Pretty solid word is:
1. The line of food booths between the Greek booth and heading toward the front gate are being rebuilt.
2. Fitz's daughter is currently undergoing treatment for Leukemia, and he has said on Facebook that he might not be performing this year (so I assume his belly dancing wife may not be out either)
3. They've excavated more gravel and the drive way to the participant's campground and "C" gate has shifted more.
Rumor:
The Duchess of Diddle (she has MC'd the Queen's Tea as well as being a street character) may not have a contract.
I was out at my shop a few weekends ago and all the food booths between the shops in the 228 row in treetop round were gone. I took pics, but I didn't upload them. The food booth at the corner was there, maybe that's the Greek food. Also, as you come in the front gate, the two shops to the left, (I think one was Thatchentree) and the bakery were gone. Nothing left but some steps and 2 dumpsters full.
As it stands now, Fitz's wife will not be out performing this year. Though there is no firm plans as to wether or not they will make an appearance. Festival is their daughter's favorite thing every year. If there is any possible way for them to make it out, I'm sure they will.
Rafe
Quote from: groomporter on July 27, 2009, 07:11:22 PM
1. The line of food booths between the Greek booth and heading toward the front gate are being rebuilt.
From an aesthetic view...the "newest" sections of Fair have the hokiest "Disneyesque" looking food buildings ever. The "cartoon" approach to building design out there is a real turn-off for me. While many of the buildings have been horridly neglected over the years I would hate to see the grounds remade into some cheap grotesque "Happy Meal" version of a Renaissance Festival. Soon I fear the King will be looking for a new job, having been replaced by Mayor McCheese.
I pray some real thought will be put into the design/building of the new booths. More built like Mac's, less built like McDonalds.
What's the matter, Dreg? You don't like the feeling you're strolling through a Sid Meier Renaissance Festival game? ;D
One can hope.
I don't know if they are still using the guy who designed the row of food booths by "C" gate at the north end of site. It's said he admitted he was inspired by the village in Disney's Beauty and the Beast. The rumor is that they had no choice about rebuilding food booths due to multiple code violations.
I can see not having a new Hall of Masters yet in favor of new food booths, Last thing we would need is to have food booths shut down by the county.
Quote from: groomporter on July 28, 2009, 07:39:07 AM
I can see not having a new Hall of Masters yet in favor of new food booths, Last thing we would need is to have food booths shut down by the county.
I do not see a problem there we still have beer there. :D ;D
Oh yes! Longer lines at the (too) few food booths available. I love that idea. ::)
They could DOUBLE the food booths out there and still have long lines.
And if you have the proper potency of rum in with your mead, everything gets a bit Technicolour anyway. No wonder I didn't think twice about the Disney-esque stuff. 8)
Fitz's daughter... SO sad. I hope she is taking well to the treatment and will be able to visit her favorite place this summer.
Torn down food booths... well... won't they be fixed by the time the rum starts? I LOVE the bakery by the front gate, they have the best cookies...
Mayor McCheese... just... awesome. :)
Quote from: Charlotte Rowan on July 28, 2009, 08:39:34 AM
Torn down food booths... well... won't they be fixed by the time the rum starts? I LOVE the bakery by the front gate, they have the best cookies...
Should be, but they might be cutting it close with the number that they're working on.
Quote from: Capt. BacardiI do not see a problem there we still have beer there.
But man does not live by beer alone, there's gotta be wine and mead and food on a stick.
-And mimes on a schtick?
Thought I'd make a killing with "Mead on a Stick" but alas no. Just wound up with a bunch of sticky sticks...sigh.
I was on site Saturday.
They were just beginning to tip up walls on those booths. Many other booths in that island has trenches cut thru them. There is a trench going from Greek Foods to Troubador stage including thru that pass thru. Cinnamon bun & flower booth are gone with the space prepped for a pouring.
The quarrying is all the way up to First Aid. Employee parking will be pushed around B-gate.
Rumor and only rumor. Plans will likely change a few times:
I also talked to a few shop owners about the proposed timeline to move front gate to the Children's Realm thru C-gate wall area, thus moving/eliminating the campground unless it is moved to the auxillary parking space to the NW of the current front gate. There was also talk of it being moved to the Horse gate area, thus allowing the campground to remain. The employee parking would probably be in the quarried areas. Again: ONLY RUMOR! A working plan, at best. I mention this only as a vessel to prepare my fest friends/family/patrons that major changes are coming and that we can make them work and be successful.
Personally, I like the logistics of the front gate being at the horse gate. You could see it from the dirt road and the first thing the patrons would see is the jousting track and pavillion on the hill.
Quote from: Noble Dreg on July 28, 2009, 09:39:37 AM
Thought I'd make a killing with "Mead on a Stick" but alas no. Just wound up with a bunch of sticky sticks...sigh.
I totally read that wrong. I thought you said 'Mead Guy on a stick.' I'm like ???
1. I don't swing that way.
2. It would make it too difficult to bend to the get the cash box.
How very sad about Fitz' daughter.. My thoughts and prayers are with them..
Bacardi and I should be out on site on the 8th and the 15th of this month, and will take some pictures of the goings on..
At least they're not tearing down the beer booths!!! :o Food is over rated anyways.. Beer can be food.. ;) Beer is food!! Who's ready for a Breakfast Beer?!!
Would love to see more buildings like Mac's, but alas I am sure the cost difference to build a stone building or just a "fake" building front is significant.. Hopefully there won't be too much of a mess going on after opening... Could deter people from coming out.. which means less money for fest and the vendors, and us poor poor beer wenches! ;)
Quote from: William_MacKean on July 28, 2009, 09:58:54 AM
I also talked to a few shop owners about the proposed timeline to move front gate to the Children's Realm thru C-gate wall area, thus moving/eliminating the campground unless it is moved to the auxillary parking space to the NW of the current front gate. There was also talk of it being moved to the Horse gate area, thus allowing the campground to remain.
As of the Masters' Dinner last year we were told by management that there was no plan at that time to move the gate, but yeah I've always thought moving it to the horse gate area would seem like the smartest since it could disrupt the minimum number of existing booths.
Except for the fact that it would be a nightmare for Safety Services/First Aid. There would be so much foot traffic in that area that it would be difficult for ambulances and other emergency services to get to us. While the option to "move" it is there, if that happened we would end up with nothing more than a stick shanty or a tent which would suck for EVERYONE involved.
this isn't woodstock. There may be hippies but there needs to be more than just a tent for first aid to treat those who ate the brown acid.
Might build up A-gate for SS? (Just a guess/suggestion.)
That would help out, especially if they are considering moving campground to the west side.
Otherwise move SS to C-gate area? Maybe near the turkey leg cooker. Might make some of you smell better. :P
Kidding, of course... maybe. ;D
Whatever the changes are or are not:
We can work with them to help these changes appear 'intentional' and 'positive' for the patrons. If any express concerns, we can direct them to MAF's website with the assurance that their missive will be read and considered.
I, for one, am happy that we have been granted another decade or two. If it is not a perfect decade, I just remind myself that it is better than no decade at all.
I wonder how that would affect us at the fencing booth, as we are immediately inside horse gate. I don't think anybody would be too keen about it having to move. On the other hand, if it didn't have to move at all, being right next to the main gate might be kinda fun -- we'd be the first and last thing people see every day of the run. :D
Quote from: tcindie on July 28, 2009, 09:23:56 PM
... -- we'd be the first and last thing people see every day of the run. :D
I am so not ready for that!
Why? Can't handle the awesomeness?
Ahh a Kung Foo master teach us the way to harmony. ::)
Quote from: tcindie on July 28, 2009, 10:28:50 PM
Why? Can't handle the awesomeness?
No, I just avoid "foiled" brats! ;D :D
Whatever happens happens ... as it was said - at least we are still there --
My only concern at this point is parking. Last year it was a nightmare- people were blocking each other in constantly, cars were getting dinged up cause everyone was trying to "squeeze" into a spot that wasn't really a spot to park - triple parking ... it was horrible for not only employees but for safetey services as well. Now that parking has decreased even more where are we going to park?? As it is - what was once employee parking on the back side- become shared parking with patrons ... now what will happen?? Short of getting there at 5am to secure a spot - who knows whats gonna happen?? It seems as though employees are not going to have a designated place to park anymore.
As crafters we haven't heard any official word about parking. Unless they've been filling in and leveling some of the previously excavated areas we can only assume it's going to be the same or slightly worse. If I remember, I think part of the problem last year was also a lack of people directing participant parking for the first couple weekends as well.
The rumor is employee parking in the pit....again.
Quote from: harem_pants on August 02, 2009, 10:13:59 AM
The rumor is employee parking in the pit....again.
Makes a certain amount of sense, but what a hike! I see huge pick up/drop off problems for the little ones, too. Only 1 narrow road going to C-gate/campground. Long walk for the 'kids.' Best that they get picked up near front gate or Horse gate.
I have a lot of heavy liquid to haul about. I hope there are some accommodations for those who need to haul stock about.
