world in order not to attempt theivery. The night time streets were rife with robbery and murder by a desperate lower class.
In only 7 years all that would be turned to the chaos and deprivation of the civil war.
Quote from: DonaCatalina on November 04, 2011, 04:55:33 AM
In 60 BC, Caesar entered into a political alliance with Crassus and Pompey.
Roman Republicanism was dying, the majority of the population was on the grain dole because there was not enough gainful employment in the city. Slaves filled nearly every job from home builder to chmber pot scrubber. (sound familiar?) The Senate was stagnated between the Marians and the Boni political factions.
The wealthiest of Roman society had every imaginable luxury and its women were carried through the streets wearing the finest silk gowns and held lavish parties with upcoming poets, writers and sophists. What was left of the middle class after Sulla's proscriptions kept a very low profile and preferred country villas to city mansions. Houses presented blank walls to the outside world in order not to attempt theivery. The night time streets were rife with robbery and murder by a desperate lower class.
In only 7 years all that would be turned to the chaos and deprivation of the civil war.
;) Wide awake, I see. "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it", ~ George Santayana
As for the year selection topic as theme, 1230 to 1250 range. Location: England
I'd like to see Colonial America in 1776.
The American Revolution is fascinating!
It's the DAR in me....
Quote from: Archer on November 04, 2011, 07:14:11 AM
Quote from: DonaCatalina on November 04, 2011, 04:55:33 AM
In 60 BC, Caesar entered into a political alliance with Crassus and Pompey.
Roman Republicanism was dying, the majority of the population was on the grain dole because there was not enough gainful employment in the city. Slaves filled nearly every job from home builder to chmber pot scrubber. (sound familiar?) The Senate was stagnated between the Marians and the Boni political factions.
The wealthiest of Roman society had every imaginable luxury and its women were carried through the streets wearing the finest silk gowns and held lavish parties with upcoming poets, writers and sophists. What was left of the middle class after Sulla's proscriptions kept a very low profile and preferred country villas to city mansions. Houses presented blank walls to the outside world in order not to attempt theivery. The night time streets were rife with robbery and murder by a desperate lower class.
In only 7 years all that would be turned to the chaos and deprivation of the civil war.
;) Wide awake, I see. "Those who cannot remember the past are condemned to repeat it", ~ George Santayana
Dona Catalina, Facebook has me well trained, and I'm wishing there was "LIKE!" button on here!
Quote from: Archer on November 04, 2011, 07:14:11 AM
As for the year selection topic as theme, 1230 to 1250 range. Location: England
I would love that.
I like the idea of 1776, too, or maybe even a little later - more like, young America than Colonial. 1780s would be fun. I know they have that sort of thing on the east coast, but there's nothing like it in CA!
I like the Middle Ages. I've been reading the Brother Cadfael mysteries and enjoy them, so I'd like to go back to that time period - for only a little while! ;D
Quote from: Welsh Wench on November 04, 2011, 08:43:36 AM
I'd like to see Colonial America in 1776.
The American Revolution is fascinating!
It's the DAR in me....
Not to get off the topic, but:
http://www.wrenscottage.com/gvm/events/revolution.php (http://www.wrenscottage.com/gvm/events/revolution.php)
http://pioneervillagesalem.com/ (http://pioneervillagesalem.com/)
There is another huge one around but I can't remember for the life of me the name or location.(Silver Dollar City sized. Which SDC is a great time too ) Always been an interest of mine as well. Well, considering growing up in central IL., home of all the old timey fall festivals, Abe Lincoln memorials and memorabilia, etc etc etc. :D
Regency England, any time between 1800 and 1815, or the 1920s. :)
It would really be interesting to see how a Renaissance Faire would carry out during the Jazz Age. The revelry would definitely be there, and also a whiff of intrigue and danger because of prohibition. I'm picturing Renaissance/Tudor/Elizabethan costumes and accessories with an art deco flair.
Either Lincoln, New Mexico Territory 1879 or Tombstone, Arizona Territory 1881.
I just love the folklore and legend that comes out of the Old West, especially in those two locations. This past August I followed the Trail of the Kid in New Mexico and was surprised to find out that Hollywood didn't change as much as people assume.
