TOPIC: Faire goers . . .

Tis almost that time of year! <br /><br /> http://renfair.com/socal/index.php <br /><br />So anybody do faire?<br />For you socal ren faire attendees they have early bird prices up:<br /><br /> https://tix.extremetix.com/tix/SilverStream/Pages/pgIndex.html?siteID=904 <br /><br />Single Early Bird Tix are $21 each instead of regular $25.<br />Or a three adult tix for $50 Early Bird Package.<br />And a three child tix for $30 Early Bird Package.<br /><br />SOOOoooo, any faire goers in the bunch?<br />

I go to Bristol each year right before gencon. It's cheesy but it's become tradition of sorts. We end up having photo contests with categories like the overstuffed sausage (women only) and gayest pirate outfit (men only).

I go to Bristol, too, but generally at the end of July - we usually go for my sister's birthday.  My best friend and his young daughter (she'll be 4 1/2 this year) have gone with us the past two years - she absolutely loves it.

Haven't been, but considering it.<br /><br />Brian<br />

If nothing else, it's a great oppertunity to buy something incredibly stupid at breathtakingly inflated prices. Each year I've hauled back some unmitigated piece of crap that makes me question my own sanity and judgement. Last year was a wand (read stick/small table leg) and sheath for around $50. The previous year consisted of a 3-ball flail made completely out of wood except the chains. The year before that I think was the small wood sword and shield sized for like an 8 year old. My inability to remember any purchasing blunders before that is a blessing.

Only thing I buy at faire is food. But I like looking at all the pretty things.

Any hints for prospective fairegoers?  Days to avoid due to crowds, don't miss this, etc.?<br /><br />Brian<br />

Bring a hat or sunblock, probably both if you can.<br />Carry a mug, water from fountains is cheaper than purchasing beverages. Wear comfortable shoes if possible.<br />If you have outdoor allergies take your allergy meds first.<br /><br />If you go, catch Moonie, he is too funny! Unless you want roped into things and being pulled onto stage don't sit in the front rows. heehhehe But he is VERY funny, hehehehee.<br /><br />Last year they really improved the Joust! Its much more involved in the storyline of the faire. Watch if you can. Remember shady seats go first! Teehee.<br /><br />I love, Love, LOVE watching the Clan McClonaugh, or however you spell it. Us girls always watch them. They do traditional singing and dancing. Its quite fun. The one guy plays a mean old grouch. So he gives everyone dirty looks who isn't clapping along and the like. hehehe Whats neat is having gone for the last few years, you've gotten to see the one little girl grow up and shes now starting to join the adults in their dances, which is really cute. *smiles*<br /><br />If you see something you want, get it then. Sometimes on your way out, you may forget or it not be available any longer. Every year I keep saying I'm going to get a hammered dulcimer cd, and every year I put off till the end of the day, and the performers have left by then. :\<br /><br />Bold and Stupid Man show is pretty funny too. hehehehe And you'll be taught the 'proper' way to greet others. hehehehehe. <br />I wish my folks could go this year so I can get my dad dragged up on stage for it. hehehehe. Make him swagger and all that on the stage and show off for my mom. I think that would be highly amusing. heheehehe<br /><br />Lots of good food. Pace yourself! hehehehehe<br />I usually put a travel pack of tissues in my purse cause they are thicker than the little paper napkins they have their.<br /><br />Last year they introduced some great cultural performers. There were the asian drummers/dancers. They were fantastic!<br />And there were aztec dancers too. Beautiful costumes, alot of work goes into those I would imagine.<br /><br />If you have kids you can get them Knighted by the queen and they will get a little certificate. <br /><br />I've also enjoyed watching the glass blowing demonstration. Its need to see how artisans do their work. <br /><br />I would imagine the last weekend would probably be the busiest as that is everyones last chance.<br />

It's been a few years since I've gone to a Renfaire, but I used to go to one in Kansas City.  Great fun.  I got a lot of enjoyment from the traveling musicians.  One year they had a fantastic hammered dulcimer musician - I had to tear myself away, and regretfully, it was very good.<br /><br />If you've never gone, you must go to at least one Renfaire to experience it.

Yay for more dulcimer lovers!<br />I love listening to it. Every year we listen and I think I'll get a cd on the way out so I don't break it. And by the time we are heading out they are gone so I never get my cd. <br /><br />Faire is also one of the few places I can go and actually have no trouble finding stuff I can eat!!!!!<br />MMMMmmmm, MMMMMmmm, Good eating at faire!<br />Cucumber salad, steak on a stick, brats with mashed taters and peas, shepherds pie. MMMMMmm MMMMmmm.<br /><br />

Thanks for the info!  I'll see if I can get my better half to go!<br /><br />Brian<br />

I agree with the get it when you see it cause it might be gone.  My husband and I helped run a booth at Ohio Ren for over 8 years and you wouldn't belive how many times someone came back at the end of the day to get that item they couldn't live without only to have had it sold about 5 minutes before. <br /><br />Along the hammered dulcimer line I love listening to it as well but there was a musician playing that every weekend next to our booth and there is only so much of "How much is that doggie in the window" you can take on dulcimer.<br /><br />To his credit though he was good.