Anyone have an update on the parking and front gate issue this year? I heard the road in front is completely gone and so is most of the general parking. Do they plan on shuttling the public in or where is the general parking going to be? Thanks.
Last I had heard is that it extended further into the main parking area, but that most of the lot was still there. Until the "Queen's Gate" is ADA compliant the main gate will probably have to remain open at the very least for handicapped parking/access to the site.
Thanks for the reply. I heard from someone ( a few weeks ago) that had been out there, that the road in front of the main gate was completely gone/dug up. I know the Queen's gate wasn't handicap accessible last year. calling them doesn't do any good, either, as you know. When you go out to your shop, could you let me know please? Thanks.
Will, do probably running out that direction to see friends soon, so see if we can make a side trip.
I was just out to site and can confirm the excavations have cut off the main parking lot from the front gate, although they have not actually dug down to the level of the rest of the pit so it is -possible- they could bulldoze a path from the remains of the parking lot to the gate.
Thank you for verifying the info I had heard. I don't know if that means they will or won't be using the front gate this year. I think probably not, because they haven't been filling in any other areas they dug up. Sad, though, that this is the result.
Someone on the Crafters-only Elist said she was told the front gate is "staying" for now, so there must be some plan to make access to it. But the way parking has worked the last few years we probably won't hear until just before opening...
There were a couple pictures recently posted on Facebook that look like there is work being done in the 600's digging a utility trench -I assume connected to the food booths in that area to rebuild some or bring them up to code.
https://www.facebook.com/minnesotarenaissancefestival/photos/pcb.10152449324854650/10152449320199650/?type=1&theater (https://www.facebook.com/minnesotarenaissancefestival/photos/pcb.10152449324854650/10152449320199650/?type=1&theater)
According to the campground director there is still a road around the west end of the berm to let people drive in A Gate that I couldn't see from where I stood.
I wonder if A gate will be for participants and/or general public, to get into the front gate? I thought he said it was one lane, so, how will that work? Someone else said they needed 4 wheel drive and it was slippery. Are they going to expand the Queens Lot? It isn't as big as the old lot. Hmmm.....I just don't want to drive for several hours and not be able to get in.
We attend opening and every year there are participants 'trapped' in the long line that need to get in and then realize this is a non-participant gate (if you are talking the one on the south for main parking). Faire communication is not the best :)
There's still plenty of room in the original lot, but how the public will get in...
For now it's probably easiest to cut through the pit/campground on weekends and come in through C gate to work on our booths. -Not that we can do that on weekdays of course.
Quote from: Gauwyn of Bracknell on May 28, 2014, 11:26:33 AM
Faire communication is not the best :)
So true. I really don't understand why they won't let us know these important things and then there is always chaos on opening weekend. After all these years, things should run smoothly, maybe with a few minor glitches. It just makes things worse than it needs to be.
Thanks for trying to help, guys. I appreciate it.
Aerial photo of the site was posted on fb, showing the mining in the parking lot. I don't think I will even attempt to go out there, this year. :'(
The info I heard has been confirmed.
Quote from: Lady L on June 10, 2014, 01:11:48 AM
Aerial photo of the site was posted on fb, showing the mining in the parking lot. I don't think I will even attempt to go out there, this year. :'(
The info I heard has been confirmed.
So you're not even going to the faire this year? Or just that parking lot?
Quote from: Lady L on May 29, 2014, 01:48:20 AM
Quote from: Gauwyn of Bracknell on May 28, 2014, 11:26:33 AM
Faire communication is not the best :)
So true. I really don't understand why they won't let us know these important things and then there is always chaos on opening weekend. After all these years, things should run smoothly, maybe with a few minor glitches. It just makes things worse than it needs to be.
Thanks for trying to help, guys. I appreciate it.
I suppose it makes good business sense for the PTB to keep any negative information out of the public eye.
Unless you are a local, once you make the drive; you will move heaven and earth to attend at least one day, no matter how much of a pain it might be to get there, and find parking/camping, but you will probably not be coming back.
David and I want to make this faire before the Quarry gets it all.
Google earth shows notable encroachment by the miners, just since last year.
As an outside observer, I can't see the Faire being able to stay there for many more years, no matter what the management wants to feed the public.