Quote from: Athena on November 05, 2011, 06:51:33 PM
Regency England, any time between 1800 and 1815, or the 1920s. :)
It would really be interesting to see how a Renaissance Faire would carry out during the Jazz Age. The revelry would definitely be there, and also a whiff of intrigue and danger because of prohibition. I'm picturing Renaissance/Tudor/Elizabethan costumes and accessories with an art deco flair.
England / Europe didn't participate in the US Laws of Prohibition. So, the 1920's Faire would have to depict the US, rather than England or Europe.
Quote from: dbaldock on November 05, 2011, 07:08:16 PM
Quote from: Athena on November 05, 2011, 06:51:33 PM
Regency England, any time between 1800 and 1815, or the 1920s. :)
It would really be interesting to see how a Renaissance Faire would carry out during the Jazz Age. The revelry would definitely be there, and also a whiff of intrigue and danger because of prohibition. I'm picturing Renaissance/Tudor/Elizabethan costumes and accessories with an art deco flair.
England / Europe didn't participate in the US Laws of Prohibition. So, the 1920's Faire would have to depict the US, rather than England or Europe.
Whoops, I totally misunderstood the question. I read if you could set a ren faire in any time period... That's what I get for speed reading on my cell phone!
I'm well aware about prohibition and that the US was the only country to enact it. Did anyone watch Ken Burns' Prohibition on PBS? That was a great documentary!
Back on topic...I'll still stick with those two time periods. I think it would be great to have an early 19th century type village, or Jane Austen event. I've heard of Jane Austen/Regency balls held in the U.S. and England, but it would be really cool to have something outdoors that's held longer. Same goes for the 1920s, although unlike during the actual time period, adult beverages would be served openly! ;)
I'd love to see one set in the early 1600's. The twilight of Good Queen Bess, Shakespeare at the height of his popularity, James I takes the throne, the Roanoke Expedition and establishment of the Jamestown Colony, and of course Guy Fawkes and the Gunpowder Plot.
Not to mention the expansion of privateering. ;D
Quote from: Sir Ironhead on November 05, 2011, 06:55:02 PM
Either Lincoln, New Mexico Territory 1879 or Tombstone, Arizona Territory 1881.
I just love the folklore and legend that comes out of the Old West, especially in those two locations. This past August I followed the Trail of the Kid in New Mexico and was surprised to find out that Hollywood didn't change as much as people assume.
Tuggin' on my heart-strings y'are, good sir! New Mexico's where I grew up, and I have a lot of rich family history of the Old West flavor. Fascinating stuff, isn't it?
And I must say, I would be only too happy to find myself at ANY of the period faires you all have suggested! I guess I'm just a history nerd at heart. :)
Quote from: Sir Ironhead on November 05, 2011, 06:55:02 PM
Either Lincoln, New Mexico Territory 1879 or Tombstone, Arizona Territory 1881.
I just love the folklore and legend that comes out of the Old West, especially in those two locations. This past August I followed the Trail of the Kid in New Mexico and was surprised to find out that Hollywood didn't change as much as people assume.
Yes, this. Late 1800s, wild west.
Gina
Quote from: Sir Ironhead on November 05, 2011, 06:55:02 PM
Either Lincoln, New Mexico Territory 1879 or Tombstone, Arizona Territory 1881.
I just love the folklore and legend that comes out of the Old West, especially in those two locations. This past August I followed the Trail of the Kid in New Mexico and was surprised to find out that Hollywood didn't change as much as people assume.
they sort of already have 'faires' for that;
http://www.sassnet.com/EoT/public.php
Ok....so Wild West 1880 is already taken. Anyone up for a Trojan War Festival?
Ribbed?
:D Merlin!
I would have to say early 1600s but I also LOVE the Old West. I think it would be terribly difficult to choose just ONE year...
I am game for the Roman Empire! NO CORSETS!!!
Quote from: amy on November 18, 2011, 02:44:07 PM
I am game for the Roman Empire! NO CORSETS!!!
I second that...obviously ;)
Quote from: amy on November 18, 2011, 02:44:07 PM
I am game for the Roman Empire! NO CORSETS!!!
Only if I can be a barbarian! :D
Quote from: DonaCatalina on November 04, 2011, 04:55:33 AM
In 60 BC, Caesar entered into a political alliance with Crassus and Pompey.
I too would love to see some Roman faires, if only because the clothing seems much better suited to the weather in the soutern US.
