didnt get to go opening day, or weekend for that matter. i will be there next saturday though with my wife for a renewal of vows. my parents are also going and in garb also. hope to see you there.
It was wonderful! A little chilly for the kids (whose garb isn't as heavy as my wife and mine), and it looked to me that the dark skies might have contributed to even fewer people than typical for opening day. But the place was in great shape, the talent was in fine form, and we had a very very nice time. Best of all, Giacomo and Lucy were there, without whom the place just doesn't feel quite right to me. He hinted at one point that they might be there on an expanded basis next year, which would be really great.
Overall, a big thumbs-up for Sterling 2009!
Will Lucy be there next Saturday????????????????????
Carl and Lynda are only there this weekend. Starting next year they will again be on full season runs with the whole band on a 3 year contract.
Quote from: Tazworth on July 04, 2009, 09:25:26 PM
Carl and Lynda are only there this weekend. Starting next year they will again be on full season runs with the whole band on a 3 year contract.
No kidding?? That's excellent news! I mean, it worked fine this year because they happened to be there on the weekend we preferred to go anyway, but last year I missed them completely (by not realizing that they were only there for a single weekend). I don't know what happened to result in them no longer being regulars these two years, but if it's been resolved then Huzzah!
I picked up a couple of the Empty Hats albums today. I hope they're as good as the Double Indemnity stuff I already own. That's some darn well-crafted music there.
:o I can't get there this weekend........ :'(
Taz, I sent u renmail....... :)
I had sooo much fun! I think the highlight of my day was seeing Don Juan and Miguel's last show -I'm glad my bodice wasn't any tighter, or I think I would have passed out from laughing so much. And I missed them at Scarborough, so I'm so glad I got to see them here!
I felt the weather was perfect, though a couple of my friends were in their mundanes, and I think they felt a little cold.
I loved that, despite the high entrance fee, a lot of the stuff inside was way cheaper! I had fun at the archery, despite being really rusty, and I picked up a big bag of kettle corn on my way out. The chess match was fun, and Wolgemut was fantastic! I felt like there was so much to do that I need to go back. I may have two other opportunities this summer, and if so, I will definitely be heading back up there, despite the long drive. I think Sterling is my new favorite faire!
And my fourth was wonderful - England for most of the day, but topped off by listening to 1776 in the car, fireworks along the drive on the way home, and a surprise showing of 1776 on TCM last night!
Quote from: Lady Rebecca on July 05, 2009, 09:59:55 AM
The chess match was fun, and Wolgemut was fantastic! I felt like there was so much to do that I need to go back.
Hey, we were at the chess match, too! My daughter was one of the pawns. Viva Espana! :D
Yeah, one trip isn't nearly enough to take in everything. You could easily spend half the day just browsing the merchants, half the day (or all the day) listening to music (most of the bands do different sets at each performance), a full day watching various other staged performances, and a half-day or more just walking around eating and drinking and watching the improvised lane performances. So add that up and you've got, what... 2.5-3 days worth of solid entertainment, assuming you didn't see anything twice. And that's not even counting the special stuff that goes on for the various "event" weekends. It's easy to see why some folks get a season pass!
The weather was awesome for the opening weekend, not hot, nor cold, nor rain. It is too bad my wife and I are not planning to go until later this year. For anyone who went this weekend, my wife wanted to know if the aerialists were there again this year?
We will be going for the first time this year. We have wanted to go in the past but one thing or the other has always came up. This year I saw the renewal of vows and knew, this was the year to go. So next weekend the wife and I will be there and at 1:30 on Saturday we will join with the other 49 couples. We are excited and looking forward to it.
Quote from: Aaroncois on July 05, 2009, 11:33:37 AM
Quote from: Lady Rebecca on July 05, 2009, 09:59:55 AM
The chess match was fun, and Wolgemut was fantastic! I felt like there was so much to do that I need to go back.