We live an hour's drive from the site. It takes a lot of gas for the van to drive there and then find out one can't park anywhere close, even with having a handicap parking permit. I also have heard about people that waited over 3 hours to catch a shuttle. No one wants to spend hours driving there and then wait 3 hours for a shuttle. It just isn't worth that. I am sure there will be the die hard playtrons that will come out, no matter what. But, it takes more than that to run a show. I owned a shop there for 15 years and it was tough to sell enough to break even and that was when attendance was 350,000. The past 5 years or so, most of the shopkeepers I talked to were also having a tough time, so it wasn't about the type of product or the price. Booth fees go up every year, ticket prices go up, attendance and sales go down. The gap just gets wider. Entertainment can move to a different site, but moving a shop is costly, rebuilding is costly. I know some shops bailed in 2012 and I expect more to do the same. There were a lot of complaints from the public on MNRFs fb page the past 2 years. With the photos and complaining, what are they keeping from the public now? Word is out now. It's sad, but I also can't see how this can continue, even though they say it will. The 2014 poster still says, "free parking" but how far away is that free parking?
It is always better for a business to keep returning customers, than try to gain new ones. Only, they aren't.
When I said "why don't they let us know these important things" I was referring to the participants. When shopkeepers show up opening day and don't know where/how to get into their shop, there are problems that could have been easily avoided with some communication from management. My complaints about specifics are many, so I won't post them here.
Butch-If I can't park close, I am not going to fest at all. I mean, I can't, if I don't have access, why bother? Queens lot is not handicap accessible. Nothing I can do about it. I kept hoping things would turn around, but they are getting worse, not better. I'm old now, I give up.
Quote from: Rowen MacD on June 10, 2014, 12:11:43 PM
As an outside observer, I can't see the Faire being able to stay there for many more years, no matter what the management wants to feed the public.
Since it has now been mentioned elsewhere. I've been saying it openly. Our booth contracts this year stated in writing that MNRF would continue in the current location through the 2016 season, but after that it could be moving and crafters in good standing would be invited to rebuild.
Quote from: Lady L on June 11, 2014, 02:54:26 AM
If I can't park close, I am not going to fest at all.
Well how unfortunate. I completely understand your position, and hate that you have to miss doing what you (and most of us here in this forum) really love to do because of mining/construction. It is unfortunate that the management is not (or does not appear to be) preparing for the parking for all of the attendees. If parking turns out to be a fiasco, the word will certainly get out, and attendance will drop off SHARPLY. The ONLY people that will be there will be the die hard playtrons.
What a drag.
Someone on Facebook posted
"if you look at what's left of the front parking lot, Queen's lot, and the 169 lot, you actually have more parking then you did with just the front lot."
IS there more than one entrance for the public? Actually, is there more than one way into the parking lot(s), and is there more than one gate? Please pardon my ignorance, but I visit Shakopee but once per year (I live in Kansas City).
We too, only visit once or twice and as far as I know we can only enter on the South - I wonder where we will park this year.
the other entrance on the North we used to 'sneak' through but they had guards there early the last couple years (it actually the gate that you exit)
Quote from: Butch on June 11, 2014, 09:49:14 AM
IS there more than one entrance for the public? Actually, is there more than one way into the parking lot(s), and is there more than one gate? Please pardon my ignorance, but I visit Shakopee but once per year (I live in Kansas City).
I believe last year once the original lot filled they started directing people to the parking lot on the north end of site near the new "Queen's gate", but they were still encouraging public to come in the entrance on Hwy 169. They try to keep the Hwy 41 entrance as a participant entrance especially now that participant parking is way out closer to Hwy 41.
Quote from: groomporter on June 11, 2014, 08:05:56 AM
Quote from: Rowen MacD on June 10, 2014, 12:11:43 PM
As an outside observer, I can't see the Faire being able to stay there for many more years, no matter what the management wants to feed the public.
Since it has now been mentioned elsewhere. I've been saying it openly. Our booth contracts this year stated in writing that MNRF would continue in the current location through the 2016 season, but after that it could be moving and crafters in good standing would be invited to rebuild.
This is actually a relief.
I do not wish to see any faire decline, with the management denying it to the bitter end to squeeze a few more bucks out of a fading reputation-I've seen that happen; and it's not pretty. Once a faire gets a bad rep, it's forever; those customers are gone, never to return. No matter how much it improves later on, a fresh start will be an uphill battle against the bad experiences over just the last few years.
MNRF is already suffering, if attendance and patronage is falling off. If you check out the reviews of the Halloween attraction at the same site, all you read is 'chaotic, crowded, too expensive' and constant complaints about parking and the shuttle bus. Those customers also mentioned that it used to be much better, but they won't be coming back.