Quote from: harem_pants on August 02, 2009, 10:13:59 AM
The rumor is employee parking in the pit....again.
Seeing the pit these past couple weekends. . . it's not likely. Not a lot of open flat space for parking. A road and a lot of debris from the mining.
I'm just going to make sure I get there early enough to park so I don't have to walk forever and a day to my booth. I don't like the idea of carrying 3+ tons of rock from half a mile away when I should be able to park 10 yards from my booth. ::)
I was down there yesterday (Sunday) and they have dug up as far as to joust camp ... where the horses are corralled is where the digging has stopped. I too was told by another person while on site Sunday that rumor has it we will be parking in the pit & having to walk through the campsite to get to the grounds ... not only do I think that will be disruption to the campers - but I agree - what a haul! (although I believe it was said that the miners promised to "flatten it out a bit" for us.)
DB my plan is also to get there early - hopefully that will at least help some.
I hope patron parking is better organized this year & they start to fill up the front lot BEFORE they start parking around the side & behind legond. That too would help us - even if a little.
I agree; they should leave parking behind Legend open to us before letting patrons park over there. That would help somewhat with the parking issues. Also, being that I park behind Legend anyway, I see way too many patrons rummaging about in backstage areas that they should be in, or trying to enter through the back instead of going through front gate.
I've always had to be there by 8 am, so I've never had a problem with parking... always just drove in and parked by B Gate *shrug*. We'll see what happens this year...
Quote from: Charlotte Rowan on August 04, 2009, 08:36:26 AM
I've always had to be there by 8 am, so I've never had a problem with parking... always just drove in and parked by B Gate *shrug*. We'll see what happens this year...
I was always there by 8 am or before last season as well and we were able to park in front of B gate no more than one or two rows in.
After hearing all this, I'm glad I have to be there first thing!
Save the pit parking for the campsite users. They'll be closer to their cars (nice for them) and won't have general festie help walking by their unsecured nylon homes. Less traffic near there the better. Have us non-camping boobs park behind Legend and maybe squirt a little towards B-gate.
Quote from: William_MacKean on August 04, 2009, 11:17:08 AM
Save the pit parking for the campsite users. They'll be closer to their cars (nice for them) and won't have general festie help walking by their unsecured nylon homes. Less traffic near there the better. Have us non-camping boobs park behind Legend and maybe squirt a little towards B-gate.
That is a *really* good idea.
Fitz has announced that based on her last test his daughter is in almost full remission of her Leukemia! So they will be part of the cast for most of the run.
Quote from: groomporter on August 17, 2009, 08:56:56 AM
Fitz has announced that based on her last test his daughter is in almost full remission of her Leukemia! So they will be part of the cast for most of the run.
Huzzah!!
That is great. I believe the J.C.'s are going to raise some money for them during the season too.
Quote from: groomporter on August 17, 2009, 08:56:56 AM
Fitz has announced that based on her last test his daughter is in almost full remission of her Leukemia! So they will be part of the cast for most of the run.
That is great news!
Quote from: groomporter on August 17, 2009, 08:56:56 AM
Fitz has announced that based on her last test his daughter is in almost full remission of her Leukemia! So they will be part of the cast for most of the run.
That is excellent news!
"My Lady's Cutlass" is going to be back under a new name: Laughing Hearts Pub Band and with a third member and a new CD.
It will be great having Kim and Jen out there performing again!
Quote from: groomporter on August 20, 2009, 07:32:22 AM
"My Lady's Cutlass" is going to be back under a new name: Laughing Hearts Pub Band and with a third member and a new CD.
Got to see them perform up at Twig under their new guise. Their new member Steph adds a lot of good talent to the group.
Quote from: Deadbishop on August 20, 2009, 11:35:23 AM
Quote from: groomporter on August 20, 2009, 07:32:22 AM
"My Lady's Cutlass" is going to be back under a new name: Laughing Hearts Pub Band and with a third member and a new CD.
Got to see them perform up at Twig under their new guise. Their new member Steph adds a lot of good talent to the group.
Love the new name :)
We're parking in the pit
We're parking in the pit
hi ho the derry-o
We're parking in the pit
Quote from: groomporter on August 31, 2009, 11:02:43 AM
We're parking in the pit
We're parking in the pit
hi ho the derry-o
We're parking in the pit
Yeah, isn't that great news?
But really, there's nothing stopping anyone from coming in the front entrance like a regular patron and parking up close to B gate, right?
Quote from: groomporter on August 31, 2009, 11:02:43 AM
We're parking in the pit
We're parking in the pit
hi ho the derry-o
We're parking in the pit
So they say.... they tried to do this about 3 or 4 years ago too, and it totally didn't work.
I liked how the official email stated that "Everyone with either a Green Parking Pass or an Orange Parking
Passes will be impacted." First of all, grammar check. Second of all, no indication is given about the circumstances under which this would occur, i.e. if found parking in them main lot. Nope. Just everyone with Green or Orange passes will be impacted, regardless of compliance with the new parking rules. So if you have one, get rid of it quick! ;)
Quote from: Deadbishop on August 31, 2009, 11:06:44 AM
Quote from: groomporter on August 31, 2009, 11:02:43 AM
We're parking in the pit
We're parking in the pit
hi ho the derry-o
We're parking in the pit
Yeah, isn't that great news?
But really, there's nothing stopping anyone from coming in the front entrance like a regular patron and parking up close to B gate, right?
Well, you better remember to take the orange parking permit out of the windshield, first!
Quote from: groomporter on August 31, 2009, 11:02:43 AM
We're parking in the pit
We're parking in the pit
hi ho the derry-o
We're parking in the pit
lame lame lame lame lame lame lame... did I say this was lame?!!!!
Quote from: William_MacKean on August 31, 2009, 11:11:33 AM
Quote from: Deadbishop on August 31, 2009, 11:06:44 AM
Quote from: groomporter on August 31, 2009, 11:02:43 AM
We're parking in the pit
We're parking in the pit
hi ho the derry-o
We're parking in the pit
Yeah, isn't that great news?
But really, there's nothing stopping anyone from coming in the front entrance like a regular patron and parking up close to B gate, right?
Well, you better remember to take the orange parking permit out of the windshield, first!
Hehehe-- Exactly!
This mostly will only effect those of us that are there after hours and/or camping.. as during the day if you don't have a pass in your car, as far as fest is concerned your car is just another car, and as long as you clear out at the end of the day what difference does it make....
If I were MAF, I would have SS in the front watching for participants going to their cars.
And if I were a participant, I would just say that I get a ride in the morning and my friends drop my car off during the afternoon.
And if my car gets damaged, flooded in, or otherwise pesterred, I will be mailing the bill to Canterbury Street.
That said, I hear they fixed the flooding problem and I suspect this will be a 1-year thing. They'll have it all quarried out and park-able by next season. I see no reason why not.
One of the problems is the issuing of pink parking passes for people with handicapped parking permits. No one could tell us how, when or where we could get them. We've got three people just in our lane who need them.
I sent to our new craft contact
Please pass on to the management that we think it is stupid to make parking changes during the run -especially with no info how/when they will issue the special pink parking passes. They knew this was coming, and should have implemented it at the beginning of the season so that the bugs could be worked out in the slower first couple of weekends. We hope they will keep that in mind as the parking situation worsens with continued mining.
I fear the mining company will reclaim the emptied sections on their own schedule with little regard to fest's needs and it will get worse before it gets better.
I think the phrase for the run will "car pool"
I am just waiting to see who is exempt from these rules and how that is going to upset some people.
I am also wondering how we are going to get our 50 gallon barrels of mead around and why anyone thinks it is a good idea to make us park them well out of sight. (Hence where the bill will be sent.)
And I assume there will be ample SS presense who knows who car is whose to prevent people from taking advantage of the fact that our cars are a goodly distance from us. (Hence where the bill will be sent.)
I further assume that there will be ample shuttles to accommodate those that have a bunch of luggage that needs to go with to ensure that we are not late for our assignments.
Wonderful planning. Spot on wonderful planning. Keep it up and there might be ample space available in the patron sections. I am clearly not happy, but will try to make it work.
I am confused for I have no pass to park period. The letter said no one without a pass will be permited in the pit and no parking in the "guest parking" if for participants. Guess I'm going to have to "beam in". ::)
That was my question as well, since I'm without a parking pass. This should be interesting. And where was this letter posted?
It was being passed out late afternoon and was posted this morning on the two MNRF Elists:
****EFFECTIVE Saturday September 5,
2009****
Why:
As most of you are aware mining activities of the property owners have
resulted in the necessity to establish a new parking area to replace spots
that have been lost. Change is always challenging. We have created a new
Participant Quarry Parking area which we believe provides the best
short-term and long-term resolution to our parking issues. We will "tweak"
the process as we move forward this season and desire to hear constructive
suggestions you may have. We look forward to working with all of you to make
2009 an enjoyable and successful season.
General Info:
1. Everyone must put their parking pass in their windshield on the
driver's side.
