Things you wish you could say to Danes going to Fest for the first time...

[cowgrrl]

One thing I'd add is tip a few of the food handlers & ride people. Doesn't have to be anything big. If the total is 4.50, give 5 & let them keep the change. Trust me that they'll appreciate it.

[Sir Michael Geare]

One thing I'd add is tip a few of the food handlers & ride people. Doesn't have to be anything big. If the total is 4.50, give 5 & let them keep the change. Trust me that they'll appreciate it.

That is so true.  Many of the vendors and ride workers only don't get compensation other than a meal and snacks.  Some get store credit depending on what they sell with the occasional few tips.

[DonaCatalina]

...don't come expecting Disneyworld.
The grounds are left rough or maybe rough paved to try and keep the 16th century look. Enjoy the unique architecture of the individual buildings and don't expect modern heating and A/C. How often are you going to see eyebrow rooflines outside of rural England?

No the swords don't come out for you to play with. They are peace tied for a reason.
Please don't let your children run off and 'go play' by themselves.
Many of us know each other and their kids fairly well; but if this is your first fair, the kids won't know who to go to for help or protection.

[RenStarr]

As with most things in life:  show up with a positive attitude, relax, just take it all in as it comes to you.

One of the most asked things that I've been quized about from Danes:  Yes, the food and drinks aren't cheap.  They are pricey so expect that going in.  DON'T let that be the determing factor about you being able to enjoy yourself.  You shouldn't need to feel as if you have to drink and eat all day long to have a good time.

And a "faire point of view" that was shared with me by a long time rennie:  Where else can you go and be able to walk around with an adult beverage, see more cleavage in one day then you'll see in entire year in the Dane world, and you have local law enforcement on hand to protect you!   

[PollyPoPo]

Keep in mind that not everyone in garb is working there and may be as lost as you are if you ask for directions.

Some workers there take tips for having your pix taken with them.  Usually they'll have a dollar bill discreetly (or not so discreetly) tucked in an arm band or something.  Other times you'll ask someone for pix and they'll laugh and refuse telling you they are just there for a good time, too. 

Sample the various foods.  Some is familiar, but some you may not get anywhere else.  Same for drinks, especially meads and ales.  Yes, it can be expensive, but not much more so than other large events where people are making money and have to bring the food and drinks in. 

Walking through and looking is fine, but sometimes, just stop and watch a show or listen to the hubbub of the crowd or, (one of my favorites) sit down and people watch. 

Keep a close eye on your young children.  It's easy to turn a corner or slip into a shop and be totally out of their sight for just a minute and they can think they are lost, panic, and most times start running, having no idea which way to run.  Make sure the kids know your real name so the rennie locator system can be used (for those unfamiliar, it's the bellowing of someone's name, picked up by others until the person by that name answers – works great).

[609wood]

Dont get too close and Mind the weapons. Please don't cut behind me and kick my sword or brush past me and scrape yourself on a axe spike and then complain I hurt you or are in your way.  You might be shopping but shopkeepers know people in garb are likely buying and treat them better. Expect the unexpected and above all please remember your at a fair and not Walmart.

[NicoleBridget]

I would tell them to rent or borrow a costume, and wear it proudly.  My mom took me to faire for the first time when I was 13 and immediately brought me into the costume rental shoppe just inside the gates.  She told them to "dress her like a princess".  It was $80 for the daily rental, a lot of money to us back then for something so temporary.  The costume made me feel instantly immersed in the day's festivities and because of the overall experience I had in that dress I'm in love with the period, and the entire faire culture.

[Dinobabe]

I would tell them to rent or borrow a costume, and wear it proudly.  My mom took me to faire for the first time when I was 13 and immediately brought me into the costume rental shoppe just inside the gates.  She told them to "dress her like a princess".  It was $80 for the daily rental, a lot of money to us back then for something so temporary.  The costume made me feel instantly immersed in the day's festivities and because of the overall experience I had in that dress I'm in love with the period, and the entire faire culture.

That is one awesome mom!  I wish more parents understood what simple gestures such as that can do for their children.

[Lady Renee Buchanan]

Maybe you just purchased some food.  Or perhaps you are just tired and want to sit.  You see an open bench, head for it, and sit and eat or relax.  That's a good thing to do!

However, if the bench is at a stage, especially a small stage, and if there is a performer or performers on the stage, please don't sit with your back to them.  It's rude!  You  wouldn't go to someone's house and sit with your back towards them and ignore them.  OK, you don't know the performer, but he is putting on a show for his audience, and you happen to be part of it, because you sat in the seat.  Please turn around and face the performer while the show is on and be quiet so the rest of the audience can hear.  And since many performers get paid little or nothing, after a you have sat there and ate or rested, drop a buck or so into the hat/basket/box (or whatever), even if you leave before the end of the show.

If you don't like this suggestion or don't want to do this, please find another bench or table where you can enjoy your meal or rest without interrupting or interfering with the show.

[EltonJ]

Drink A LOT of water.   We don't want ya fainting or puking from heat stroke.

The most important advice.   You don't know how many people get heat stroke going to the zoo during the summer months.

[Gwyndolyn]

Bring a good sense of humor, leave the snideness of the modern world at home.
Make an index card for you child with your name and even phone number on if your child is younger, there is bound to be someone with a phone on them that will be glad to locate you for your child.
Show you child what the roaming guards look like so that if your child gets lost or has an issue they can ask them for help.

[Tipsy Gypsy]

Don't try to see everything in one day- unless it's a very small faire, it's impossible, and you'll miss more than you'll see! Pick a show or two that look interesting, and the rest of the day, just wander- and be.

Don't shout around/poke at/climb on/try to feed the animal performers. Most of them are very mellow creatures, but everybody- critters included- have limits to their tolerances. Find the petting zoo and the animal rides.

Do "dress up" if you like- you don't have to invest a ton, oftentimes you can start with things found in your own closet or in a thrift store. You'll find that it makes you feel more a part of the surroundings than a spectator, and that's whole lot of fun!