That's bad, because it looks like it's going the way of K-Mart.
If the current discontent being made known by patrons and loyal fans on FB and other forums is any indication-MNRF needs to find a way to gently acknowledge the issues, and let the public know things will get better in the near future.
Hope is a BIG motivator.
I have to admit that parking is a BIG thing for me-I don't like the idea of leaving my truck in a distant spot and shuttle busing to the event. Been there done that-and it's a show stopper for me. I don't want to make a 6 hour drive and put up with that. I did it twice in KC for the Celtic games, and it's a serious pain in the wahoo.
I'm not handicapped, nor do I need any other special consideration, but I do want to have access to my truck during the day for A/C, to change clothes if needed, and to refill my non-mineral water bottle-Hubby can't drink tap or 'mineral enhanced' water (kidney stones) and we generally don't consume soda or alcohol.
Quote from: groomporter on June 11, 2014, 08:05:56 AM
Since it has now been mentioned elsewhere. I've been saying it openly. Our booth contracts this year stated in writing that MNRF would continue in the current location through the 2016 season, but after that it could be moving and crafters in good standing would be invited to rebuild.
Invited? More like forced. As in, rebuild or you are out.
Quote from: Butch on June 11, 2014, 08:17:35 AM
Well how unfortunate. I completely understand your position, and hate that you have to miss doing what you (and most of us here in this forum) really love to do because of mining/construction. It is unfortunate that the management is not (or does not appear to be) preparing for the parking for all of the attendees. If parking turns out to be a fiasco, the word will certainly get out, and attendance will drop off SHARPLY. The ONLY people that will be there will be the die hard playtrons.
What a drag.
Thank you for understanding. It is a tough decision, but I don't have any other option. I used to go there for enjoyment, to view original art, be inspired and relax. That atmosphere has long gone. Now, it is just frustrating and annoying. I can do without that.
Quote from: Butch on June 11, 2014, 09:49:14 AM
IS there more than one entrance for the public? Actually, is there more than one way into the parking lot(s), and is there more than one gate? Please pardon my ignorance, but I visit Shakopee but once per year (I live in Kansas City).
I don't think anyone knows what will happen with that. Last year, the main lot and the Queen's lot were not connected. So, if you came in from the south to the main lot, there was no way to get to the Queen's lot from there. You would have to go out and around and then come back in from the other side. Will that change? Who knows. There used to be one main gate in the front, south side. Now, there will be a smaller gate across the site. Will they use both gates? Who knows. Shops that were located "up front" by the gate will now be at the back. If someone wants to rent a costume, for example, the shop by the front that rented costumes will now be at the back. Confusing? Yes. I don't know if they will allow the public to enter from 41 this year.
Rowen MacD, I agree with everything you posted. If they would just plan a workaround, or explain how it is going to work, it would help immensely. People could make better plans, such as leaving earlier, or not wasting time sitting in line and then find out "you can't get there from here"
It seems like they are going about it in the worst way possible.
Other than putting the entire Faire on Hiatus until a new site is found (as quickly as possible) , the only thing left is to eek out enough money from the existing setup to at least break even until the move.
From what you are all saying-I think they are pretty close to that now, MNRF may need to downsize a bit to hang on until the new site is ready, but it will not die, of that I'm quite certain. It will be a tough couple of years, but the faire will need that dedicated core of Playtrons to keep it going.
The casual day tripping Patrons, who are a huge part of the gate, are giving up due to the parking hassle and generally unpleasant atmosphere (not the faires' fault). It will take a few seasons after the move to get them back, but it will happen.
We visit this faire at least twice if not more each season. for us if it becomes a hassle, we will just visit other large faires more often, like Briston, KC which we now only visit once per year.
If the "main" parking lot is all chewed up with mining and construction, I would think that the Shakopee site manager would be looking at making one/both of the other lots to be the new "main" lot. And then plan the traffic in and out. And then make the entrance nearest the new "main" lot to be the new main entrance (or even create a new gate there). It would seem to be a task that could be done now, with 2 months before opening. Further, I would think that the owner would be standing on the site manager's desk screaming to get it done, since NOT doing it will cost many $ in revenue.
Am I missing something?
Well, if they go about it as they usually do, they won't start thinking about parking until the 2nd weekend after the festival opens. No exaggeration...I have seen that happen several years. One year, the new gate was "supposed" to open opening day, then the 5th weekend, but it didn't open at all that year. They always wait until the last minute and then they create chaos. That's when people get upset/angry, because no one knows what to do/where to go.
