as most of you are avid attendees of TRF as we are, we are asking something of you that is very important during this season. yall know the work on Sherwood is about to hit full tilt in the next two-three weeks and wont slow down until the gates fly open on February 27th.
but during TRF we ask that you make comments on the forum here as to what you like best of the faire experience, especially while camping, walking through TRF grounds, food, entertainment, etc.
while Sherwood is a first year faire and wont live up to the standards of TRF, we are shooting for the stars...and it is with your help that we will reach them...and Sherwood will become one of the best faires in the nation.
give your feelings, your observations, your thoughts, and lastly your blessings to us
we are working diligently to make Sherwood you and your family's faire.
peace and have fun at TRF!!!
rengypsy
Having chaired the vendor committee of the Bastrop Downtown Business Alliance last year, which stages most of the street festivals in the community, and as a frequent visitor to the two area State Parks, and as a many year veteran of TRF (as a shopper), I will venture forth with an observation that I believe to be important to our success.
At the time of my first visit to TRF, I was most impressed with the nice bathrooms which are found prior to entering the gates, and nicely scattered across the grounds of the Faire. I have even seen an attendant on duty at times. This is in stark contrast to the poorly maintained restrooms at the State Parks in this county, which have often been found in such a poor state of repair that flushing is out of the question. The urinals in the Bastrop State Park are flushed by a "Ranger" with a bucket once a day. Sadly, that is all.
When one attends a Main Street festival in Bastrop, the Chamber of Commerce office and the Visitor's Center are open to the public for personal use. While porta cans are present at the largest shows, we have been able to offer the pubic some better alternatives. This was my contribution, because I thought it was the sign of a "class act."
I still think that way, and if I can assist, I will be most pleased to do so. Thanks for the great management, Rengypsy!
Thought I am a TRF Virgin until later this season, I will share my 2-cents worth from the four faires we've been to this year. Post-TRF I'll post any other random thoughts that come to mind. Four may not be a ton for some of our R/F Rennies, but it was a record for us this year.
I agree with K on the restrooms. A good restroom is worth 1,000 words, so to speak. Although I will say that MDRF had the nicest Port-a-Privy facilities I've ever used in my life. If ever there is a Port-a-Privy vs Flush contest, MDRF will be in the finals and give the flushes a run for their money, no doubt. Please don't put the privies near the elephant rides... ::)
I like shade. And while Sherwood is in Texas, so you can probably appreciate how stinking hot it gets, I do also acknowledge that Sherwood is not running during the hottest months so this may not be as much an issue. Regardless, flat parcels of land that used to be a corn field for miles and miles do not appeal to me. Don't think this is a problem given the pics I've seen!
I also like places to sit and rest and watch people. Little benches set under trees, in nooks and crannies. Big rocks and benches strategically placed for the aforementioned sit and rest and watch people activities. I don't want to sit just at shows or food shoppes or pubs, I'd like a few spots to park it out in the flow of traffic just to relieve my aching tootsies and watch people. One thing I really like about Scarby is that near all the restroom areas, there's some show stage with something going on so that when you are with someone and need to make a privy stop, the person waiting has something to be entertained with while waiting.
I like little nooks and crannies sorts of areas where you have to sort of know to "turn right and go down the path" to see something. It gives you the opportunity to feel you've discovered something even if there are tons of people there and a well worn path, it's a smidgeon off the beaten path. I love hawkers that are funny and not pushy. I love the flower vendors with witty lines that keep pestering my husband to buy me flowers. My favorite hawker EVER is the lady at MDRF at the fur shoppe who bellowed out, "Come pet my beaver mum, have you ever felt a beaver like this?" I love food vendors who hawk their food in a witty manner, ala The Kings Nuts at Scarby.
Silly thought it may seem, trash cans in easily accessible and spottable locations throughout is also quite handy. No one wants to carry random leftover bits of food-stuff trash looking for a trash can.
Lastly, while I love the bars and beer wenches to no end, easily accessible non-alcohlic drinks to grab sodas and waters within sight and easy walking distance are most appreciated also.
I am sooooo looking forward to Sherwood, Rengypsy. You, and your team, and the volunteers that I wish we could join up with, are simply amazing. I love looking at the various pictures and hearing about the construction/clearing weekends that I can't wait to be there when the gates open for the first time! I wish we lived closer and almost wished we camped...but only almost LOL! :)
Many, many blessings your way!
YAY! i have many thoughts:
1: Full length mirrors in the bathroom
2: purell in the bathrooms as well as soap?
3: seating in areas other than just pubs, stages (TRF has benches about everywhere)
4: encourage awnings on booths- early spring weather is unpredictable, and shelter from sudden rain is useful!
5: lol sell cider! Blackthorn is the best. But dont charge me $13 for a pint of it like TRF does.
