Say it isn't so.....

[Bonny Pearl]

My prayers are being sent to the family and to everyone affected.  This is so sad.

[Hercules]

Privies next to Dirty Duck pub to the candle shop were damaged.

[DonaCatalina]

Unconfirmed reports say that it was not Rick.
The fire went from the Junque backstage area, the privies, the candle shop, the Falcon stage and down to the Dity Duck. WFAA is continuing to do reports
and you can also access Friends of Scarborough Faire page for any updates.
Our thoughts are with everyone involved since this has also been a dangerous situation for the firefighters and other emergency personnel.

[captmarga]

All reports are all still unconfirmed.  Family, if there is any, has to be informed.  They deserve to find out officially.  When there is an official statement from Faire, there are those people here on this and other forums that will post.  For now, prayers are always appreciated, not just for family, but in thanks to those firefighters who fought to save a place where we go for fun.

Any names are still rumors, please do not post names here.  However, Wes has checked in on FB, so it's certainly not Wes.  FB is aflame this morning with every kind of post.

Thank you to everyone for support and understanding!

Marga/Jofranka

[Hercules]

Some pics from WFAA













Full link
http://www.wfaa.com/news/local/Fire-at-renaissance-festival-one-dead-128229888.html?gallery=y&img=0&c=y

[renfairephotog]

Sending prayers to everyone at the faire.

[lys1022]

Thank you everyone for your thoughts and prayers.  The staff and family out at Scarby / Screams appreciate each and every one.

A few requests, though:

• Please do not go to, call or e-mail the faire site right now.  The staff has been up all night and is running on fumes.  They need time and space to deal with this and to get out of emergency mode.
• If you've heard the name of the person who was killed, please do not post it in public forums or even pass it along as an "I heard..." until official announcements are made.  You could be wrong about who it is, or even if you're right, it is important that the family be fully notified through official channels before hearing about it on the internet or through the rumour mill.
• There have already been rumblings of people saying "We'll come out and help rebuild!", and while the love of faire and enthusiasm are great, again, please hold that enthusiasm in check for now.  Let the faire get over the initial shock, have time to grieve, and assess the situation on their own before they are inundated with "helpfulness".

There is a lot of shock and sadness today.  It will be made harder because no matter how everyone feels, there is a show to be ready for in one month.  People are going to be dealing with high levels of stress and grief.  Please be understanding of that, be aware that there will be hiccups in things (even things that normally go smoothly), and tempers will probably be shorter than normal for some time.

Again, I'm not an official spokesperson for Southwest Festivals, but I've been closely involved with the faire, Screams, and the site for over a decade, so I can speak fairly confidently on some things.  I can tell you that they all appreciate every good thought, every ounce of supportive energy, and every prayer that is going up right now.  They also appreciate your courtesy and understanding.

Thank you for pulling together to support Scarby / Screams in this difficult time.

[Merlin the Elder]

Thanks, Lys... I'm sure you will pass along when there is something positive we can do to help...  I wish I was a lot closer than I am.

[anne of oaktower]

Sending prayers and love from Western PA. So very sorry to hear of this tragedy.  

[DonaCatalina]

Thank you for your comments Lys. I always appreciate your level headedness.
I have been hearing rumblings about what was said on the WFAA video. Please keep in mind that the newspeople clipped a many hour ordeal down to a 5 second sound bite.
I know everyone involved in Scarborough grieves the loss on one of our own even as we are saddened by the damage to the festival.
We all are well aware while fairs can be rebuilt, Rennies are irreplaceable.

[Lady Christina de Pond]

sending hugs and prayers to scarby family from Ga

[lys1022]

Sent: 8/23/2011 11:27:29 A.M. Central Daylight Time

Subj: Scarborough Update

  In an effort to keep you informed, I want to pass on to you the most current & accurate news available at this time. A fire on the grounds of Scarborough Renaissance Festival was reported to authorities last night about 10:30pm.  The County Volunteer Fire Department was the first on the scene followed by several other fire departments in the area. The fire endured for several hours before it was contained and finally put out. In all, seven structures burned to the ground, four of which were festival owned. The owners of the three privately owned booths that were lost have been notified. The structures that burned were: the Duck Privy, Ravenburg Chain Maille, Festival Souvenirs, Dra's (currently rented by Son of Sandlar), Festival Rental booth (rented by Domba's), Festival Rental booth (rented by After the Fire Pottery), and Legendary Candles.

   It is with a heavy heart, that I pass on the news of one fatality in this fire. Their name has not yet been released, as we are in the process of locating and notifying their next of kin. Please be respectful of this fact when speaking to others regarding this tragedy, and do pray for this person's family in this time of grief.

   The Fire Investigators and other officials are currently assessing the situation. I will pass on more information as it becomes available. Please refrain from "coming for a look". All can be recovered in due time and everything will go on as it always has, save the one life that was lost. I will keep you informed of details and plans as these are determined. This is all for now.

Updates will be posted on the Scarborough Facebook site as they are available.

Virginia Sevier
Craft Director
Scarborough Renaissance Festival
972-938-3247 x35
Fax- 972-938-1890
crafts@scarboroughrenfest.com

[LadyStitch]

I have to say the Rennie community is one of the few places that all you have to ask, and there are people out there are willing to help when tragedy strikes.  For now the only thing my family can do is pray for the family, and people are scarby. I know that should scarby, or any of those vendors who lost shops, have but to ask and the Rennie community will do everything in their power to help any way they can. 

[Taffy Saltwater]

This is dreadful news.  My thoughts to the victim's family and friends; he is irreplaceable.

[cowgrrl]

I heard a blurb about this on the radio.  They were talking to one of the groundskeepers & he said 'I got the call that Holly Field was on fire'.

Holly Field.

Holly Field is where I listen to Frank play the carillon.  Its where I cheer for the good guys (or sometimes the bad guys!) at the chess match.  Ravensburg is where I buy a piece of jewelry every year.  I love the fish & chips shop.  Legendary Candles is where my kids & I love to go & smell (& choose if they are lucky enough to get a free candle coupon during the parade).  This is part of my home away from home during April & May & now its gone & I am so sad.  Please do not misunderstand.  I mourn the loss of life & I know that buildings can be rebuilt.  But hearing 'Holly Field' today really brought home for me just what has been damaged & destroyed.