Several years ago, management told me to use B gate, but when I went to my shop to work on it, B gate was sitting out in the general parking area. I asked them how that was going to work, as there was no access to the site from B gate anymore. They told me B gate wasn't going to be there by opening day. Well, guess what... B gate building sat in the parking lot the entire run of the show. I said I was always told to us A gate, because it was closest to my shop. They said no, use B gate. (B gate is for buses, entertainers and day workers.) So, R would drop me off at the front gate and I would walk in the main gate, while he would go park. Not wasting time in a long line of people on foot, when we had the van to drive through. Then, we had to hand cart our stuff in the hard way. ::)
2012, He would drop me off at the shop's door and go park, because I couldn't walk that far that year. That was after driving around the pit and up out of the pit, with people on foot walking right next to the van. I am surprised no one was injured. It was a nightmare and I am glad to be done with it.
Also, the Queen's gate had only 2 doors, whereas the main gate had...6 doors. don't know if that will be changing. If not, that's going to be a longer line to wait in. But, who knows, certainly not me.
They should hire a civil engineer for this project, instead of putting it off and relying on "crisis management".
It appears that things are going to be all messed up this season. What this will do tl attendence will be anyone's guess. Shuttles perhaps?
I have heard rumors about shuttles in the past, for the public. But, if those run like the shuttles for participants...not so good. People do not want to wait 3 hours for shuttle. What they used were old school buses. I think they had 2, not sure.
Quote from: Lady L on June 14, 2014, 02:31:35 AM
I have heard rumors about shuttles in the past, for the public. But, if those run like the shuttles for participants...not so good. People do not want to wait 3 hours for shuttle. What they used were old school buses. I think they had 2, not sure.
Back in 2003 when the Earl and I attended the New York Renaissance Festival, there were several school buses running every 10 minutes to shuttle people from the Parking Lots to the front gate. One half mile from the gate could be hardship for people with Disabilities or small children in strollers to walk.
The Festiival management needs to be working on this issue NOW or lose a lot of money in gate fees.
Quote from: Lady L on June 14, 2014, 02:31:35 AM
I have heard rumors about shuttles in the past, for the public. But, if those run like the shuttles for participants...not so good. People do not want to wait 3 hours for shuttle. What they used were old school buses. I think they had 2, not sure.
They had two full size school buses and then a smaller bus, but except for the first weekend the participants' shuttles work fairly well last year in my experience. It was probably worst on Sunday nights waiting in line to get on the bus out to our cars. But they would certainly need more if they are going to shuttle patrons as well as participants -especially late the run.
Upthread, someone claimed that attendance is dropping. In actual fact, attendance remains strong. Whatever problems the festival may have are not keeping the public away.
Last year they used several approaches to managing automotive traffic. On busy days towards the end of the run they were bringing most of the highway 41 traffic in through the Highway 41 entrance and directing them to the Queen's lot, and bringing 169 traffic in through the usual main entrance off 169. The road traditionally used as a patron exit at the end of the day connects the two lots.
And heck, the rumors of MNRF moving or closing may help attract people for what they think might be the "last huzzah" in spite of the parking confusion.
Quote from: groomporter on June 19, 2014, 10:40:35 AM
And heck, the rumors of MNRF moving or closing may help attract people for what they think might be the "last huzzah" in spite of the parking confusion.
I don't think the MNRF will close; but I do think it will be moving.
From the satellite view 2014-The Quarry is eating everything in it's path, and looks to keep on until it surrounds the fair grounds on 3 sides and parking has to move across the highway, or somewhere.
It's the management's call to make sure the patrons are informed or not.
Don't tell them anything, things get worse, and some patrons decide it's not worth the hassle. These folks will probably not give the faire another chance, even in a new, more spacious location. Tell the patrons of an impending move, and lose a small portion of the gate in the short term, when some decide to take a hiatus for a couple of seasons until conditions improve. You may see a drop off in season passes, due to the access issues.
The faire will always have a hardcore fan base. My hubby has been there, (though I have not) but I have spoken to many people who consider it to be one of the top 10 fairs in the country, and in the Midwest, the nearest one of any size is in KC.
