What Would You Like To Know?

[Craigmeister]

Greetings!  This fall and winter, I plan to begin holding panel interviews with Renfaire owners, vendors, performers and patrons.

What kinds of questions do you have that you would like answered by such finely esteemed people?

[RefMom3]

What an interesting idea. Maybe ask owners what they would like patrons to know, in terms of what is actually required in the running of a faire. Maybe for performers how they try to keep an act true to the spirit of historical entertainment while keeping their act fresh. Maybe for vendors ask how they balance being able to craft items people will want while still keeping costs affordable for everyone. As a patron, even a long-time patron, I know I have no idea what they have to do to keep a faire viable.

[Craigmeister]

Huzzah, RefMom3!  I like those!  I will definitely incorporate them into my questions.  Grammercy!

[RefMom3]

You're most welcome; very happy to help! After I'd sent them, I thought this was an example of why I'm not a journalist

[RenStarr]

I'm not sure how prevalent this is, but why the move to have "date specific" tickets?  I've always enjoyed buying tickets early that are general admission that can be used any day. Sometimes life stuff gets in the way and sometimes weather can be a factor in the decision to spend a day in Faire.  Tickets that are date "flexible" is a big plus.

[Craigmeister]

Good question, RenStarr!  Not many Ren or Scotfests in or around Oklahoma have date-specific tickets.  I can't imagine they do that so they can have enough food or water on those days by knowing the expected number of patrons.  They wouldn't know which food vendor would get frequented.

[RenStarr]

Good question, RenStarr!  Not many Ren or Scotfests in or around Oklahoma have date-specific tickets.  I can't imagine they do that so they can have enough food or water on those days by knowing the expected number of patrons.  They wouldn't know which food vendor would get frequented.

I've intended to get back here for some time about the question I posted.  I did some research on multiple Faires looking at ticket prices.
Apparently TRF is the only Faire doing that, at least the only one I found. All tickets prices have gone way up at TRF in the last two seasons and they've eliminated their "sale of the century" each May.  The SOC was a one day sale each year where they sold a limited amount of tickets at a very good price for the loyal patrons.  They still sell season tickets and individual tickets.  The individual tickets are date specific and vary in price.  And the historically high attendance weekend tickets cost the most .  I'm sure the reason why is oldest of reasons, the love of MORE money.

[Craigmeister]

I see.  I can't speak for their motivation.  You may indeed be correct though.  I'm glad that they're the only ones doing that.  I wouldn't be happy about date-specific tickets either.  What if you buy specific tix then you get sick that weekend or some unexpected event comes up that you have to attend instead of the Renfest?

[laedyfaire]

Greetings..from the NE..the New York RF in Tuxedo and the Pennsylvania and Maryland faires all have date specific tix and they do sell out. I think after the rise in attendance post Covid led to this. I think! it seems since Covid everything in my area is date specific buy in advance tickets..even local privately owned farms. You can exchange tix at the NY faire for another date, IF it is not sold out. I do miss the days of just buying! Cheers.