The wife and I are looking around for something to do around Halloween time, a mini vacation. Yeah, I know, it's a ways off, but I said that just a few short weeks ago- or at least that is what it feels like -when I was buying my tickets for Sterling in May. We are thinking about going to the Pennsylvania Ren Faire one of the final 2 weekends in October when they are doing their Halloween Daze and Spooky Knights. I was just wondering if anyone has been there during those weekends and what they thought of it. Or if you have gone there- but not during those weekends- what did you think of their faire? We were thinking of doing one of the hotel packages because it seems to be a good deal. Get down there late Friday night, go to the faire on Saturday, come home Sunday.
Hopefully I will not catch the wrath by asking questions about another faire here. But since this is my home faire and I am more trusting in the opinions of my fellow Sterlingites, I figured I would ask here first.
Or I guess we could just stay at home and go to the haunted stuff at Sterling.
I have never been, but from what I hear........it is a very good time!
We are going to finally go to the PA. Faire this year. Maybe post the question in that faires section? I am sure you will get some great replies. :D
I probably will, but I was looking for more unbiased opinions. I figured posting in the PA ren fair slot would get me really good reviews/comments since most people replying would be commenting on their own home fair.
I've not been to PARF yet, but one of my co-workers is the stained glass vendor there, and all he had to say to pique my interest in attending was "it's on the grounds of a winery"...so, if you like wine, it's a win-win ;)
In all seriousness, I've pretty much only heard good feedback from those who have gone. The only complaint I can recall hearing (from a very few) is that the lanes are paved, and some folks feel that detracts from the 'authenticity' of the Faire environment.
I know Lady Amy has attended PARF in the past, maybe she'll chime in on the topic? ;) She would be a good person to ask more specific questions of, and as her home faire is Sterling, she could offer some comparison as well.
PARF is not my home faire but I have been, though not to the Halloween shindig, (faire itself, Celtic Fling) On the plus side, they seem to spare no expense with the quality/quantity of what they provide - on the down side, that cost trickles right down to you. Gotta tell you, the paved walkways and flush privvies are a nice change for a one-visit a year type of thing. The surrounding area is beautiful; on the down side, Amish country in the fall is busy busy and pricey pricey. Another big plus its the only faire that has a hotel right across the street so you can actually just walk to faire - on the downside - its pricey and fills up way ahead of time.
I did hear that there was some management changeover and for that reason, I would think that posting on their board might get you some insights. Good luck and enjoy!
I've been to PARF several times and I struggle to find anything bad to say about it; it is Faire after all. It's just a little different from what we're used to.
You'll find less spontaneous interaction, but there are plenty of ways to have fun. The microbrews are made on site, there are lots of good shows, and plenty of food options that we can't get at Sterling. Plus, one of my personal favorites, the weather is typically beautiful. I have fond memories of mid-60s weather, chicken corn chowder and hot apple cider. Make sure you're able to stay warm, though. I almost froze to death at the final pub sing last year.
They also have one of the most entertaining jousts I've ever seen. The last joust of the day is after sunset and usually involves horses and fire in close proximity. Other things I thought were notable were a mud faerie who spun fire at the final pub sing, and the possibility of seeing the Tartan Terrors. Albannach usually visits, but not this year. Last but certainly not least, Barby Holder is there every weekend.
Oh, and you'll see plenty of Halloween costumes those weekends. Some are really amazing!
I know some negative things have been said about paved lanes and vendor quality, but I prefer to focus on the things that make it enjoyably different from Sterling. As with most things, if you go with a negative attitude, you'll have a bad time. Give it your best as you would with Sterling and you'll make some great memories.
Hope this helps. If it sounds biased, it's because I'm biased toward having a good time at any Faire.
I go to PARF every year. Don't know about this year though, due to medical reasons and expenses.. But anyway my husband, 5 year old son, and I love going.
Sterling is my favorite medium size faire. PARF is my favorite large size faire.
The cast is all very friendly, just like at Sterling, and there is alot of interaction between cast and patrons.
The streets are paved which is nice in a way if you are wearing a long court gown. Also they have huge handicapped size privies for those ladies in gowns, and they are kept very clean. ( something Sterling could take alesson or 2 in .)
They get some of the same acts that Sterling does, but they also have some that you don't see at Sterling. They have some excellent Scottish, and Celtic bands every year there.
The buildings and structures, and landscaping are very nice, and makes you feel like you are in renaissance England.
there area good mixture of vendors and craftsmen. I love their jewelery vendors.
they have alot of different food booths.
The joust is excellent, along with the archery tournament they have. There are seats to sit on at the joust. I advise you get there early though, cause they fill up fast. I usually prefer to sit on the grass. it is shaded unlike the seats which are in the direct sun !
My son loves the pirate area with the pirate ship, and cast that dress up as pirates.
we have been there at Halloween time. We have been the week before haloween and the weekend of Halloween. it is neat. they put on Halloween theme, and the grounds are decorated with pumpkins , etc. They have trick or treating for kids, and you will see people dressed in Halloween costumes. Last year there were guys there dressed up like the guys from the band " Kiss.". Don't know how they fit in with merry old England, but it was fun to see.
they put on a special joust for Halloween with special effects.
i reccommend though, if you are thinking of going at Halloween time, book a hotel room very soon. We found Halloween time to be a popular tourist time in Pennsylvania. You have alot of fall festivals, farmers markets, craft faires. People also are going to the outlet stores to start holiday shopping, and the number one seller for that time of year, the fall color on the trees.So book early.
we stay in Harrisburg when we go. it is 45 minutes to the faire from there. great location, right near the thruway. central location, in case you want to go to Lancaster or Gettysburg.( if you have never been to Gettysburg, stay an extra day and go see the battlefield....gorgeous that time of year...i highly reccommend it !).
We stay at the Hilton Garden Inn in Harrisburg and have always been very pleased with the price, the room, and the service we have had.
any other questions, just let me know.
ooh, right! Check out Forever Amber, one of my favorite jewelry places!
We have gone to PA at least once a year for about 8 years now..maybe 9. It is a good Faire. Lots of vendors. You will find lots of resale merchandise. Things like magic cards, knives from the BudK catalogue, plastic manacles and cutlasses. Look past that resale junk and find the true craft people there and you will see some good stuff. Do not go there prepared to compare it to Sterling. They are 2 different beasts. The final pubsing is a huge theatrical production. You will get to see Empty Hats and the Burly Minstrels. Tartan Terrors are not on the schedule this year. They alone were worth the trips in years past.
Doesn't look like we will make the Faire this year, though we did get to Celtic Fling. As of this past spring, we have 3 new grandchildren in Texas so we are saving the cash for a trip there. But oops....is that the Texas Ren Faire I see that is open while we are there? LOL
Quote from: Tazworth on August 03, 2009, 10:23:16 PM
, we have 3 new grandchildren in Texas so we are saving the cash for a trip there. But oops....is that the Texas Ren Faire I see that is open while we are there? LOL
Rule of Thumb - Only visit relatives during times when there is a local faire. It's worked for me for several decades.
MMario
Quote from: MMario on August 04, 2009, 08:10:41 AM
Quote from: Tazworth on August 03, 2009, 10:23:16 PM
, we have 3 new grandchildren in Texas so we are saving the cash for a trip there. But oops....is that the Texas Ren Faire I see that is open while we are there? LOL
Rule of Thumb - Only visit relatives during times when there is a local faire. It's worked for me for several decades.
MMario
Heeheehee...My husband and I ALWAYS plan our visits to my family in FL around BARF's schedule ;)
My family though, usually schedule their visit to BARF with our visits, so it works out well for all of us ;D