It is on my very short list to visit-but not if the parking is as bad as you say.
http://www.co.scott.mn.us/ParksLibraryEnv/Environment/EnvReview/MerrJuncEIS/Documents/Final%20Merriam%20Junction%20Scoping%20EAW%206-3-14.pdf (http://www.co.scott.mn.us/ParksLibraryEnv/Environment/EnvReview/MerrJuncEIS/Documents/Final%20Merriam%20Junction%20Scoping%20EAW%206-3-14.pdf)
Interesting. Here's an excerpt.
Signed and dated June 3, 2014
Merriam Junction Sands, LLC proposal to mine approximately 682 acres of land for
nonmetallic mineral mining and processing operations in Louisville Township, Scott County
Minnesota.
Other portions of the Malkerson Sales property include the original farmstead,
and outbuildings, horse stables and race track. There is one main potable well
associated with these buildings. The Renaissance Festival, an annual festival
held in late summer and in the fall of each year operated by Mid-America
Festivals, Inc. is located on a portion of the Malkerson Sales property. The
festival area includes booths, festival grounds, and parking areas for the event.
The active limestone mine face is currently located on the northern end of the
Renaissance Festival parking area and quarrying activity is moving in a southerly
direction. Parking has been recently relocated to the quarry floor as mining
continued to the south through the previous parking area. There are two water
supply wells associated with the Renaissance Festival grounds. The
Renaissance Festival operates under a Conditional Use Permit (CUP) issued to
Mid-America Festivals, Inc. by Scott County in 1988, which includes the
Halloween themed Trail of Terror operated in and around buildings near the
stable area, and other seasonal events.
The compatibility of the continued coexistence of the proposed mining and the
Renaissance Festival will be a topic of analysis in the EIS with consideration of
traffic, public safety, impacts on the Renaissance Festival wells, ambient air
quality, noise and other factors. The time period for impact consideration will not
be limited to the period when the Festival is open to the public since there is an
ongoing presence at the facility for security, maintenance, upkeep, restoration
and some extended residential use related to the Festival.
The Project will require the removal of all of the structures and equipment
associated with the Rennaissance Festival and some of the buildings on the
Malkerson Sales property. All demolition debris and solid waste will be removed
from the site and properly disposed of or recycled at licensed waste processing
facilities. No waste or buildings will be burned or buried on the property. There
are a number of above and partially below ground waste water tanks and
propane tanks on the Rennaisance property that will be properly managed.
The Mid-America Renaissance Festival which has been an active local attraction
for over 42 years is located on the Malkerson property on the southern part of the
Malkerson portion of the Project. With or without the Project, the Renaissance
Festival will eventually be relocated from the Site due to either continued
limestone mining on the Malkerson Sales Property, or the limestone and
sandstone mining associated with the Project. This is the second largest
Renaissance Festival in the United States with an annual attendance of 300,000.
To accommodate the proposed mining the Renaissance Festival will be
dislocated, in either case, the buildings will be properly disposed of, wells sealed
and all solid waste and debris associated with this facility will be properly
removed and managed. The Mid-America Corporation owns land adjacent to the
current leased location that might be considered as an alternate location, but
there have been no discussions as to whether this establishement will be
relocated or discontinued and destroyed. The Site and surrounding area is
unique in its abundance and accessibility of marketable mineral resources. Both
construction aggregates and silica sand resources are readily available for
extraction in this area due to the past actions of mining, glaciers and the Glacial
River Warren.
20.1 The EIS will address the management of existing buildings, equipment
and solid waste remaining from the closing of the Rennaisance Festival and from
the prior uses of the Malkerson property and generation of solid or hazardous
wastes and materials related to the proposed project including a plan for the
minimization of waste and containment of contamination. Generation rates will
not be significantly impacted by alternative plant locations, so the discussion will
be limited to the overall Project.
25.5 The current location of the Renaissance Festival and parking facilities are
within the proposed mining area and will eventually be removed under the No
Build Alternative as well as the Project Alternatives. The timing of the removal
under the no build and other Project alternatives will be discussed in the EIS as
well as a general discussion regarding economic impacts to the surrounding
communities resulting from a difference in timing in the closure of the
Renaissance Festival.
Any new updates/insight now that we're about 3 weeks (24 days) out? I'm pretty excited! Gonna be there opening day!
From Facebook
Quote
They are planning more opening shows at Queen's gate this year but the royalty will still be at King's gate as usual this year. I'm a member of the entertainment cast and this is what we've been told so far.
From someone on staff:
Quote
Parking discussions are always in a state of flux. It is complicated to work out a solution every year and right now the plan is not complete, so we don't know anything further. When it gets decided, we will all get the word out as quickly as we can.