6: allow/encourage 'civillian' policing (this may be an area where the SCA can help out) I get the feeling that this is frowned upon at TRF.
7: definitely, a locker/stowage set up would be nice, for those of us with the terribile disease of shopoholicism
8: As Kett said, suprises are fun!
I think that's it at the moment, but I'm sure I'll think of more...
I am just SO EXCITED for opening day! i think i may start a countdown on this board like the one we had for TRF... I honestly do talk it up to whomever i can!
Signage on the paths to direct patrons to points of interest. Since it is harder to see through the trees in a forested venue, this could be more important than say on the HUGE tracts of land (oy oy) like TRF.
I don't like having to go to 8 different pubs to find the ONE thing that I want to drink. A uniform drink menu would be faboo.
Oh, and please offer water at the pubs...
WARM alcoholic drink since ya'll will be in the cold season!! Ditto water at pubs.
Vendors that sell gloves and furs and warm weather things and waterproof parasols, ya know the essentials.
Ditto cute sitting areas other than just at food areas and shows. My friends and I also like those little nooks to take pretty pics at in our nice garb.
Programs of shows throughout the day and maps.
Ditto on nice, clean restroom facilities.
A witty and interesting opening pre cannon show to introduce the cast and characters is nice- with a bit of improv each weekend to keep it fresh! I love to hear bagpipes playing at opening. That says FAIRE to me!!!
An area where there are no hawkers, booths, musicians, so you can just walk and enjoy the scenery. The Garden Walk at TRF is an example; it's a quiet place to walk with a special someone where there aren't that many people and you can talk at a normal volume.
Another example (to a lesser extent) would be New York, where the shops et al are compartmentalized so you have to go down a tree-lined walk to get to the next section of faire. Sure, it can be a little more populated, but it's almost as if its a break from sensory input overload.
The only request is that you keep it up. There's a diffrence between looking historical/old and looking overgrown and not kept up.
If you must have a musician there, harps or soft strings would be prefered.
I think you have already hit a big home run is so many ways, especially with the way the campgrounds are being handled. I cant tell you how much many of us are looking forward to our own clan areas as well as having actual facilities!
It may seem a small thing, but coke versus pepsi products for the non alcoholic beverages would be fantastic! Water at the pubs is a great idea, and I definitely like the a fore mentioned suggestions concerning restrooms, and a quiet area to walk through without being hawked at. Full length mirrors in the bathroom? Heaven!!!
More natural, healthy food would be welcome among many of us, I daresay. Salads, fruit and cheese, this sort of thing- faire food is wonderful but especially when you're working as a vendor, fried and spicy/greasy wear on you weekend after weekend. Especially those of us with serious reasons to watch our diets!
Covered areas are always nice, as we all know the weather in Texas can go to hades in back in a mere instant. Even when it isnt blazing hot or pouring rain, having a nice spot to get out of the sun for a few moments can be very nice.
A map that is kept current and updated for the playtrons and participants, with perhaps a bit of an idea as to which drinks/foods can be bought where- if not a uniform drink menu- also very helpful.
You have done fabulously so far and I, like Belle has said, am more excited for Sherwood to open than I was cannon at TRF!
I do not know what you are planning for walk ways, but if you decide on cement ones, please avoid the "cobbles" like at TRF. StudMuffin's gait across them gets very rough and has often caused me to slop my ale (The Horror!). I imagine they are equally rough on wagons and strollers. Also, if you have lanes, name them and have street signs. Then a vendor could be "the third shop on Cutpurse Trail" instead of Stall 301.
Great suggestions Keeper! The cobbles are even rough for people who walk! I hate remembering booth numbers. Street names would be much nicer! Huzzah!
I agree with street names... makes it a more believable 'village' and less 'renaissance-themed shopping mall'
I'm going to fourth street names, and with street signs it would make it easier to get around.
Agree with street names. Agree with covered areas and walkways and sitting areas around shows!!! Everyone will be more likely to come if they know they won't be sitting on WET seats on a rainy day!
You should try to get the fruit plate people from TRF to do food at your fair!! I love all their foods. THey have great fresh fruits all the time, chocolate covered strawberries and bananas, and of course the wonder fruit and cheese plate! It's one of my fav's at fair!
also, street names would be a GREAT way to honor those helpers who maybe arent on the 'Official' team but who are putting lots of effort into the project...
I have been told recently (As an Austin Resident) of the new faire and I am REALLY excited about it!!
I have been an avid attendee of TRF for 3 years and Scarby for 2.
I am typically a captain Jack impersonator (a good one who isn't a jerk)
but, have made several costumes and have several also in the works.