Hey, we were at the chess match, too! My daughter was one of the pawns. Viva Espana! :D
Naturally, I was FOR ENGLAND! :)
By the way, I found out today that I will have July 19th off, so I will definitely be back! I may get Aug 2nd off as well.
WWWEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEEE!!!!!!!! ;D
I was able to get to faire today, afterall!
I finally met SterlingFan and photomike! So glad I met you both! :)
Taz, I saw you with the carriage, but lost sight of you after that. I will trip you up, next time!! ::) LOL!
I was so happy to see "Looney Lucy"! She gives the best hugs!! I think it is wonderful, she will be back full time!
SirDouglas~ FANTASTIC job on the new buildings! You have really taken suggestions to heart and you have made the faire feeling like home, once again!! Thank you!!!!!
See you all in 2 weeks at faire. Have the family brawl to attend..... :o
irish
Quote from: Dorian Mallory on July 05, 2009, 01:51:39 PM
my wife wanted to know if the aerialists were there again this year?
Nope. Didn't see them and they're not listed among the performers.
Quote from: Xantrawler on July 05, 2009, 02:29:39 PM
We will be going for the first time this year. We have wanted to go in the past but one thing or the other has always came up. This year I saw the renewal of vows and knew, this was the year to go. So next weekend the wife and I will be there and at 1:30 on Saturday we will join with the other 49 couples. We are excited and looking forward to it.
we are in the 1:30 group also, as is someone else on here, though it slips my mind who at this moment. i am easily spotted just look for the bald tattooed guy in the kilt.
Tygrkat is the one who will also be there last i knew.
That's right, Duffy ~ my Husband and I will be there for the 1:30 Renewal of Vows as well ;D
I was bummed that we didn't get to attend opening weekend - it seemed like the weather was perfect!
I can't wait to get out there next weekend and see everyone - and everything!
Quote from: Lady Rebecca on July 05, 2009, 09:59:55 AM
I had fun at the archery, despite being really rusty,
Milady, Was that you who worried her garb might not fit into the Archery range?
Whether 'twas or not, I am overjoyed you enjoyed our humble offerings.
MMario -
Her Majesties Royal Archers
Warwick
I encourage all who have the renewal of vows to renew also the Sterling Tradition of "First Pyllowing" -
Hie yourselves to the Pyllow Fyghts and have at it!
(they have moved "up" into the shade near the graveyard - and could use the added attention!)
Greetings all!
I can't begin to express how wonderful opening weekend was!
I went to "mock Faire" on Th. & had a blast! Ya it got a little wet but the energy of the actors was exhilarating & full of promise for a GREAT season!
Arriving at the gates on Sat. morning it was cool, windy & overcast (perfect for me but a little chilly for most) the crowd gathered slowly but they were there. For me opening day is like a family reunion, catching up with friends that we only see at Faire took up most of the day. I wandered from show to show & booth to booth all in appreciation of the efforts of Mr. Waterberry, his staff & the cast. By the afternoon the sun had come out & it turned in to a beautiful day! All to soon it was time for final pubsing & the close of day one & the promise of a great season!
Sun. arrived with bright sunshine & warmer weather & the crowds grew quickly! Most of the ticketing problems encountered on Sat had been fixed & went quite well. I had the honer to meet Aaroncois on Thur. & on Sat. Also got to meet Sterling fan & Irish on Sun.
Actually Irish found me standing in front of the new beer garden! The new Pubside (main) stage is wonderful. Some things have been moved around & there are several new buildings as well as two Watering Holes to quench your thirst. My favorite resting place,the pyllow fyghting booth has moved to the high road & is not as central as before so I may start lurking on the stairs to the low road. There are more food booths in the lower shire & drinks are available at most too.
OK enough rambling, All said, I feel it was a great opening & am looking forward to a most wonderous season!
I still have a wedding to edit & then I will get started on the 1800 photos taken on this weekend! (I will post them as soon as possible)
I hope to see you about the shire!