Been going to Faire for several years, but not familiar with queens gate. Where do you park to go in there? Do you still come off the 169 entrance or the performer entrance off 42?
Queen's Gate is where they bulldozed the Queen's Lot for parking. It would be on the far west side, but how one gets there, I have no idea. They made us park there the year of the fire and we drove around through the pit to get to it. I don't think the public would be doing that. I also heard it was a steep walk from there. Last year, the old lot, aka known as King's Lot, had no road from there over to the Queen's Lot.
I'll try to hook up with Gauwyn and his non-tourage and possibly carpool over. Maybe do a little pre-flight in the parking lot. I still think we're staying at the same hotel. Should arrive Fri, Faire on Sat, and go back to KC on Sun.
Quote from: Gauwyn of Bracknell on July 27, 2014, 08:21:13 AM
Been going to Faire for several years, but not familiar with queens gate. Where do you park to go in there? Do you still come off the 169 entrance or the performer entrance off 42?
Once the main lot was getting full later in the run I believe they would start directing cars to drive around the site to park northwest of the site. The Queen's Gate is right next to Crown Stage where the Tortuga Twins perform. Basically you would come in from 169, and if directed to, continue as if you were going to exit past the horse ranch to Hwy 41. There's a gravel road north of the active part of the pit that cuts west and leads to the Queen's Gate parking area.
Participants last year were being entering at 41 and were parking in the Trail of Terror lot near the horse ranch.
But again things are in flux and until opening day we may not know to full plan.
If anyone knows or has heard where handicap parkings is going to be could you please let me know. That will determine if I can make it this year, or in the future. Thanks.
I would like to know, as well. We are thinking of not going because of that issue.
If they do what groomporter says, that would really be a run around for us. We come from the west on 212, so we used to go in 41. But, if we have to drive around to 169, then be told to drive back over to 41, we would be going in a big loop. ???
Got this from Carr as far as handicapped parking.
QuoteIt's going to be up where the old Special Events field was...outside the (now) old front gate, and to the right.
So I'm guessing this means driving around the west edge of the new section of the pit to get to what was the Special Events Area in recent years. Presumably they are going to work on that narrow road to improve it a bit by then...
Hmm, I thought that area was already dug up. ???
I think that means the Special Events field that was by B gate, before they moved the Special Events area by A gate?
Old front gate aka Main Gate or King's Gate. A map would help. ???
I'm pretty sure he means the where the Special Events area has been the last couple years by A gate. Here's someone's aerial picture which also shows the Queen's gate parking at the top.
(https://scontent-a-ord.xx.fbcdn.net/hphotos-xpa1/v/t1.0-9/10350423_593573690757673_6126478936683827582_n.jpg?oh=f9a3f3396c18e152cb074231792b3b2f&oe=545385EA)
HOLY COW! There's not gonna be any place to park! Can't park in the quarry, for safety and rain reasons. Can't park on the West side, because it looks to be a flood plain. Maybe those fields on the North?
Wow. I'm gonna get there (hopefully) extra early to try to get one of the only close parking spaces.
Maybe I'm just mis-reading the whole picture?
Don't worry, the picture cuts off what is surviving of the original parking lot at the bottom. About two-thirds of it is still there, just not in the picture.
The area at the top, just to the right and below the water that has a couple roads through it is parking now too and is where the participants parked before they moved us to the Trail of Terror lot. It worked fairly well even after a rain.
Thanks for the map. Still not sure where he means. "to the right of the special events" ...if that does mean by A gate, to the right would be the back service road behind the shops? I know there used to be a few handicap parking spaces on the outside of that fence. I thought they cleared that all out a few years ago, though. There used to be some RVs, campers, trailers etc. in that area. There weren't many parking spaces. Hmmm.... ???
I appreciate the effort.
Here's a Google Maps Aerial View, from before the excavation extended up past the Front Gate -
https://www.google.com/maps/place/Minnesota+Renaissance+Festival/@44.747223,-93.5979645,4004a,20y,303.96h,0.22t/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x87f60e37751a755f:0x4a5edd09d4d374b3?hl=en (https://www.google.com/maps/place/Minnesota+Renaissance+Festival/@44.747223,-93.5979645,4004a,20y,303.96h,0.22t/data=!3m1!1e3!4m2!3m1!1s0x87f60e37751a755f:0x4a5edd09d4d374b3?hl=en)
Take Care,
David Baldock
According to information we recently got, handicapped parking will be behind the Traveler's Shop next to the King's Gate. If you have a handicap placard or plates, make sure the parking attendants send you to the handicap parking area.
