Ren Faire traditions

[Rapier Half-Wit]

What are your renfaire traditions?
Ours is to go at least first day & last day, get there no later than 8am, eat at certain places on the way there and on the way home, and we don't leave until well after fireworks (Tartanic makes that easy.)

[Sir Martin]

First thing I do when I get through the gates is to buy a program and head to The Dragonslayer for the current year's tankard. :) Then get my hand stamped so I can put it in the trunk and head back into faire.

I also agree with you about the fireworks, as that is part of our tradition. We will generally pick up something at Lady McArthur's Fiery Faire on the way out because her shoppe is on the way to the front gate. We had been having a late night snack at TGI Fridays in the Woodlands but that will end this year because the hotel we had been staying at went from $59 a night to about $100, so we will have to find some place more economical.

[Rapier Half-Wit]

First thing I do when I get through the gates is to buy a program and head to The Dragonslayer for the current year's tankard. :) Then get my hand stamped so I can put it in the trunk and head back into faire.

I also agree with you about the fireworks, as that is part of our tradition. We will generally pick up something at Lady McArthur's Fiery Faire on the way out because her shoppe is on the way to the front gate. We had been having a late night snack at TGI Fridays in the Woodlands but that will end this year because the hotel we had been staying at went from $59 a night to about $100, so we will have to find some place more economical.

Give Priceline.com a try. We've used them a number of times when we have traveled and have gotten some really good deals. Like $30 for a $90 room, and that was for an Extended Stay America hotel (extendedstayamerica.com). My wife confirms that there is one in the Woodlands. So check out Priceline.

[Ottheinrich]

I have not been doing the faire thing long enough to truly have a tradition but if the wife and I did have one it would be renting garb. We spent alot of money renting last season at scarby and now we will have our own made by Lady Kathleen of Olmstead

[Sir Martin]

You and your wife are smart people! Renting is good to see is you will enjoy the experience. Getting custom garb from Lady Kathleen is an investment in quality clothing that will enhance your time at faire.

[philpot]

We travel from West Monroe, La to Dallas to pick up an additional winch, (yes I have two), then to the Ren Fest. We always eat at Guadalajara’s (sp), and it is always good.

Saturday we arrive when the cannon sounds, with our Kings Feast tickets in hand. After the feast, the winches shop, and I sample the current crop of Sangria, from every shop that will sell it. We get the latest CD of Tartanic, and take in as many shows as we can.

[AngieP]

First and Formost our family celebrates my son's and my own birthday at Renfaire. We each get to pick the item of our choice and that is our years Birthday present. The first thing that is a must eat for the kids anyway is a turkey leg(they wait all year for that) The pirate's auction is a yaerly tradition with us. This year we are going to try camping and if all goes well that may become a tradition for us as well.

[Halfdan]

I've got to agree, favorite shops and food spots are great part of traditional trip, but don't forget the music on the way up to get the mood. started with Songs from the wood, but the 80's ended. Later came Celtic Stone, then they left. Gibbon (of course), and Tartanic is great.

[Rapier Half-Wit]

I've got to agree, favorite shops and food spots are great part of traditional trip, but don't forget the music on the way up to get the mood. started with Songs from the wood, but the 80's ended. Later came Celtic Stone, then they left. Gibbon (of course), and Tartanic is great.

The 80's may have ended but Jethro Tull shall live on. They are one of my all-time favorites. Yes, I even listen to 'Songs from the Wood' on my drive to TRF every year. I didn't put that as one of my traditions, but it is. And Tartanic is definitly up there in the top ten.

[philpot]

How long is your drive, my wife and I travel from West Monroe, La over to Dallas to pick up an additional wench ( friend of my wife ) then down to Houston. Good 8 - 9 hours.

Yes we put on a little Celtic music and throw in a little Tartanic in also.

[K3ll3y]

We also put in Tartanic or other Celtic music and jam the entire way there. Our main tradition is stopping at a Starbucks and getting the best and largest coffee we can find to hype us up even more.

[ami032004]

2002 was my first year to go to the Ren Faire; my sis had to practically drag me there. We went on opening day, and I met a man there who was vending. Sparks flew, we fell in love and he stayed in Texas with me. We are married and have a 3yo son. Every year we go on opening day and get a gobblet to commemorate our 'anniversary'. Ren Faire here is always a special time for us.

[K3ll3y]

Aww! Cute story ami032004! Thanks for sharing.

[Beholden]

I hardly ever leave the spirit behind, but I have a 60 GB portable hard drive I can listen to in the office, as well as go over some of the pics in slide show format when no one's looking. ! :D

I try to get in around 8:00, which is no big deal for me, as I just get up same time as usual, and head North to TRF instead of East!!