2. All Participants obtaining a pink parking pass must register their
name, site location, vehicle information and license plate numbers(s).
3. Participant parking will now be located in the Quarry (the mining
area located West of gate C)
4. Everyone with either a Green Parking Pass or an Orange Parking
Passes will be impacted.
5. A special Pink Parking Pass will be issued to people with medical
conditions or other special circumstances (distributed by your Department
Heads)
6. We will have adequate staff and signage to facilitate this
transition.
How this will Work:
1. All Participants will be required to enter the grounds through HWY
41. This will now be turned into a Participant Entrance only.
2. We would encourage all of you to arrive earlier.
3. There will be a Parking Attendant and Safety Service person at the
new Participant Quarry Parking entrance checking your parking pass and will
guide you in the correct direction.
4. Those participants with a Green On-site Driving Passes will be
allowed to drop off whatever they need to on site, but then will be directed
to the Participant Quarry Parking area to park.
5. Once you are parked in the Participant Quarry Parking area, there
will be a shuttle busses to bring you up by the C-gate entrance.
6. These shuttle busses will run from 6am - 10am, 1pm - 3pm and 6pm -
10pm during the days we are open.
7. A warning signal will sound 15 minutes signaling the last bus pickup
before 10pm.
8. All Participants parking will be located in this new Participant
Quarry Parking area and participants will not be allowed to park in the main
lot or in a specialized parking lot without prior approval.
9. All vehicles must be out of the Participant Quarry Parking area
before Midnight on Sunday Nights each night.
10. A Safety Service Staff Person will be available to accompany any person
to their vehicle that does not feel safe after these hours. .
11. Vehicles may be towed for not adhering to the new parking regulations.
You will be responsible for all towing costs.
12. As in the past we are not responsible for your vehicle or for any
contents left in your vehicle.
Crafters:
1. Crafter booths which have parking available behind their booth may
be approved to receive one Pink Parking Pass for a vehicle, RV or Trailer of
your choice.
2. If you have more than one Pink Parking Pass already, they may be
taken away and you may lose the privilege to park any vehicle on the
festival site.
3. With a Pink Parking Pass a Crafter will be allowed to park one
vehicle behind their booth where space allows or in a special parking area
designated for Pink Parking Passes.
4. Trailers and RV's used for storage purposes will have to be approved
by your Department Head.
5. All other staff members from your booth will have to park in the
Participant Quarry Parking area
6. If you have special concerns or medical issues, please contact your
Department Head.
7. Please remember the shuttle will end at 10pm.
Entertainers:
1. All entertainers already have an Orange Parking Pass or a Green pass
and are required to park in the Participant Quarry Parking area
2. If you have a medical condition or a special circumstance that does
not allow you to park in the Participant Quarry Parking area, please talk to
your Department Head about getting a Pink Pass.
3. Those with a Pink Parking Pass will have an assigned parking area
one of the main lots.
4. Please remember the shuttle will end at 10pm.
CKC & Food Independents:
1. All CKC workers already have an Orange Parking Pass or a Green pass
and are required to park in the Participant Quarry Parking area
2. If you have a medical condition or a special circumstance that does
not allow you to park in the Participant Parking area, please talk to your
Department Head about getting a Pink Pass.
3. Those with a Pink Parking Pass will have an assigned parking area in
the main lot.
4. If you are going to be dropped off or picked up from the site, you
will be given directions on where the drop off location will be from your
Department Head.
5. Please remember the shuttle will end at 10pm.
Gamers, Rides, & Participants with Animals:
6. All participants already have an Orange Parking Pass or a Green pass
and are required to park in the Participant Quarry Parking area
7. If you have a medical condition or a special circumstance that does
not allow you to park in the Participant Parking area, please talk to your
Department Head about getting a Pink Pass.
8. Those with a Pink Parking Pass will have an assigned parking area in
the main lot.
9. If you are going to be dropped off or picked up from the site, you
will be given directions on where the drop off location will be from your
Department Head.
10. Please remember the shuttle will end at 10pm.
Thanks, groomporter!
Yeesh. Saturday should be a nightmare.
I didn't have a parking pass either, until yesterday when this news came out and my pubmaster told me how to get one. I worked for 5 years before this with no parking pass and never even knew I needed one. Go figure. Yes, this weekend should certainly be interesting...
Quote from: Mad Jack Wolfe on August 31, 2009, 01:22:00 PM
Thanks, groomporter!
Yeesh. Saturday should be a nightmare.
Definitely gonna bring product and as much other stuff for the weekend out on Friday.
SS is a little frustrated because Saturday we were told we got to keep our little parking corral but then Sunday we discover that we too must park in the pit. Furthermore, night crew needs our vehicles to do back gate and respond to calls. We are allowed to have our cars upstairs at night but they must be moved back down to the pit before 6AM.
We also now have to have someone stationed in the pit until 10PM listening to everyone whine and complain.
We are not to also provide an escort to the pit for anyone that requests it. I have heard more than my share of people saying they will do this just constantly to "stick it to the man". Nope, all you are going to do is make us angry.
What I hate is that we DON'T make the rules we just have to enforce them and somehow whenever a rule comes down that people don't like they screw us over to get back at management. What they don't seem to understand is that management could care less what happens to SS or how this impacts us, further by abusing us all they are doing is making us bitter and jaded and less likely to WANT to be helpful.
We bust our butts for EVERYONE, we do so to keep everyone safe and happy. We stay up all night and pick your drunk self off the ground and take you somewhere to sleep, we provide first aid, we stop fights, we protect people at great personal risk to ourselves and we do it for minimum wage. We are not above the rules ourselves either and we whined and complained about it to our direct boss and then let it go. We aren't taking it out on other people who have nothing to do with it. I will have ZERO tolerance for people abusing our position to get back at us for something we had nothing to do with.
Also, everyone has friends. Walk to your car with one of them. The only thing we provide is a warm body to whine at. We can do nothing more for anyone than walk them down there. If something or someone was actually down there to cause harm there isn't much more we can do than call the cops just like any person with a cell phone could. Walking in the pit is no different than walking in the parking lot. The only thing out there is drunk idiots, coyotes and chupacabras ^_^. I can't hurt any of those with super SS powers. I cannot fight back, I cannot use defensive or offensive weapons. I have to stand there, report it in, and call the cops. Just like anyone else.
Additionally, Night Crew has less than half the numbers of day crew. On a given night we have roughly 6 people on shift. 4 on Sundays. 1 will at all times be allocated and useless on back gate. 1 must be in the office with the dispatcher, the remaining 4 people on a Saturday night are making sure that the site is locked down, making sure people aren't passed out in privies, keeping people off stages, carding people in the BLT, making sure people aren't sleeping in their cars, going after people who blow past back gate without showing ID, providing first aid, monitoring the campground for loud obnoxious people. Now add in escorts to vehicles, 1 person stationed in the quarry until 10, towing on sundays after 12, roaming the parking lot to make sure orange and green passes are not in the main lot, setting off the tornado siren at 9:45 to indicate the last shuttle, etc etc etc.
Also, the pit will not get backfilled. Not at least until they have mined every last drop of gravel they can. Most likely the current SS office will be gone next year. We just spent money and time to get that place in shape and for nothing. We will have to move everything from that office somewhere else. The remainder of the participant lot will be gone next year and likely a good portion of the patron lot. The campground probably won't be around in another 3-5 years.
You think you have it bad for having to walk a bit? We have it 10 times worse for doing the same thing AND policing everyone else and being yelled at while we do it with a smile. Spread this on, tell your friends. It's not our fault, we are screwed too.
The exit road is one-way late in the afternoon and for a while after cannon. Anyone hear?... will participants have to circle around to 169 and come in the front entrance if they need to drive back on to site or the campground right after cannon without waiting for traffic to clear?
Maybe I just want to see yer fine tush walking next to me? ;)
Just as a clarification, my post was intended to shed some light on how SS is really going to get hosed this. And SS really shouldn't.
And let us consider that Fest might be getting pressure from the land owner as well. Festival may have really stuck their neck out to even have this show any more! The land owners wanted to quarry it, which is their right. Festival got a lease extension.
Will it be more difficult? Yup. Help each other out.
Does it appear poorly planned? Yup. Write a polite letter offering alternative solutions and ideas.
Is it better than having no show? I think so. No one is forcing anyone to work here.
Idea:
A Muster Point. Anyone about to walk to the pit can walk by a muster point where others might be waiting. We can walk out together! Where should this be? SS office?
I think C-Gate would be the most appropriate meeting point as it is easily found and close to the campground road to the pit.
Is the campground road to the pit being re-opened for vehicle traffic or foot traffic?
Quote from: MissBubu on August 31, 2009, 04:10:31 PM
Is the campground road to the pit being re-opened for vehicle traffic or foot traffic?
Yikes!! I hope not... that would be a lot of people coming through the campground, and probably raise the chance of theft, violence, etc.. in the campground... Boooooo...