Thanks for the info Miss Bubu. How would we get over to that area, since the road in front of the gate looks like a high wall of dirt? Would we come in 41 or 169?
The official word on parking
https://www.facebook.com/minnesotarenaissancefestival/photos/a.76084744649.70600.60675509649/10152630551259650/?type=1&theater (https://www.facebook.com/minnesotarenaissancefestival/photos/a.76084744649.70600.60675509649/10152630551259650/?type=1&theater)
In case the Facebook link doesn't work for everyone
Quote
As in the past, patrons will be entering and exiting the site off of both Highway 41 and 145th Street via Highway 169. Patrons that arrive before 3:00 p.m. will be encouraged to use both entrances. Highway 41 will become "Exit Only" beginning at 3:00 each Festival day.
In addition to our original gate (the King's Gate), we created a second gate (the Queen's Gate) during our 2012 season with areas to park near the Gate. In 2013, we expanded the available parking servicing the Queen Gate. Prior to this season, we have again significantly expanded the available area to park in the Queen's Gate side of the site. In addition to hiring a larger Parking Crew and preparing the surface for parking, we have spent considerable time and money developing an enhanced parking "infrastructure" including wider and additional roads, designated numbered "lots" in the Queen's Gate area, designated specialized lots as well as color coded General Patron lots in the area serviced by the King's Gate, additional signage, and more busses with dedicated routes. Our goal is to provide an enhanced parking experience.
In 2014, the majority of patron parking will be in the area serviced by the Queen's Gate. Handicap Parking, Handicap Overflow Parking, and a Drop-Off Area will be located in the King's Gate parking area in close proximity to the King's Gate. In addition to the above mentioned specialized parking areas, we also have spaces for "general patron" parking in the King's Gate lots.
In addition, we have increased the number of shuttle buses in the lots, if you do not want to walk, you will be able to take a shuttle bus to one of the main gates.
There will be more information published soon, we look forward to seeing you at the 2014 Renaissance Festival!
Gonna sample the parking THIS WEEKEND! HUZZAH!
Quote from: Butch on August 11, 2014, 07:13:44 AM
Gonna sample the parking THIS WEEKEND! HUZZAH!
Very excited to see you! My advice would be head straight to the Queen's parking lot (the one off 41). When I was on site last week, King's was a complete wreck.
Quote from: Ms Trish on August 11, 2014, 01:37:37 PM
Quote from: Butch on August 11, 2014, 07:13:44 AM
Gonna sample the parking THIS WEEKEND! HUZZAH!
Very excited to see you! My advice would be head straight to the Queen's parking lot (the one off 41). When I was on site last week, King's was a complete wreck.
is that the best plan then? what time can you enter Queens lot?
Quote from: Gauwyn of Bracknell on August 11, 2014, 04:08:38 PM
Quote from: Ms Trish on August 11, 2014, 01:37:37 PM
Quote from: Butch on August 11, 2014, 07:13:44 AM
Gonna sample the parking THIS WEEKEND! HUZZAH!
Very excited to see you! My advice would be head straight to the Queen's parking lot (the one off 41). When I was on site last week, King's was a complete wreck.
is that the best plan then? what time can you enter Queens lot?
I don't have this answer - coming in off 41...anyone know what time they let patrons into the parking lot?
Quote from: Ms Trish on August 12, 2014, 09:30:30 AM
Quote from: Gauwyn of Bracknell on August 11, 2014, 04:08:38 PM
Quote from: Ms Trish on August 11, 2014, 01:37:37 PM
Quote from: Butch on August 11, 2014, 07:13:44 AM
Gonna sample the parking THIS WEEKEND! HUZZAH!
Very excited to see you! My advice would be head straight to the Queen's parking lot (the one off 41). When I was on site last week, King's was a complete wreck.
is that the best plan then? what time can you enter Queens lot?
I don't have this answer - coming in off 41...anyone know what time they let patrons into the parking lot?
I sent an email and waiting for a response
Parking was as bad as expected. Thankfully, we arrived before the crowds on Saturday, so the line going in wasn't so bad. Only had to deal with the lot twice (coming and going). Thank goodness, by the end of the day, they cordoned off a pedestrian path vs a vehicular path on that narrow road leading past handicapped parking to the front gate.
