First weekend!

[Captain Cornelius Howard Duckman]

So, all in all, a rather nice first weekend! We had a lot of competetion around the state, and, according to the numbers i heard, we did 8000 or so people opening day, and I'm guessing somewhat less the second day.

So far this year, it feels like the patrons are a little reluctant to even look in a shop, despite my attempts to the contrary. Money is tight, and it blows.

Rumors flew fast and furious about the movie being filmed on site, And about the onlt thing I heard that was agreed upon was that Jack Black is going to be in it. (Supposedly Lindsay Lohan as well.) Didn't see anyone famous walking around site, but what I wouldn't give for a chance to hawk my wares to Jack Black. Just to be able to say I've done it. But we all know I'm weird that way.

Managed to catch a bit of Bocca (and Kevins hangover sunday morning) and the usual bits and pieces of the Zucchni Brothers and Mannolette that I always do, being right across from the stage. And of course the lovely tunes of Bob the troll... Oh, no, sorry, that's Hob the troll.

For those of you who have seen the Rogues Blades at Holly before, this year they're switching Jamie out on various weekends with Squire Mike, so if you catch them, you'll be seeing a completely different show then they normally do! (Although if you see the 5:00 improv show, that's what you'll be seeing anyways.)

Two new shows (that I caught, anyways.) The Swash and Buckle (or is it buckle and swash?) show was absolutely hilarious. Some of the jokes are rather out there, but thats why I love those actors, they toss in great references. Also, the new Mudskippers are flat out amazing. They have an energy about them that I absolutely adore, and despite one of them having no voice, they really threw themselves into their roles.

(No, I'm not showing favortism cause one of them sings a seal clubbing song. But that's funny too)

So, how about that parade walk? Whoo! A bit of a stretch, but thank god they have that tent back there for shade before we head out, otherwise we'd be baking out in area fifty one." Also, for any banner carriers, please remember guys, it's two by two, as much as possible. And keep an eye out for trees if you have a tall banner.

Speaking of area fifty one... Enh. It's a lot more space, I'll say that for it.

So, that was my first weekend, how was yours?

Edited to add: also saw a fair number of you folk out and about, and of course at the meet and greet at the lovely ladyfairs. Sorry I generally don't take the time to stop and chat, but I'm very dedicated to my duties.

[Cyron]

mine went pretty well. was the first time to this specific faire.. spent alot but only a little was not planned.. got what i wanted for the most part.. and know what i need to bring when i return in a few weeks.. did not get to see much of the shows as i was being dragged away from all of them by my friends.. but oh well.. i will see some when i come back..

[Rosalyn]

The first day went well enough, but the second day, with the heat and the dust, no one wanted to try anything on, let alone buy anything.  Lets hope for some cooler weather and maybe a nighttime shower for next weekend!

Area 51.... Heck no!  We decided it's more of shanty town because it does not hold the mystique of area 51.  Shantytown, were the merchants are few and far apart in the blazing sun, their goods are sub-par and the workers wear no garb.

[max and kate]

The first weekend is shopping time, I got a compass and Kate some new garb. Seen a couple of shows and did a bit of socializing. Next weekend is family time so we will have the cousins, nephews and nieces with us.

[Lord Virgil]

I had to work opening day, and didn't arrive until 3:30, but we were there all day Sunday.  Despite the heat and dust, we had a great time and it was wonderful seeing all our friends again.  The new area needs attention.  There are deep ruts and holes that a few people tripped in.  I think a better name for it at this time would be the badlands!

[Lady Gwyndolyn]

It was a great time opening day.  Getting to see everyone and all of the smiles and waves and hugs!!!  Though we didn't make it to far in getting around and seeing the new area (it wasn't one of my best days so we spent alot of time stopped and sitting).  But just getting back to faire was AWSOME!!!!   We can't wait until Labor Day when we will be able to go again!!

[maelstrom0370]

Lot's of fun here.  Made new friends through Ladyfair (HI Bill and AJ!!!).  I managed to break a tooth on The King's Nuts, though.  Insert nut eating joke here!  Tried to be around for the group photo on Saturday, but Her Majesty's schedule as it was, it didn't work out.  Saw Tartanic for the first time and Sandy still hasn't stopped playing their CD!!!  If you but the "Live Bootleg" I suggest messing about with your equalizer a bit.  Not a great recording, but a damn fun CD nonetheless!!! 
All in all, we had tons o'fun this weekend.  We're gonna try and sneak in one more before the end.  Probably be at Closing Weekend.  Hope to see some of you then!!!

[Thumper]

Saw Tartanic for the first time and Sandy still hasn't stopped playing their CD!!!  If you but the "Live Bootleg" I suggest messing about with your equalizer a bit.  Not a great recording, but a damn fun CD nonetheless!!! 

I bought the same CD this weekend.  I can not get enough of it.  I am definitely going to another one of their shows this next weekend!!! Maybe even getting another CD!

I agree about area 51.  Not much there and the disappointed in the vendors not in garb.  Hope that is not the future of this faire!!!

[Cyron]

the place you all are calling the area 51 badlands shanty town. was that the place kinda back by where they took the horses after the shows?  cause if it is.. me and my friends started to go there but then thought humm.. maybe we aint supposed to be here and turned around..

[AnyuBoo]

the place you all are calling the area 51 badlands shanty town. was that the place kinda back by where they took the horses after the shows?  cause if it is.. me and my friends started to go there but then thought humm.. maybe we aint supposed to be here and turned around..

That's the place...but you didn't really miss much by not going there.

[Cyron]

thought so.. but no we really thought it was a off limits place that the rope was missing from.  got like 15 feet in and were all going opps not supposed to be here..  oh well.. glad nothing was missed.

[darkranger]

Had another perfact weekend at the fair! Sorry it will be our only trip to Hollygrove this year money being tight and all, we live about 4 hours away so we make it a long weekend trip. The sights and sounds were good for my soul, sorry I didn't meet more of you the days aways seem to get away for me. I always enjoy the little kids (3 to 5 year old) and there total  aw of the Queen and other larger then life carters you come across at Hollygrove.  Looking forward to MMRF. Hope to make it there.

[MariaChristian]

Hello Everyone! Yes, the new area is not quite there yet, but soon will be. Please note that this weekend it will be transformed into the Scottish village, where the highland games (Canada vs USA), clans, regiments and pipers will be calling home.

So make sure that you stop by!

Maria Christian
Entertainment Director
Michigan Renaissance Festival

[nliedel]

Anyone who would like a personally escorted and musical tour (I really do sing rather well), complete with, "And we're walking, and we're walking" of Area 51 (I still think that's a great name, but I've been told it's not going to stick. Rats) just let me know. The vendors back there have some neat stuff and would so appreciate the visitors.

Of course anytime I can give a personally escorted tour of a place where large men will be tossing trees about with regimental kilts...well let me at em!!!!

If anyone is interested, message me and I will come up with some free time and escort the lot of you. I promise no aliens will grab you. It's wonderful to have more space for things like the games, "GO USA!!!!" Which is going to be odd to chant, since we aren't a country yet

I used to lead tours for Seniors when I was a travel agent (I've held every job in the universe) and I was pretty darn good. So buckle up your seatbelts, grab onto your hats and let's see us some Caber Tossin!

[Captain Cornelius Howard Duckman]

Unfortunately, no one can tell what name will actually stick in the minds of festies. After all, just cause it's actually called something, doesn't mean people will really call it that.