Got a call late this afternoon from Teresa the new crafter contact to confirm that she got my Email, but she told the wife she still did not have info on how/when/if the pink parking passes would be issued to people with handicapped parking permits from the state.
I'm wondering if they are just going to say "ride the shuttle from the pit unless you are in a wheel chair"
Yesterday when they handed out our copy of the "newsletter", I let the woman know that I understood. We'd had some people come by the day before and let us know what was going to happen. It's bothersome and it sucks but it's better than not having fest. I was surprised that it hadn't already been sorted out before the season started. I asked the owner of my booth if parking had changed and he hadn't heard anything (this was all pre-season).
This is such a bad idea, on so many levels. >:(
When I talked with Theresa, she said she would contact me, I gave her my business card. No call and no email yet. (now 1 am Tues.) I left the newsletter in my shop. Groomporter, can you renmail me her email, please? I need to get a pink pass too. I never even knew they had pink passes. How will I get a pink pass before Sat.? If I don't get a pink pass, I won't be able to attend the rest of the show. :(
I don't understand why they couldn't wait until after the festival. Why do this after 2 weekends? Will they be excavating there this week?
What if there are 2 people in a vehicle, one has a pass and one has a ticket? Do they come in the same gate?
What if someone has a large expensive musical instrument, such as a harp? Do they drop that off and then drive to the pit and shuttle to C gate and then walk to their harp? What if they have props, wagons and other stuff? They just drop it off somewhere and hope no one takes it?
How many shuttles will there be? How many people will they hold? Will we have to wait until it fills before they drive to C gate? How long is that going to take? Why don't they shuttle attendees from Shakopee? Most people that attend only go once, except for a few season pass holders. Wouldn't that work better than having us, shopkeepers, entertainers and food booth workers, who have to be there 16 days with all of our stuff? How many times has the parking lot been full in the past few years? It's usually half full. The State fair shuttles people that attend, not booth workers and those with animals. What about those of us who have shops on the other end of the site, by front gate? We drop off our stuff, if we get there before 8am (and with this new crap, we will probably not make it by 8am) then we lock it up and THEN we drive back to the pit and then wait for a shuttle, then get to C gate and then walk all the way back to the front? Craziness. What a bad idea for all of us, who make the show possible.
Quote from: Lady L on September 01, 2009, 01:34:17 AM
When I talked with Theresa, she said she would contact me, I gave her my business card. No call and no email yet. (now 1 am Tues.) I left the newsletter in my shop. Groomporter, can you renmail me her email, please? I need to get a pink pass too. I never even knew they had pink passes. How will I get a pink pass before Sat.? If I don't get a pink pass, I won't be able to attend the rest of the show. :(
What if there are 2 people in a vehicle, one has a pass and one has a ticket? Do they come in the same gate?
What if someone has a large expensive musical instrument, such as a harp? Do they drop that off and then drive to the pit and shuttle to C gate and then walk to their harp? What if they have props, wagons and other stuff? They just drop it off somewhere and hope no one takes it?
How many shuttles will there be? How many people will they hold? Will we have to wait until it fills before they drive to C gate? How long is that going to take? Why don't they shuttle attendees from Shakopee? Most people that attend only go once, except for a few season pass holders. Wouldn't that work better than having us, shopkeepers, entertainers and food booth workers, who have to be there 16 days with all of our stuff? How many times has the parking lot been full in the past few years? It's usually half full. The State fair shuttles people that attend, not booth workers and those with animals. What about those of us who have shops on the other end of the site, by front gate? We drop off our stuff, if we get there before 8am (and with this new crap, we will probably not make it by 8am) then we lock it up and THEN we drive back to the pit and then wait for a shuttle, then get to C gate and then walk all the way back to the front? Craziness. What a bad idea for all of us, who make the show possible.
This is what I understand just from being at cast call:
there were no pink passes before this year. They are new as of the weekend.
Pink passes will be hard to get! I believe they only get to hand out a small number. Each booth will get 1 pink pass per booth to either park in a space behind their booth or in assigned parking. Otherwise you must have a medical condition or special circumstances, and then you need to talk to your department head.
Shuttles run every 15 minutes I believe is what they said. These shuttle busses will run from 6am – 10am, 1pm – 3pm and 6pm - 10pm during the days we are open.
In order to drop things off you will need a green pass, not just an orange pass. I don't know how drop off works. Guess you might need a buddy system there.
I am guessing also that the person with the ticket is going to have to walk to the front gate. They don't accept tickets at any other gate, though the person with the pass will be allowed through.
I know part of this is last year there were at least 3 days *not holiday weekends either* that patron parking was backed up all the way onto 169. I know the day I had to leave and come back due to costume malfunctions, the line to get in was all the way out to the stoplight past 41. and they were almost parked on 169 back to 41. It was ridiculous. So I am guessing that is why they are doing this. Oh and as for the shuttles... it is cheaper to shuttle us than them!
Quote from: saphire_glade on September 01, 2009, 06:57:00 AM
Pink passes will be hard to get! I believe they only get to hand out a small number. Each booth will get 1 pink pass per booth to either park in a space behind their booth or in assigned parking. Otherwise you must have a medical condition or special circumstances, and then you need to talk to your department head.
In order to drop things off you will need a green pass, not just an orange pass. I don't know how drop off works. Guess you might need a buddy system there.
Green passes are generally only issued to booth owners on the interior of site. They allow us to drive onto site (within the walls) to unload product. My reading of the handout was that only people with medical issues, and/or handicapped parking permits from the state will get pink passes
not every booth. A few booths have special permission to park a vehicle directly behind their booth -usually if the crafter is in a wheelchair or has a serious medical condition. They are the probably ones most likely to get a pink parking pass.
In the past there was an old full-sized school bus that they used to shuttle guests from the Trail of Terror parking to Bad Manor for the Phantom's Feast and back, so I'm assuming that will be the shuttle.
*raises hand* I have a question.....If we have to be out by midnight on Sun night, what are we going to do this weekend since we are open on Mon?
I do have to say that while overall this will suck, I have found a silver lining for myself: The past 2 weekends I've had to park out past B gate, in the patron parking area, and walk all the way back to C gate to get in because I do not have a hard pass but have to get a paper pass every morning from the Jaycees. At least this way, the shuttle will take me right to C gate.
Anyone else have a silver lining? It might help us all to try to think positively, since no matter how crappy it is for everyone involved in the show (Lady L had a very good point about the State Fair shuttle!), it is unlikely to change.
Ok so it's 12am on the evening before a pit working day. They will not be working in the pit on labor day therefore that extends to 12am MONDAY for this weekend only. After 12am on Sunday (or this weekend Monday) you may park up top.
Festival friday: All participants working festival friday may park up top UNTIL FRIDAY NIGHT at which time they MUST move down into the pit for the weekend.
Quote from: harem_pants on September 01, 2009, 09:07:53 AM
Ok so it's 12am on the evening before a pit working day. They will not be working in the pit on labor day therefore that extends to 12am MONDAY for this weekend only. After 12am on Sunday (or this weekend Monday) you may park up top.
Festival friday: All participants working festival friday may park up top UNTIL FRIDAY NIGHT at which time they MUST move down into the pit for the weekend.
Thanks Ness!! :-*
Nessa,
Could you find out this for me? Will we be allowed on Friday Evening to drive down into the camp ground to drop our stuff off and then move straight to the pit?
Can anyone answer my silly question? I have a laminated "punch pass". My daughter and son are both bringing a friend and the rest of the family is tagging along this Saturday. As they do not have passes they cannot take the shuttle nor park in the pit. I will be going down to fest with them. I assume we need to park "up top" as we have an unautherized "public" vehicle.
Must I walk to "C" gate or will "B" gate still accept "punch passes"? Will my "B gate only" pass be good at "C" gate.
I am certainly willing to work with what must be, just trying to avoid strife. Change is harder when one is uncertain of the outcome or our responsability, most of us apear uncertain.
I know for sure that you can get in the front gate or B gate with your hard pass, Dreg. :) I would assume C gate too but I can't say that for certain.
Rafe: Yes you should still be able to go into the campground to drop off stuff just like before and then park in the pit.
Dreg: You can go in ANY gate with your plastic punch pass including the front gate with your family and their tickets. As for parking, I assume you will not be showing up until closer to cannon with your family, go ahead and park in the patron lot and just don't show the parking crew your pass but make sure you come in the 169 gate. If you come in from 41 and try to park in the patron lot you will be asked to move your car. Just come in like a patron that day.
If I have a plastic punch pass but no parking pass this weekend, would I still be able to get in from 41? I get there about 7:30.
Guess I should have been clearer, but hey, I'm a neophyte! ;D
My pass is not a picture ID, it is paper sealed in plastic without my name (generic). It must be punched with each arrival to be valid (or so I've been told).
I guess worst case, I'll show up at a gate and they might ask me to go to a different one...Lord knows I could use the exercise! Appreciate the info guys!
Oh, and MNRF is still a bunch o' fun or I wouldn't do it!