But I wasn't about to let that spoil my experience in the lanes!
Had a great time! Got with Gauwyn and Addilae (Lord and Lady of Bracknell), along with their nontourage of Sebastian Lord of Hors(e), Master D the Bag Maker, Double D, and Lady Angela of Stone. I had my son, Michele l'Honnete; along with Joe and Missy, Mayor and Lady of Simpleton. We were STAMPEDED very early in the day by two of the most beautiful creatures in all of Shakopee, Trish and MG. Lucky us!
We were able to secure a day's membership at the Friends of Fest (let me say that the MN Ren Fest has the best one of these that I have experienced!). Caught the first two shows of Langer's Ball (LOVE these guys!). Got in on the Feaste of Fantasy, and found their menu to be quite curious. The entertainment was fun, but I was absolutely shocked by the poet; I wasn't expecting the rawness with which he used his verbiage.
All-in-all, the visitor traffic in the fairgrounds was a little lighter than I expected. It was VERY humid, and a bit warm (but not hot). We could have used some raid.
Had a great time! Can't wait to come back!
I too was able to get there on Saturday, well after cannon, around 11 I believe (it's a 3+ hour drive for me) and they already had the pedestrian path marked by then. The poet you speak of I believe to be Arthur Greenleaf Holmes and yes quite raw is he. I got in a few shows, the husband saw Zilch for the first time in person, the dust was ghastly, but I am sure that has abated now since the rain came. We acquired a few items we were searching for, including my first ever bodice, a Felix Needleworthy, now I just need find me some skirts. I don't know enough people here so I did not meet up with anyone :(, but we plan to go later in the season again.
It was fun, Butch. I am still blowing dust from my nostrils. Yes, the feast menu item of salmon and navy beans was something I had not encountered before :o
Master D and Double D went also for a bit on Sunday in mundanes and had that 'feeling' of not being dressed right - they are hooked.
Caught some rain on Sunday, but fortunately left around 3:30 before the deluge. Where we were parked on a side hill would not have been good.
The parking was not too bad, but the walk was a bit - I wonder what it is like for those who get there later in the day - does the shuttle work out?
We sat for an hour in the parking lot last night. :( I love our faire and I will go every year, but that kinda cast a pall on the day... I didn't mind the walk to get in, and getting there in the morning was fine. Leaving was pretty bad, though.
There were multiple accidents between 6:30 and 7:00 accidents last night. I left at 6:30 and was out in under 15 min.
I was asked for a parking pass when I went last week. I can't find any mention of that on the website so I am curious as to how you get one.
You only need a parking pass if you are an employee. Depending on whick lot and what time you were trying to access, the parking attendant probably didn't realize tjat you were a patron that needed to be redirected.
This was my second time there ever so all I can say was it was the gate by where the horse corral is and it was about 30 min before the gate opened. People in both street clothes and garb were let thru and others were redirected.
That's because you were right by an employee entrance that is used to drive onto site so they asked for a parking pass so they could direct you properly.
They also changed the location of the participants' parking lot in the middle of the run, so they were still dealing with participants who hadn't gotten the word about the change like those who don't work every weekend.
I've been going down to MN almost every year since 2001 (although 1985 was my first year) and I have to say this was the worst year for parking that I had ever seen. Drove all the way down from Upper Michigan which was about five hours, a quick bite to eat at Perkins, a stop at the Source comic shop and I believe we hit the traffic jam on 169 at about 3. Finally got in at around 5 to be redirected to the Queens parking lot. I should have just grabbed the first open spot I saw at the front lot instead of having to drive through a parking lot that gives my shocks an ultimaite testing. Got to the back gate only to wait another 30 minutes to get tickets and finally got in to the festival to only to get a quick look at the mermaids (disappointing) and the faerie garden (getting better). we couldn't stay any longer because my daughter and grandkids needed to get to MOA before it closed. We left right before the deluge hit. Finally made it to MOA at 8. This was the first year that I was really frustrated with the traffic and the waits.
We had had no problems with waits like this at Bristol unless you need to get to the ATM. No do I recall congestion this bad with any other event I have been to. I was almost ready to chuck the whole faire experience by the end of the day. I do hope that if the MN faire ever relocates it solves its traffic congestion problem.
Even before they started digging up the parking lot we have always recommended arriving before noon to avoid the traffic delays on Hwy 169 -especially after Labor Day. Saturday was also our highest attended day for this season something around 28,000 people.