Having a festival so close to home will enable me to visit in many different forms
If there is anything I can do to help out let me know...
now on to my thoughts
I agree on the warm drinks.. it's gonna be a little chilly even in Tx.
Water available at pubs, totally agree
I love the idea of street names.. it would make it easier to navigate than most places
This is really random, but I actually was given a flyer to this fair by someone at a renaissance themed fetish party in Austin last weekend!! Crazy, huh? I of course said I was already well aware of the festival, was on here posting about it, and had met the owner at TRF (I was one of the 2 twin fairies talked to at the Wine and Alchemy show about attending this festival)!!
LadyElizabeth.... Austin has a ren-theme fetish ball? and I dont know about it!!!???
Haha, well there's this great fetish/sex shop in Austin that puts on parties at clubs and such on a regular basis. They hire famous burlesque groups, belly dancers, fire spinners, and poll dancers. This year's theme was renaissance, though most people were really just straight up fetish... They had an "electric" chair where this lady does a tantilizing dance of sorts with an einstien electric ball next it electrifying the whole area and the metal chair you're in. It's very fun. THey also had a free picture taking area with paddles and lounging chairs! We had a blast!
and I missed it.... I must be slipping in my old age..
[moderator-John]
Let's try to stay on topic.
but... ummm... it's Austin! and these are projected attendees...?
no???
*grin* ok then, yes, youre right!!!
BUT! this does lead me to another suggestion:
I know we want to be family friendly, but what about 'adults only weekends, maybe if neccessary outside of the normal run? Scarby and TRF can be so... PC these days... and theer are those who miss the OLD days, and those like me who never got to see what all the fuss was about!
Oh what a grand idea! A summertime warmer weather renaissance theme fetish weekend!! Have the same sorts of acts come to this festival and do a whole day of it! It would definitely definitely rock, and probably be quite popular with a whole new set of people!!! The whips and chains and burning man folks for instance... those who don't like rules and kids around.
lol well, maybe not summertime? (hot in a NOT fun way!) but yes, I think it could be a real party! But i mean, even if it's noty an organized thing, I am just hoping that the prudishness from management can stay at the door (I mean to say, no one Ive met thus far seems prudish, but, the mgmt of TRf and Scarby seem to have difficulties with the activities of the Wild Rennie-Bird in its native habitat!)
I think closer to summer is better since being scantally clad in winter really isn't such a great idea!! If you want to get back to the roots of ren fairs, they were seriously scantly clad folks running about.... mostly unclothed folks from what I've heard! hehe...
Spring would be a great time. Not to Hot not to cold. I think it would be a huge management issue though trying to push a adult only themed weekend. I can see it now. Poor kidding walking up with there parents and seeing a dom and her slave finding out it was the wrong weekend to go. I would be for it for sure.
Quote from: Tanyor on October 27, 2009, 05:20:28 PM
Spring would be a great time. Not to Hot not to cold. I think it would be a huge management issue though trying to push a adult only themed weekend. I can see it now. Poor kidding walking up with there parents and seeing a dom and her slave finding out it was the wrong weekend to go. I would be for it for sure.
You'll probably have better luck having a night party, after regular faire hours, starting perhaps an hour after the standard closing time, once everyone underage has been sent out the door. The kicker is a) justifying it to management, dollar-wise (will they make enough money off it to justify the expense?) and b) getting performers to participate (on a Saturday night, they need their sleep for Sunday, and on Sunday night, many of them are heading home).
Just another suggestion. After getting a cold and having a lingering cough- I can't tolerate tobacco smoke. Cigar smoke kills me! Many of the shows and pubs at TRF and Scarby are off limits to me because of so many smoking. Iris and Rose at the Sea Devil, Anything at Indulgences. Most pubs. Etc.
How about a few no smoking pubs, eating places, or shows? With signs posted. Please?
I have only one suggestion. Have the water that is dispensed, done inexpensively. The ale, cider, soda, etc can be sold for whatever the market allows, but water at more than $.50 a bottle is obscene. Yes I know that it has to be paid for but let's be reasonable. I have been to faires where the charge was anywhere from $2 to $4.
The gatherings during times when TRF, Scarby, or Sherwood are not going on was and is a GREAT idea!! Keep those going, and I believe the spirit of Sherwood will burn bright all year long.
Maybe Mike Pullen could pass out a camp site award each week of faire. Something along the lines of most "period camp site", best "spirit of Sherwood" camp site, best Clan representation during Faire, etc..... Some type of crest/flag that could hang in front of camp thru each weekend till it is ether given to another clan or kept by the same clan. Maybe King Richard could make the presentation himself an hour before opening cannon each Saturday morning? When the camp sites for each clan becomes a real source of pride, attendance to faire will always be robust.
