And now for something completely off topic (a question about another faire)

[Dorian Mallory]

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.

[irish]

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. 

[Dorian Mallory]

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.

[Tygrkat]

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.

[mehan]

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!

[Lord Finger]

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.

[Lady Amy of York]

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.

[Lord Finger]

ooh, right! Check out Forever Amber, one of my favorite jewelry places!

[Tazworth]

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

[MMario]

, 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

[Tygrkat]

, 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