[Halfdan]

Yea, you have to get there at 8:00. Best when viewed in its entirety. Open to close that is. That is a must as well as not miss opening day

[Rapier Half-Wit]

I agree. If you don't get there early you end up parking waaaaaaaay in the back, then you've missed the opening act at the gate, not to mention the opening festivities inside the gate.

[Markie]

I usually spend the day (or weeks ;)) before my visit listening to my "Ren Fest " playlist to get me in the mood. Come the day of the faire an annoying tradition for my mother and I is that we're always freaking late! Half the time we don't leave till 10 and its frustrating.

After we finally get there we always buy a wreath each then rush to see Ded Bob/Gypsy Dance Theatre since those are our Must-See shows. We'd added "Bold and Stupid Men" (I think that was the name) to our "Must see" tradition but we noticed that never came back to the faire. We were really bummed about that.

Another tradition is getting a sausage on a stick! We also like to take a ride on the giant swing but we usually try to wait till after we've walked around a while so that we can fully enjoy the rest for our poor little feets.



I agree. If you don't get there early you end up parking waaaaaaaay in the back, then you've missed the opening act at the gate, not to mention the opening festivities inside the gate.

What's the earliest you can get to the faire?

[Sir Martin]

What's the earliest you can get to the faire?

The festival starts at 9 AM, but you might want to arrive 20 or so minutes early in order to catch some fun with the cast before the gates officially open. They actually start letting people onto the grounds on Friday afternoon if they are camping.

[Rapier Half-Wit]

They actually start letting people onto the grounds on Friday afternoon if they are camping.

Now that's news to me. Another very good reason to work towards camping at faire.

[AngieP]

This is the first I have heard of letting people onto the grounds because of camping.

[Beholden]

Speaking of rumours and such; has anyone else heard anything about them having a Friday show this year? I think it was supposed to be around Thanksgiving or so...

[Sir Martin]

Speaking of rumours and such; has anyone else heard anything about them having a Friday show this year? I think it was supposed to be around Thanksgiving or so...

Yes, the final weekend of TRF will be the Friday after Thanksgiving, Saturday and Sunday (November 23, 24 and 25).

[Rapier Half-Wit]

Speaking of rumours and such; has anyone else heard anything about them having a Friday show this year? I think it was supposed to be around Thanksgiving or so...

It's not a rumour at all, it's entirely true. TRF will be open Friday, November 23rd. Huzzah! The open dates reflect this on the texrenfest.com web site. All things being equal, we may even get to go that day. I can't wait!

[Sir Martin]

You may want to check with Molden or Captain Bacardi at the R/F.com forum. They will be camping and there are several camping threads over there, but I'm almost certain that they are let onto the property on Friday afternoon so they can set up their tents.

[Rapier Half-Wit]

Yes, the TRF web site states that the camp grounds are open from 10am Friday to 9am Monday. And according to the TRF web site the camp grounds will be open Thursday (Thanksgiving day) for the weekend.

[Markie]

Oh wow, that's so cool! I wish I could camp (Family hates any form of camping). I almost got to camp 2 years ago with some friends but the whole thing fell through. :(


I can't wait for the 3 day weekend! I'm wishing we could go the entire weekend but we might only get to go for that Friday and *maybe* Saturday, if I pester my mom enough! A friend of mine might also get to come down from Arizona to go to the fest and I'm hoping she can make it for that weekend. :D

[Rapier Half-Wit]

Camping isn't an option for us yet, but some day...in the mean time I'll just have to content myself with being jealous and living vicariously through others. For all those camping, please have a good time. :D

[Sir Martin]

I hope anyone camping will take pictures so those of us who aren't able to camp can better see what the experience is like.

[AngieP]

You may want to check with Molden or Captain Bacardi at the R/F.com forum. They will be camping and there are several camping threads over there, but I'm almost certain that they are let onto the property on Friday afternoon so they can set up their tents.


Ah now I see what you mean about being let onto the grounds for camping and Yes that is true. We will be going Friday evening and setting up camp.

Also If i remember to pack the camera (along with the million other things I have to pack) I will take some pics at the campground :)

[Markie]

Oooh~ I'd like to see pics of the camp grounds too~! ^_^

[Sir Martin]

Last year someone had a steel enclosure for the fire that had a skull and crossbones design cut into it all around the ring. That must have looked awesome with the fire showing through it.

[Rapier Half-Wit]

Ah now I see what you mean about being let onto the grounds for camping and Yes that is true. We will be going Friday evening and setting up camp.

Also If i remember to pack the camera (along with the million other things I have to pack) I will take some pics at the campground :)

Thank you AngieP, I will be most grateful to see the campgrounds and all of that again after all these years. It's very kind of you to do this for us.