Kids Games during the days. Maybe put together some kids games in the jousting arena. Stick horse races, nerf sword contests, nerf jousts on the stick horses, archery contests, best Robin Hood/Maid Marian, etc............
Some of the ideas posted here that I'll add my 2 cents too:
Street Names (also paths and trails), after all, this IS Sherwood Forest.
Robin Hood Way, Little John Trail, Will Scarlet Path, Lady Gwenivere's Path, Maid Marian's Walk, King Richard the Lionhearted Royal Road, Friar Tucks Way. Just some suggestions on names that are well associated with Sherwood Forest. Also Names of key persons in the establishment of Sherwood Forest is a great idea!
Water. Try and make drinking water as reasonable as possible. $3 - $4 for a bottle of water is getting too steep.
Ice. Same as water. Make ice available at all booths where drinks are sold, and encourage vendors to keep the price for a mug of ice reasonable.
Quote from: RenStarr on October 29, 2009, 09:43:31 AM
Water. Try and make drinking water as reasonable as possible. $3 - $4 for a bottle of water is getting too steep.
Agree strongly with the above, When a 28 pack of bottled water is under 5.00 per case its a big turn off when places sell 1 bottle for 3 or 4 dollars. At 1.00-1.50 per bottle that is still a huge margin of profit.
Or, dispense with the whole concept of bottled water (with all the plastic waste) and have taps of filtered water that people can fill their mugs from. Even if it was a quarter a fill (or so), something like that would get the place talked about amongst the wider Ren community.
Agree with the filtered-tap post and/or reasonable prices for bottled water. If bottled water is sold, perhaps you could have recycling receptacles next to the trash cans?
I also strongly agree with the idea of a "peace-and-quiet" path - an area with no vendors, just the natural beauty of the site.
I'm counting down the days until February! ;D
Quote from: Bombaatu on October 31, 2009, 06:03:36 PM
perhaps you could have recycling receptacles next to the trash cans?
This is what I was just going to suggest.
As a parent, I say nix on the fetish weekend. There's plenty of that to be found in the campgrounds after-hours, and other places besides.
i have been remiss in responding this this post thread for sometime. all good ideas.
here are a few comments from admin on faire ideas...
we are not having themed weekends for the first or couple of initial years. our theme is established as "sherwood forest faire" -- robin and company have invited the village and country folk into the protection of the woods to have a spring festival.
the story line will astound you, i hope. i was privy to several scenes during the last two weekends at sherwood and i believe you will feel you are there amidst a real and fascinating story unfolding.
we will not have formal paths the first year. its a forest. folk will make there own paths. again, its a forest. over the years, the folk of sherwood will create their own paths. we are all creating what the faire will be...
fetish? hmmm...sherwood will focus on family--pg to pg13 rating. in the expansion phase, we will have a hide-away section of the faire behind the pond with an R rating...well marked with parental caution and requirement of either an id or accompaniment of parents. nothing outrageous, but quite a bit more bawdy experience...and i assume fetish folk could congregate in this section...but a fetish theme is not in our current plans. having said that, we are examining a separate event during the non-faire time which would be like a long weekend carnivale type new orleans experience. so hold on for a heck of a ride as time passes.
and we will be respectful of prices of bottled water prices.
love your comments. thanks.
also, yes, fairy woman...i loved yalls performance at trf. i was not the owner of trf, but am of swff. your costumes, your presence as flitting fairies were fantastic.
rengypsy
Some thoughts and comments,
As an Austinite I am thrilled to have another faire coming this close to home, as a person who likes to get involved in things I think it would be awesome if there was a volunteers thread or some such where people who want to help out could offer their time and vendors and faire staff could ask for help.
Now onto suggestions,
1. Whoever recommended taps for filling mugs was spot on, I carried my mug on my belt at TRF this year and could stop in at any bathroom and fill it up from the water fountain. As someone who likes to drink A LOT of water it made the whole event a lot more enjoyable.
2. Maps: I would appreciate a free map of the faire when I come in, TRF sells the programs with the map but sometimes I just want a little trifold map for free. You can sell the nice programs with pictures and everything as well. Take the play or opera approach, they always give a free playbill that shows the schedule for the night and has some other basic information and then sell the program that has nice photos and more indepth information on cast and crew etc.
3. I second the smoke free area comment, I'm not allergic or anything, but coming from Austin, which has a citywide smoking ban for public areas, I definitely notice it if people are smoking and it makes my experience less enjoyable.
4. Events that encourage patrons to get interact with the cast. Last year closing weekend TRF ran a scavenger hunt where you had to get little items from different cast member (people from the different courts, robin hood, etc.) It was fun and gave me something to do for an hour or so. They offered up a season pass for the next year as the prize. Something like this announced at the opening on Saturday morning would be cool.
That's it for now I think