Quote from: MMario on July 06, 2009, 11:41:26 AM
Quote from: Lady Rebecca on July 05, 2009, 09:59:55 AM
I had fun at the archery, despite being really rusty,
Milady, Was that you who worried her garb might not fit into the Archery range?
Whether 'twas or not, I am overjoyed you enjoyed our humble offerings.
MMario -
Her Majesties Royal Archers
Warwick
Yes, that was me! I'm so glad to know there was space enough for a farthingale!
And if anyone wants to see my pictures, they can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2028225&id=68202342&l=c9a85243d1
Lady Rebecca, those pictures were fantastic, and I am even more excited about going next weekend ~ thank you for sharing them! ;D
I'm glad you enjoyed you visit to our shire, and hope you get to come back again soon!
Great pctures Lady Rebecca . Glad you enjoyed yourself.
LOL-I too watched 1776 0n tv . I love the actors in it.
Can't wait till next Saturday.
Tygrkat we will deffinitely have to pick a place to meet up .
Sounds like the first weekend was a lot of fun. Just reading about the festival has got us both excited. This is going to be a long week. We should get there between 9:30 and 10, depending on the traffic through the construction on the 390. (If I could talk the boss into letting me use the company vehicle we could get there faster, but he don't think it is an appropriate use for an ambulance.) We plan on renting costumes as we want to go all out for the renewal. Since this is our first, you will be able tell who we are, just look for the couple with the deer in the headlight look.
Quote from: Xantrawler on July 06, 2009, 04:19:27 PM
. We should get there between 9:30 and 10, depending on the traffic through the construction on the 390. (If I could talk the boss into letting me use the company vehicle we could get there faster, but he don't think it is an appropriate use for an ambulance.)
LOL, good idea but I don't think it will go over very well, although you could always say you need to go and rescue a faire maiden in distress. ;D
Wonderful pictures Lady Rebecca! Thank you for posting them. Looks like you had a great time! I hope to have some posted soon!
Quote from: Lady Rebecca on July 06, 2009, 02:21:29 PM
And if anyone wants to see my pictures, they can be found here: http://www.facebook.com/album.php?aid=2028225&id=68202342&l=c9a85243d1
You know what's funny? You were apparently standing right behind me at the Pubsing. I can see my hat in about half the pictures. :D
I wasn't looking around much - my boys were rather grumpy at that point (it had been a long day). I was dividing my attention between enjoying the last of the festivities and trying to disengrumble them. :D
Great pics though - it's a tribute to how much there is to see and do at the faire that the only time all day we were apparently at the same performances were the chess match and the pubsing, both of which are offered only once. Otherwise, we look to have attended completely different events throughout the day.
Oh, is that your hat with the lace band and blue feathers? Nice! I think you were actually one of two heads I was trying to shoot around. ;D
But yeah, there was so much to see! I'm so excited to go back!
Oui, that is my chapeau de merdre (my crappy hat ;D). I added a second feather and the lace to spruce it up a little, but it's rather drab and plain for my tastes. Someday I'll have to see about getting a better one.
Quote from: Lady Rebecca on July 06, 2009, 02:21:29 PM
I'm so glad to know there was space enough for a farthingale!
You should see it when Her Majesty and the Court are all in shooting!
Quote from: Tazworth on July 04, 2009, 09:25:26 PM
Carl and Lynda are only there this weekend. Starting next year they will again be on full season runs with the whole band on a 3 year contract.
3 year contract? Really? Well that at least gives us a little glimmering of hope that Sir Douglas won't close the gates after 2009 if the crowds stay as low as they have been the 1st 2 weeks. :(
Quote from: Lady Rebecca on July 07, 2009, 10:58:09 AM
Oh, is that your hat with the lace band and blue feathers? Nice! I think you were actually one of two heads I was trying to shoot around. ;D
But yeah, there was so much to see! I'm so excited to go back!
Next time, just tell him to get his feather lower, where they should be anyway. ;)