Quote from: harem_pants on September 01, 2009, 09:40:11 AM
Rafe: Yes you should still be able to go into the campground to drop off stuff just like before and then park in the pit.
Thanks Hun! Been trying to get an answer to that since sunday.
Yeah Nessa, you are certainly a fountain of knowledge for us! Thanks.
Quote from: Noble Dreg on September 01, 2009, 10:20:32 AM
Guess I should have been clearer, but hey, I'm a neophyte! ;D
My pass is not a picture ID, it is paper sealed in plastic without my name (generic). It must be punched with each arrival to be valid (or so I've been told).
I guess worst case, I'll show up at a gate and they might ask me to go to a different one...Lord knows I could use the exercise! Appreciate the info guys!
Oh, and MNRF is still a bunch o' fun or I wouldn't do it!
Well that sounds handy... I wish I had one like that. Not as good as a permanent pass, but better than having to go get a new paper one every day!
Dreg: I knew you were talking about the generic pass. As I said my suggestion would be to go through the front gate with your friends and family and come in from the 169 gate that day. If you are concerned, go to b-gate and have it punched before going to the front gate, it isn't that far out of the way.
Mad-Jack: In order to get through the 41 gate you need a site pass of some kind. In order to park you need a parking pass. You will probably get directed around by parking crew due to your lack of pass, where they will put you I have no idea. My suggestion is to get a parking pass FIRST thing Saturday morning and put it in your car at your first available opportunity.
NOTE OF ADVICE: And I can't stress this enough. PUT YOUR NAME, WHERE YOU WORK, AND A CELL NUMBER ON YOUR PARKING PASS IN BIG BLACK PERMANENT MARKER. That way if we might have to tow you for some reason we have the ability to find you first.
Thanks, Nessa! ;D
Thanks again to the Maven of Midnight. Your marker idea is a good one, I do the same thing to my butt for similar reasons. If found please return to... ;D
Quote from: harem_pants on September 01, 2009, 10:36:09 AM
Dreg: I knew you were talking about the generic pass. As I said my suggestion would be to go through the front gate with your friends and family and come in from the 169 gate that day. If you are concerned, go to b-gate and have it punched before going to the front gate, it isn't that far out of the way.
Mad-Jack: In order to get through the 41 gate you need a site pass of some kind. In order to park you need a parking pass. You will probably get directed around by parking crew due to your lack of pass, where they will put you I have no idea. My suggestion is to get a parking pass FIRST thing Saturday morning and put it in your car at your first available opportunity.
NOTE OF ADVICE: And I can't stress this enough. PUT YOUR NAME, WHERE YOU WORK, AND A CELL NUMBER ON YOUR PARKING PASS IN BIG BLACK PERMANENT MARKER. That way if we might have to tow you for some reason we have the ability to find you first.
Just out of curiosity, for what reason would there be to tow someone besides parking illegally/not following the parking rules?
Quote from: Charlotte Rowan on September 01, 2009, 10:46:14 AM
Just out of curiosity, for what reason would there be to tow someone besides parking illegally/not following the parking rules?
Parking someone in so they cannot get out.
Quote from: Rafe on September 01, 2009, 10:50:17 AM
Quote from: Charlotte Rowan on September 01, 2009, 10:46:14 AM
Just out of curiosity, for what reason would there be to tow someone besides parking illegally/not following the parking rules?
Parking someone in so they cannot get out.
Okay, fair enough... that to me falls under illegal parking. So if I park in the correct place and don't park anyone in, I should be good? I'm not overly comfortable with displaying my name and phone number on my car. But I guess if there's a chance I'm going to be randomly towed, I will do so!
Quote from: Charlotte Rowan on September 01, 2009, 10:55:22 AM
Quote from: Rafe on September 01, 2009, 10:50:17 AM
Quote from: Charlotte Rowan on September 01, 2009, 10:46:14 AM
Just out of curiosity, for what reason would there be to tow someone besides parking illegally/not following the parking rules?
Parking someone in so they cannot get out.
Okay, fair enough... that to me falls under illegal parking. So if I park in the correct place and don't park anyone in, I should be good? I'm not overly comfortable with displaying my name and phone number on my car. But I guess if there's a chance I'm going to be randomly towed, I will do so!
In the 4 years I've been doing SS I've never had it (displayed phone numbers) be an issue. Also, while you may be good about not parking people in, people might park in such a way that it looks like you did so yeah. Also if we find cars parked overnight in the patron lot they will be towed, etc etc etc. It's just a mess.
I'll just throw more confusion into the mix... This is for the Jaycee's... Mandy (Chairperson) let us know that if SS see's the Orange Jaycee Parking pass in a car they are about to tow they will contact her so we would have some (agreed upon) time to move the car, etc..
So if that is the case and you are a Jaycee and not comfortable with putting your name and phone number, etc on your pass this should work... ;)
I don't think I want to drive to fest anymore... can someone figure out a way to beam in? Seems like it would solve everything.. :D
Saturday will be rough, hopefully everyone will try to be pleasant, both SS and us workers... There are a lot of newbie's on SS this year, so if they don't know you, or they're just not sure what to do, its not their fault, they gots to work with the info they've got!! I actually heard from "spare" that he was asked for his pass on Sunday and he's been security for as long as I can remember..
Quote from: harem_pants on September 01, 2009, 11:07:51 AM
Also, while you may be good about not parking people in, people might park in such a way that it looks like you did so yeah.
Good point. I'll do it.
I just don't want the chupacabras calling me up.
I have seen DOZENS of people Double and TRIPPLE parked in the participant parking area. They should not be towed, they should be used for jousting practice! Seriously, we are often the source of our own problems.
Quote from: Noble Dreg on September 01, 2009, 11:34:21 AM
Seriously, we are often the source of our own problems.
Never a truer word spoken!
Quote from: Noble Dreg on September 01, 2009, 11:34:21 AM
I have seen DOZENS of people Double and TRIPPLE parked in the participant parking area. They should not be towed, they should be used for jousting practice!
No, no. Can you say car trebuchet in the gravel pit?
Quote from: Muffin on September 01, 2009, 11:22:18 AM
I'll just throw more confusion into the mix... This is for the Jaycee's... Mandy (Chairperson) let us know that if SS see's the Orange Jaycee Parking pass in a car they are about to tow they will contact her so we would have some (agreed upon) time to move the car, etc..
So if that is the case and you are a Jaycee and not comfortable with putting your name and phone number, etc on your pass this should work... ;)
I don't think I want to drive to fest anymore... can someone figure out a way to beam in? Seems like it would solve everything.. :D
Saturday will be rough, hopefully everyone will try to be pleasant, both SS and us workers... There are a lot of newbie's on SS this year, so if they don't know you, or they're just not sure what to do, its not their fault, they gots to work with the info they've got!! I actually heard from "spare" that he was asked for his pass on Sunday and he's been security for as long as I can remember..
First, an orange pass is an orange pass. They aren't labeled unless you label them specifically. As for the calling Mandy thing. Uh...first I've heard of it unless our lovely dispatcher told her something she didn't tell the rest of us. I bring it back to what I said before. Put your name and where you work on it and we will do our best with that if you aren't comfortable leaving your phone number on there. SS can't make ANY PROMISES. We will "try" and by try we will call you once, try the BLT, maybe call your boss if we have the number but in the end you will likely be towed if we don't succeed quickly. We just don't have the time or the manpower to hunt down everybody who parks badly.
Thanks Ness!! All the passes that we (Jaycee's) were given this year are the orange ones and have Jaycee's written on them.. Then again if its you, you know which truck is Steve's and where we can be found.. So at least there's that. ;) :-*
So,
To understand stuffs.
I have an orange pass...
If I park my car in the pit Friday night around 8 or 9 pm and camp. I would have to move it around midnight Sunday night so I wouldn't be towed?
Because it's labor day weekend, parking up top Sunday night is ok?
or, because it's labor day weekend...can I park my car in the pit Friday night around 8-9 and not move it until I leave to go home Monday evening?
That's where the clarity still has me? I guess, I just want to know in regards to this weekend when I have to move my car and where it has to be so I don't have to be towed. I'm fine walking and following said rules, I just am sort of confused by the message marketing gave out regarding that.
Oh and a final parting piece.
Woe unto you if you try to be sneaky and park in the campground.
You will get several fabulous prizes for trying
1) A shiney new white violation sticker that many can attest to being a pain in the @$$ to get off your car.
2) The firey tentacle Cthulhu like wrath of Jac the campground director (easily the scariest prize)
3) A fantastic $150+ bill from the local towing company AND the cost of impound.
and if you complain about it or do it in just such a way to block the privy trucks or impede safety you could see yourself without a job.
Just sayin', but all that would have happened even before pit parking was in the works. It's just a bad bad bad BAAAAAAAAAAAAD idea all around all the time.
Quote from: Lady_Lily on September 01, 2009, 12:31:30 PM
So,
To understand stuffs.
I have an orange pass...
If I park my car in the pit Friday night around 8 or 9 pm and camp. I would have to move it around midnight Sunday night so I wouldn't be towed?