Quote from: stonebiscuit on November 19, 2011, 10:38:12 PM
Quote from: DonaCatalina on November 04, 2011, 04:55:33 AM
In 60 BC, Caesar entered into a political alliance with Crassus and Pompey.
I too would love to see some Roman faires, if only because the clothing seems much better suited to the weather in the soutern US.
True, and all you would have to do for Halloween is pull your toga up over your head, and POOF! You're Casper!
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on November 20, 2011, 06:45:45 AM
Quote from: stonebiscuit on November 19, 2011, 10:38:12 PM
Quote from: DonaCatalina on November 04, 2011, 04:55:33 AM
In 60 BC, Caesar entered into a political alliance with Crassus and Pompey.
I too would love to see some Roman faires, if only because the clothing seems much better suited to the weather in the soutern US.
True, and all you would have to do for Halloween is pull your toga up over your head, and POOF! You're Casper!
Ah Merlin...wearing sheets over one's head in the South will sometimes give the wrong message... ;) ;D
Quote from: NoBill Lurker on November 20, 2011, 11:16:55 AM
Quote from: Merlin the Elder on November 20, 2011, 06:45:45 AM
Quote from: stonebiscuit on November 19, 2011, 10:38:12 PM
Quote from: DonaCatalina on November 04, 2011, 04:55:33 AM
In 60 BC, Caesar entered into a political alliance with Crassus and Pompey.
I too would love to see some Roman faires, if only because the clothing seems much better suited to the weather in the soutern US.
True, and all you would have to do for Halloween is pull your toga up over your head, and POOF! You're Casper!
Ah Merlin...wearing sheets over one's head in the South will sometimes give the wrong message... ;) ;D
He already is a wizard
Quote from: NoBill Lurker on November 20, 2011, 11:16:55 AM
Ah Merlin...wearing sheets over one's head in the South will sometimes give the wrong message... ;) ;D
... You know, Bill (or should I say "You, NoBill") that completely escaped my mind... You are correct on that account.
When my son graduated from college, they held the ceremony outside...in the rain...because they didn't have an indoor facility large enough to hold graduation. They issued these white parkas with a hood. It really did look like a huge gathering of the KKK, and this was in mid-state New York. Scary...
Quote from: Zardoz on November 10, 2011, 12:14:31 AM
Quote from: Sir Ironhead on November 05, 2011, 06:55:02 PM
Either Lincoln, New Mexico Territory 1879 or Tombstone, Arizona Territory 1881.
I just love the folklore and legend that comes out of the Old West, especially in those two locations. This past August I followed the Trail of the Kid in New Mexico and was surprised to find out that Hollywood didn't change as much as people assume.
they sort of already have 'faires' for that;
http://www.sassnet.com/EoT/public.php
We have one here too. I wear my civil war stuff to it ;D. It's between the Ren faire and Pirate festival dates at the same location:
http://wildwestcreations.net/2011/07/23/072311-wild-west-festival-at-the-bellevue-berry-pumpkin-ranch-papillion-ne/
1688 through 1746 - the Jacobite Era in Scotland and England!
Also, I like the idea of a Victorian Era Fest. Dicken's on the Strand in Galveston lasts only a weekend, unfortuantely.
Texas in the 1830's.
Quote from: Lady Rebecca on November 05, 2011, 02:44:43 AM
I like the idea of 1776, too, or maybe even a little later - more like, young America than Colonial. 1780s would be fun. I know they have that sort of thing on the east coast, but there's nothing like it in CA!
You should try out a Fur Trader's Redevous. It is set from when settlers first started coming into the america's to the Revolutionary war. Just as a Renfaire has lanes with booths, so does it. The fur traders would get to gether ever 6 months to trade hides, catch up on news, find wives, and have a party. As Renfaire's are to be festivals, these are those big get together's. I had a chance to go to one when I was 17. I absolutly loved it. Saddly the furthers south they get is St. Louis. I went to mine on Prarie du Chien Wisconsin. Loved it!
Quote from: angusmacinnes on November 04, 2011, 01:19:32 AM
1187 Jerusalem.
This. The Roman era sounds interesting as well. You can get a better mix of east and west, familiar and exotic. A gladiatorial match as a replacement for the joust would be beyond awesome. Does anyone race chariots anymore?
http://ilovehorses.net/blog/history-2/chariot-racing-the-toughest-22-seconds-in-snow-mud/
And in Wyoming of all places...