Because it's labor day weekend, parking up top Sunday night is ok?
or, because it's labor day weekend...can I park my car in the pit Friday night around 8-9 and not move it until I leave to go home Monday evening?
That's where the clarity still has me? I guess, I just want to know in regards to this weekend when I have to move my car and where it has to be so I don't have to be towed. I'm fine walking and following said rules, I just am sort of confused by the message marketing gave out regarding that.
As I mentioned before. FOR THIS WEEKEND ONLY the rule extends to MONDAY AT MIDNIGHT. This is because the pit is not open for regular working on labor day. ALL OTHER WEEKENDS the rule is Sunday at midnight.
Again I will also mention that on FINAL WEEKEND YOU CANNOT PARK IN THE PIT THURSDAY NIGHT. You MUST park upstairs Thursday night and move your car after show on Friday.
If you are not awaere of it, some of you newish participants may also want to join the MNRF participants-only Elist, so you have access to some of the direct communications from MAF that occur there.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MNRF/
Perfect! Thanks Nessa!
Car goes in Friday, Car is removed monday! I shall not park like an @ss and I shall not stay past midnight on Monday!
:-)
I do not want prize no. 2!! not even a little... :o nor do I want to be anywhere close to where some one might be winning that prize!!!
Quote from: Muffin on September 01, 2009, 12:45:55 PM
I do not want prize no. 2!! not even a little... :o nor do I want to be anywhere close to where some one might be winning that prize!!!
I shant be winning that prize, so you're safe on that side of the tent. :)
Quote from: tcindie on September 01, 2009, 12:48:48 PM
Quote from: Muffin on September 01, 2009, 12:45:55 PM
I do not want prize no. 2!! not even a little... :o nor do I want to be anywhere close to where some one might be winning that prize!!!
I shant be winning that prize, so you're safe on that side of the tent. :)
*whew* ;)
Quote from: Muffin on September 01, 2009, 12:45:55 PM
I do not want prize no. 2!! not even a little... :o nor do I want to be anywhere close to where some one might be winning that prize!!!
Actually so long as it's not being directed at you it's pretty awesome to watch. I got to last year and I don't think I've ever laughed so hard in my life when it was over. Poor dude almost crapped himself.
true... better you than me is always good.. :D
I suppose I should note that as far as the whole parking situation for this weekend being labor day I am going based on the assumption that they won't be mining on labor day. I don't recall them ever doing so. If it turns out they will be mining on labor day and the sunday night thing still stands I will let you all know, but I am about 95% positive they won't be.
I just had this fear that for the first time ever they would and I'd have a bunch of pissed off people coming to me with tow bills.
Nessa: do you know what the situation is for Friday night? I saw a post on the mailing list that there would be someone directing traffic on Saturday morning, but how will those of us who come out on Friday night know where to park? Signs, someone out on the road, etc? Any insight on that? :)
Quote from: tcindie on September 01, 2009, 02:11:51 PM
Nessa: do you know what the situation is for Friday night? I saw a post on the mailing list that there would be someone directing traffic on Saturday morning, but how will those of us who come out on Friday night know where to park? Signs, someone out on the road, etc? Any insight on that? :)
There is always someone parked at the 41 gate (backgate) checking passes after about 7pm Friday. They will be able to direct you where to park. We *might* have someone down at the entrance to the pit that night as well for a few hours but I hope not.
Here are the rules to the best of my knowledge:
Orange Pass: Park in the pit straight away. Do not pass go, do not collect $200 (you may drop your stuff in the campground first but that's really it)
Green Pass: You may drive up top or on site in order to drop off your stuff but you then must immediately drive yourself down to the pit and stay there.
Pink Pass: You are the high and mighty privledged one. You may park in a designated area up top. You are the envy of all around you. You win at life.
Royal Rumble weekend is coming up. There will be the 5k & 10k walks/runs.
Does this mean that the patrons will be parking in the pit that weekend?
I'm not sayin.' I'm just sayin.'
;D
Quote from: William_MacKean on September 01, 2009, 03:49:41 PM
Royal Rumble weekend is coming up. There will be the 5k & 10k walks/runs.
Does this mean that the patrons will be parking in the pit that weekend?
I'm not sayin.' I'm just sayin.'
;D
Hehe.
But seriously, anyone know where those walks/runs
are taking place?
Quote from: Charlotte Rowan on September 01, 2009, 03:51:37 PM
Quote from: William_MacKean on September 01, 2009, 03:49:41 PM
Royal Rumble weekend is coming up. There will be the 5k & 10k walks/runs.
Does this mean that the patrons will be parking in the pit that weekend?
I'm not sayin.' I'm just sayin.'
;D
Hehe.
But seriously, anyone know where those walks/runs are taking place?
My assumption would be the outside special events area and/or a circuit of site. Nothing like a 1.5/2 mile circuit of a dirt pile.
I think we should have peasants running in front of them with a pork chop on a pole & string. Just to mess with them.
Maybe set up a veranda with some refreshments and have royalty sipping away while they sweat their way by.
Then they should be detoured by RFDOT and fined for exceeding the construction zone spped limit.
Here are the rules to the best of my knowledge:
Orange Pass: Park in the pit straight away. Do not pass go, do not collect $200 (you may drop your stuff in the campground first but that's really it)
Green Pass: You may drive up top or on site in order to drop off your stuff but you then must immediately drive yourself down to the pit and stay there.
Pink Pass: You are the high and mighty privledged one. You may park in a designated area up top. You are the envy of all around you. You win at life.
[/quote]
*snerk* OK, this made me laugh. Thank you for keeping some humour in this confusing situation. However, there is no mention for those of us sad and lowly folk that work at fest but have no parking pass of any color, hue or tint. I don't get to pass go thereby not collecting the afore mentioned $200, I don't get drop stuff off up top or be in the pit, and no one is envious of me and I basically suck at life. :-\ Umm, your advice? That is, as far as parking goes. ???
Quote from: groomporter on September 01, 2009, 12:10:47 PM
Quote from: Noble Dreg on September 01, 2009, 11:34:21 AM
I have seen DOZENS of people Double and TRIPPLE parked in the participant parking area. They should not be towed, they should be used for jousting practice!
No, no. Can you say car trebuchet in the gravel pit?
*snerk*
"Oooh, he just missed clearing the wall. That's gonna sting!"
Quote from: Marietta Graziella on September 01, 2009, 05:32:59 PM
Here are the rules to the best of my knowledge:
Orange Pass: Park in the pit straight away. Do not pass go, do not collect $200 (you may drop your stuff in the campground first but that's really it)
Green Pass: You may drive up top or on site in order to drop off your stuff but you then must immediately drive yourself down to the pit and stay there.
Pink Pass: You are the high and mighty privledged one. You may park in a designated area up top. You are the envy of all around you. You win at life.
A) Yell at Nyte until she gets you one
B) You are relegated to the pit. Sorry babe. If you come in 41 gate and have a plastic pass that is where you go because to come in the 41 gate you have to be an employee and all employees have to park in the pit. Don't you love my circle logic.
*snerk* OK, this made me laugh. Thank you for keeping some humour in this confusing situation. However, there is no mention for those of us sad and lowly folk that work at fest but have no parking pass of any color, hue or tint. I don't get to pass go thereby not collecting the afore mentioned $200, I don't get drop stuff off up top or be in the pit, and no one is envious of me and I basically suck at life. :-\ Umm, your advice? That is, as far as parking goes. ???
[/quote]
So, am I to understand that if you have no parking pass whatsoever, but you DO have a site pass (I.D.), that will get you to the pit parking as well?
And what about people who pick up a paper day pass?
Since no patron in their right mind would park in the pit, it could be well assumed that anyone claiming to be an employee would be.
Of course, that breaks the security code all together as a thief could make just such a claim.
Ok, how 'bout we make a game of it...We all "steam-punk" it up a bit and play "Journey to the Center of the Earth" as we drive our cars into the deep cravase' that is the pit! We could put a pendulum at the bottom! Perhaps MRFDOT could make up signs warning of "larger than expected pot-holes". Start a rumor that Jimmy Hoffa's burried there. Open a pub at the bottom called "hells tavern" or the "arm-pit". I don't know, just know it is what it is and I'm gonna have to deal with it.
Quote from: Noble Dreg on September 02, 2009, 09:09:52 AM
Ok, how 'bout we make a game of it...We all "steam-punk" it up a bit and play "Journey to the Center of the Earth" as we drive our cars into the deep cravase' that is the pit! We could put a pendulum at the bottom! Perhaps MRFDOT could make up signs warning of "larger than expected pot-holes". Start a rumor that Jimmy Hoffa's burried there. Open a pub at the bottom called "hells tavern" or the "arm-pit". I don't know, just know it is what it is and I'm gonna have to deal with it.
I vote for calling the pub the Arm-Pit!!! :D
I live about 2 miles from the State Fair, and I did just notice yesterday that there are designated off-site Employee Lots. So they shuttle their employees in; we are not alone.
On a slightly more positive note.
One thing to keep in mind is that Scott County may eventually force them to reestablish more direct drive-on access to the site for both fire trucks and ambulances. I can imagine an ambulance driver's response would be if he has to drive the bumpy dirt road around the pit to get to the campground or on to site through the Witchwood gate.
It might not relieve the parking situation sooner, but it may force the mining company to replace our lost access roads sooner than they might otherwise.
Quote from: Charlotte Rowan on September 02, 2009, 09:19:44 AM
I live about 2 miles from the State Fair, and I did just notice yesterday that there are designated off-site Employee Lots. So they shuttle their employees in; we are not alone.
I live on Hwy 280 as well. I bussed my volunteer arse in last night, too! Of course, I didn't have an armload of props and costumes and the kitchen has plenty of storage for stuff.
So it is not apples : apples, but you are right!
Just pulled this from the MNRF participant group...
I hope they are not serious!! this just.. well sucks.... some accommodations have to be made, it can't be all take take take.. I sincerely hope this information is not correct.. otherwise it will be an awful lot of trips back and forth to the pit to schlep your stuff for camping..... :-\ >:( not good............
*******************************************************************
I first want to thank everyone for the many e-mails of support and encouragement. You guys make my day!
Secondly, I did want to address a question that I've received from more than one person: access to the campground. The directions that I have been given are very specific, unless you have a pass that allows you onto site, you will not be able to drive to the campground to unload your equipment and then return to the quarry to park. Jac, correct me if I am wrong, but there is a path from the quarry to the campground, so you should be able to bring in your equipment to the campground without having to take it up on the shuttle and then back down.
That said, it's my understanding that the rules may be tweaked as time goes on, so this may or may not change. I don't know, and I don't want to give anyone the impression that it absolutely will change, since it's out of my hands. Keep an ear out for news on this and other updates on the parking situation from your department head.
That's all the information that I have on the topic, so if you have other questions, please contact the main office.
Also, since we are having a three day show this weekend, I have been told that everyone will need to remove their car from the quarry no later than midnight on Monday, not midnight Sunday as it would be on a regular weekend.
I wish I had better news for a lot of people, but I hope that this clears up some questions.
-Megan Culverhouse
Safety Services Answers Chick & Tote Schlepper
Still no word on where those living in the campground for the run are supposed to park. They can't park in the pit over the week. They can't park near horse gate anymore. They can't park in the patron lot. Do they park in the campground during the week?
Quote from: William_MacKean on September 02, 2009, 12:48:58 PM
Still no word on where those living in the campground for the run are supposed to park. They can't park in the pit over the week. They can't park near horse gate anymore. They can't park in the patron lot. Do they park in the campground during the week?
I've already covered this twice. From Friday at 5pm to Sunday at 12pm everyone must park in the pit. After those times they are completely welcome to park up top. If they are caught parking up there from Friday-Sunday they will be towed if we cannot locate them to move.
Any specific reason we aren't allowed to drop stuff off in the campground on Friday night?
Quote from: MissBubu on September 02, 2009, 01:08:23 PM
Any specific reason we aren't allowed to drop stuff off in the campground on Friday night?
That's what I'm wondering too... I totally get that we have to park in the pit, but why in the heck can't we go to the campground, drop stuff off, and then go back and park the car... Same as we did when we were parking up top...
It's an awful lot of stuff
(for Bacardi) to schlep from the pit.... :P >:(
Quote from: Muffin on September 02, 2009, 01:18:16 PM
Quote from: MissBubu on September 02, 2009, 01:08:23 PM
Any specific reason we aren't allowed to drop stuff off in the campground on Friday night?
That's what I'm wondering too... I totally get that we have to park in the pit, but why in the heck can't we go to the campground, drop stuff off, and then go back and park the car... Same as we did when we were parking up top...
It's an awful lot of stuff (for Bacardi) to schlep from the pit.... :P >:(
Because you might be sneaky and park up top. That's why. I'm not saying you will but that is the reason. I have a 2 wheeled dolly incase anyone wants to borrow it for this crap.
I am being told that SS is no longer to respond to any parking questions. I am to direct you to your department head or fear the wrath of Bobbo.
So I guess I've said all I can, hope I helped and to be honest I am a little relieved. This is a pain in the @ss I don't want to even think about until friday.
A big help Nessa. A rudder in the storm, Thanks!
At least there will be lights and a level lot.
That has to count for something!
Quote from: harem_pants on September 02, 2009, 03:53:35 PM
Quote from: Muffin on September 02, 2009, 01:18:16 PM
Quote from: MissBubu on September 02, 2009, 01:08:23 PM
Any specific reason we aren't allowed to drop stuff off in the campground on Friday night?
That's what I'm wondering too... I totally get that we have to park in the pit, but why in the heck can't we go to the campground, drop stuff off, and then go back and park the car... Same as we did when we were parking up top...
It's an awful lot of stuff (for Bacardi) to schlep from the pit.... :P >:(
Because you might be sneaky and park up top. That's why. I'm not saying you will but that is the reason. I have a 2 wheeled dolly incase anyone wants to borrow it for this crap.
I've actually pushed this same question up the ladder to the appropriate people.
This is completely rhetorical. It is the argument that I gave to management:If you have a green site pass, you are allowed to go on site and drop stuff off. Yet you still have to park in the pit. So what's to stop them from being sneaky and parking up top?? Many of them are the ones who are upset by this whole situation. So why can't those who have a spot in the campground go and drop their stuff off and them come park in the pit?
I found a resolution however that will work in the interim. Friends who have either a green pass or a campground pass have offerred to meet me in the pit to haul our stuff up to the campground.
So everyone find your "Green Pass Buddy" today!! LOL.
Quote from: William_MacKean on September 03, 2009, 08:43:44 AM
At least there will be lights and a level lot.
Lights!? There will be lights!?
Seriously, that helps.
***imagines the lighted lunar pit/obelisk scene from 2001*** 8)
We could fake our own moon landing, Steampunk Style!
Quote from: groomporter on September 01, 2009, 12:39:10 PM
If you are not awaere of it, some of you newish participants may also want to join the MNRF participants-only Elist, so you have access to some of the direct communications from MAF that occur there.
http://groups.yahoo.com/group/MNRF/
Thanks Groomporter!!! All this hullabaloo about the parking thing was a genuine "wtf?????" thing for me. Trying to educate myself through this thread about the upcoming Saturday mess... :-\ Will have to log on and join the elist sometime today.
Quote from: harem_pants on September 02, 2009, 10:23:48 PM
I am being told that SS is no longer to respond to any parking questions. I am to direct you to your department head or fear the wrath of Bobbo.
So I guess I've said all I can, hope I helped and to be honest I am a little relieved. This is a pain in the @ss I don't want to even think about until friday.
Thanks for all the information you have imparted in the meantime, Nessa. Has helped to clear up some questions people have had. :)
Thanks Ness!!! You have been very helpful, as always!!! :-*
Bacardi and I are planning to go to the Jaycee's meeting tonight and hope to get some additional information.. We will of course share whatever we learn with everyone!!!
This just in from the MNRF Listserv:
********************************
#1 - All vehicles which display a yellow "Campground" pass, a gold "Staff" pass, a blue "Maintenance" pass, a handicapped plate or a handicapped placard may enter and park in the campground as they wish.
#2 - Vehicles which do not display the above passes, but whose owners are registered in the campground may enter and park to unload, but may remain for only ½ hour. Parking attendants will be given a list of registered campers.
#3 - Vehicles which do not display the above passes, and whose owners are not registered in the campground may not enter or park in the campground.
#4 - This will be enforced from 7:00 p.m on Friday until 10:00 pm Sunday, or 10:00 pm Labor Day
Jac Martins
Campground Director
********************************
So looks like good news for those of you staying in the campground. :)
You beat me to it!! Was just about to post the fabulous update from Jac!! ;D
*psssssst*
(nods head knowingly)
*whispers*
park behind me... ;D
*looks around suspiciously*
I'm one of the two the rental cars.
shhhh....*whisper* don't let them know.
eessokay.
Quote from: Julianne on September 03, 2009, 02:20:40 PM
*psssssst*
(nods head knowingly)
*whispers*
park behind me... ;D
*looks around suspiciously*
I'm one of the two the rental cars.
shhhh....*whisper* don't let them know.
eessokay.
So...are you saying that you as a patron would park up top and then let other people block you in? Because
A) They won't be able to get near the patron lot with a site ID/ orange parking pass
B) They would most likely be towed out of the way if parking crew sees it
C) It will show other people it's ok to block people in which is really really really not ok.
So yeah. Please don't do this.
easy there.
1st...my comments were to be taken in a light-hearted joking matter....I'm a visitor to your fine faire and I've read this thread with much dread....again j/k....and posted only to lighten the "mood".
2nd....I would never encourage anyone to "break the rules"....ohmygosh that would just be anarachy....(see above)
3rd...I'll be a visitor....I won't have any kind of pass of any color for anyone to "hide behind".....I'll be parking like any other visitor with 1st come first directed to park place accepted in course.
My apologies harem pants if I've upset you.....
only meant my post in jest.
I'm sure many hours have been spent to provide staff and vendors acceptable and reasonable parking accommodations just so that cheeky visitors like me are put first.
Quote from: Julianne on September 03, 2009, 05:08:27 PM
I'm sure many hours have been spent to provide staff and vendors acceptable and reasonable parking accommodations just so that cheeky visitors like me are put first.
well, without cheeky visitors like you we'd just be a bunch of dorks standing around a field in costumes, and security would have to entertain themselves by beating us down or something... so, hooray for cheeky visitors! :D
Wow, one Nazi comment and everyone thinks I offend easy.
No I'm not offended I just wanted to make super sure that you were indeed speaking in jest.
Quote from: harem_pants on September 03, 2009, 08:58:28 PM
Wow, one Nazi comment and everyone thinks I offend easy.
No I'm not offended I just wanted to make super sure that you were indeed speaking in jest.
Me? but of course. :)
Quote from: harem_pants on September 03, 2009, 08:58:28 PM
Wow, one Nazi comment and everyone thinks I offend easy.
No I'm not offended I just wanted to make super sure that you were indeed speaking in jest.
And things admittedly may be more tense currently among our participants than I think I've ever seen them in the 20 years I've been doing the show.
Quote from: groomporter on September 03, 2009, 09:19:00 PM
Quote from: harem_pants on September 03, 2009, 08:58:28 PM
Wow, one Nazi comment and everyone thinks I offend easy.
No I'm not offended I just wanted to make super sure that you were indeed speaking in jest.
And things admittedly may be more tense currently among our participants than I think I've ever seen them in the 20 years I've been doing the show.
Actually it seems to me that we find something to be up in arms about every year... a couple of years ago it was the censored belly thing. Last year there was something, but I don't remember what. I guess with such a large group of people, drama is just inevitable. :)
Quote from: Charlotte Rowan on September 03, 2009, 09:24:25 PM
I guess with such a large group of people, drama is just inevitable. :)
Especially a large group of drama people.. :D ;D
There might have been *something* every year, but I don't remember there being THIS much grief in the past.
Lighten up Francis.
http://sivers.org/drama (http://sivers.org/drama) An explanation of drama. Not to downplay anything but it is amusing. :)
Breathe...... In....... Out....... In....... Out.........
We will be fine... We are rennies.. We will adapt.. We will overcome... and if you can't, well then next year working at fest might not be right for you. No one is forcing you to show up every weekend for little to no pay, we are there because we love it, we need to remember why.. I can almost guarantee that next year there will be another "issue" and my money is on the campground...
So with that said..... I loves you all!! :-* Let's have a fabulous 3 day weekend!! YAY!!! Breakfast Beer!!!! ;D
Went to the Jaycee's meeting last night.. Found out nothing we didn't already know about the parking rules... We will all just need to roll with it tomorrow, it will work out, we will be fine... ;)
Quote from: tcindie on September 03, 2009, 09:32:35 PM
Quote from: Charlotte Rowan on September 03, 2009, 09:24:25 PM
I guess with such a large group of people, drama is just inevitable. :)
Especially a large group of drama people.. :D ;D
Precisely! :D
Quote from: Leyla on September 03, 2009, 10:30:39 PM
There might have been *something* every year, but I don't remember there being THIS much grief in the past.
I don't see that there's been all that much negativity on this forum. There's been a bit more negativity on the listservs, but mostly it's just everyone trying to pool the information they have to understand how everything's going to work. Because let's face it, the notice we got onsite on Sunday (which not everyone even got) did not cover all the information people needed to know.
Clearly, nobody's thrilled about the situation, and why would we be? But the vast majority seem to have a pretty positive attitude, without pretending that it's going to be a walk in the park (because, after all, a walk in the park
ing lot is much less scenic). I think we all need a place to vent the frustration this has caused. It is great that we can do that here, amongst friends, instead of onsite with patrons around.
I, for one think that it'll be alright. Provided that my parking pass is enough to get me in @ 41. I think we should have a contest to come up with a parkin pit bus riding song.
.... and this one time on the parking pit bus :P
yay for getting to park tonight.
Also, agreeing, what's the big deal? I think the only reason parking is gonna suck is because people are getting all freaked out by it which will then cause more problems. *shrug* I think it'll be fine! Didn't people used to have to park in the pit anyway?
Yay for a good three day weekend! I'll see you all there I hope! It's the last one for me! Looks like we'll have some beautiful weather too!! :-)
My only concern is the horror stories I've heard about getting stuck in the mud if/when it rains.. but hopefully what's been said about better drainage is correct, and this won't be an issue either.
The pit lot withstood its first 'rain test' this week. Friday saw a decent rain. Pit parking was dry, clean and well organized. If this keeps up, this could become one of the better MAF decisions made of late.
Huge kudos to the parking crews!
I was parked at the vary bottom of that Pit and the walk was no fun, My truck was fine but everyone around me moved to higher ground.
I just wanted to say on behalf of all of us dealing with the parking issue, thank you thank you thank you for making our lives easier and not harder and for being kind and considerate.
This sucks for everyone and you all have taken it in stride and it is definitely appreciated.
I just ask the following:
Please watch how close to my poor toes you drive your car.
Please SLOW DOWN when coming up to the stop sign
Do NOT blow past the gate guard. It's not fun for anyone.
The stop sign means STOP not yield. When approaching the sign please come to a full and complete stop. Present your site ID and parking pass. Await direction from the gate guard and proceed only when told to do so. It's illegal to roll through a stop sign anywhere else in Minnesota it's not ok to do it here.
Thank you!
Nessa, you are a goddess! Luvs ya much!
Quote from: harem_pants on September 15, 2009, 12:41:26 PM
Please SLOW DOWN when coming up to the stop sign
Do NOT blow past the gate guard. It's not fun for anyone.
The stop sign means STOP not yield. When approaching the sign please come to a full and complete stop. Present your site ID and parking pass. Await direction from the gate guard and proceed only when told to do so. It's illegal to roll through a stop sign anywhere else in Minnesota it's not ok to do it here.
Thank you!
Thanks for this information. I feel silly saying this, but I wasn't sure if I should stop, and hold up the line, since I know perfectly well that Orange Passes Turn Right, or if the guy would prefer that I stop. Now I know. I will stop. :)
Quote from: Charlotte Rowan on September 15, 2009, 03:09:50 PM
Quote from: harem_pants on September 15, 2009, 12:41:26 PM
Please SLOW DOWN when coming up to the stop sign
Do NOT blow past the gate guard. It's not fun for anyone.
The stop sign means STOP not yield. When approaching the sign please come to a full and complete stop. Present your site ID and parking pass. Await direction from the gate guard and proceed only when told to do so. It's illegal to roll through a stop sign anywhere else in Minnesota it's not ok to do it here.
Thank you!
Thanks for this information. I feel silly saying this, but I wasn't sure if I should stop, and hold up the line, since I know perfectly well that Orange Passes Turn Right, or if the guy would prefer that I stop. Now I know. I will stop. :)
The stop sign has been there longer than the parking restrictions. We use it to check site ID's and make sure you are supposed to be there. That is the part we care about more than the parking pass color.
Should we bring Hot coffee for the night guard on Fri night. :D
Quote from: harem_pants on September 15, 2009, 04:28:10 PM
Quote from: Charlotte Rowan on September 15, 2009, 03:09:50 PM
Quote from: harem_pants on September 15, 2009, 12:41:26 PM
Please SLOW DOWN when coming up to the stop sign
Do NOT blow past the gate guard. It's not fun for anyone.
The stop sign means STOP not yield. When approaching the sign please come to a full and complete stop. Present your site ID and parking pass. Await direction from the gate guard and proceed only when told to do so. It's illegal to roll through a stop sign anywhere else in Minnesota it's not ok to do it here.
Thank you!
Thanks for this information. I feel silly saying this, but I wasn't sure if I should stop, and hold up the line, since I know perfectly well that Orange Passes Turn Right, or if the guy would prefer that I stop. Now I know. I will stop. :)
The stop sign has been there longer than the parking restrictions. We use it to check site ID's and make sure you are supposed to be there. That is the part we care about more than the parking pass color.
Yes, I know the stop sign has been there forever. I noticed it 6 years ago on my first day of chocolate wenching. But now that I clearly have a parking pass in my window and I no longer have a site ID until I get my paper pass for the day, I wondered if it was necessary to stop, when the guy can clearly see my orange parking pass in my car window, or if he'd rather I just move along and keep the line going. Now I know.
Quote from: Tarac on September 15, 2009, 06:24:11 PM
Should we bring Hot coffee for the night guard on Fri night. :D
We gladly take peace offerings of food or beverage! Hell last weekend someone gave me a grilled stuffed steak burrito that was still warm! TenFingers gets all the icecream though. lol.