[AngieP]

It will be my pleasure!

[scott6057]

Hi,all
I noticed some on this thread were wanting to see pictures of the camping
at TRF. If you go to www.pbase.com and search for TRF you can find some
pictures there of the camp site and what goes on after hours. Some good
some bad.

[Rapier Half-Wit]

Hi,all
I noticed some on this thread were wanting to see pictures of the camping
at TRF. If you go to www.pbase.com and search for TRF you can find some
pictures there of the camp site and what goes on after hours. Some good
some bad.

REALLY?!?!? oh, excellent!! thank you thank you thank you :D

[bobzombie88]

our tradition is having a picinic after the parade out at our car. hoagies and chips. we will have the doors open and play our 'Ernies Pot of Gold' cd or our Rouges cd.

also, each year we try to expose the faire to a new person. last year we exposed my boyfriend and my moms co-worker.
http://img.photobucket.com/albums/v623/_Beautiful_Disgrace_88/samfunnyface.jpg
[left to right: dad, mom, moms co-worker Patricia, me, my boyfriend sam... he was fixing his lip ring when my sister took the picture.]

this year we are exposing one of my sisters friends.

[Sir Martin]

Nice picture, bobzombie! Looks like a good time was had by all. Think you can talk Sam into going in garb? ;)

[bobzombie88]

bah, i tried to get him to wear a kilt... he said no :( then i asked him if he would like to wear one of our old renfest ts... and yet, he still declined...

[Halfdan]

It is not a big transition, not so much in clothing as time. The hair along with good barbarian vest, then replace buttons with bones or teeth. Keep pants simple, tights are too much for many people. Make it a new fair tradition, make one new garbbed per year :D

[Rapier Half-Wit]

bah, i tried to get him to wear a kilt... he said no :( then i asked him if he would like to wear one of our old renfest ts... and yet, he still declined...

Yeah, cool people don't participate by wearing garb. It detracts from their street cred you know. ;)

[Rapier Half-Wit]

It is not a big transition, not so much in clothing as time. The hair along with good barbarian vest, then replace buttons with bones or teeth. Keep pants simple, tights are too much for many people. Make it a new fair tradition, make one new garbbed per year :D

You're right Halfdan, he does already have the hair and holes in his face to pull off a decent barbarian. j/k :D :D :D

[Halfdan]

It is allways better to ease someone into garb, by small steps. :D

[Rapier Half-Wit]

Yeah, but only if they are willing. And from my experience, cool people aren't very brave or very willing to try new things.

[AngieP]

They dont seem to understand that to us it would make them even COOLER!:D:p

[Rapier Half-Wit]

LOL That's true. It puts them into an entirely new and different class of cool. Good thinking AngieP.

[kolath]

I used to come on first weekend first faire, first feast. But now with family in tow we are looking for new traditions. (of course, my daughter will be celebrating her 20th while at faire, Nov. 23) yes, i know, thanksgiving day.
I hope we can do some good traditional stuff, though ded bob is always on the list.
I only travel from texas city- monroe is a fer piece away. especially by way of dallas. perhaps we ran across each other in first feast a few years back.
travel on!

[bobzombie88]

we might be having an extra friend join us, and he likes fairies a lot... so maybe i can talk him into getting into a pair of fairy wings :) with pixie makeup :D

[AngieP]

If you do take Pics..I wanna see it! :)

[philpot]

we might be having an extra friend join us, and he likes fairies a lot... so maybe i can talk him into getting into a pair of fairy wings :) with pixie makeup :D

I really hope ya'll have a great time at the faire! As far as the fairy wings and pixie makeup - don't need a visual, the mental picture is bad enough :eek:

[Rapier Half-Wit]

I really hope ya'll have a great time at the faire! As far as the fairy wings and pixie makeup - don't need a visual, the mental picture is bad enough :eek:

Hey, it can't be any worse than the fairy god father, if you can imagine an over weight, balding, middle 50's man in a pink tutu.


:eek:

[Markie]

Hey, it can't be any worse than the fairy god father, if you can imagine an over weight, balding, middle 50's man in a pink tutu.

Gah! What are some people smoking when they come up with these ideas?! :confused:

[Rapier Half-Wit]

In some ways it's better than the goths or the storm troopers; at least it's an effort in the right direction. I'm sure that it's meant to be fun/funny, he probably doesn't take himself seriously (I hope) like the goths do and he's proabably aiming to lighten the mood at faire. But at first glance you do a double take and think/say to yourself...WTH?!?!

[Beholden]

But at first glance you do a double take and think/say to yourself...WTH?!?!

No, that would be the 6' 4" barbarian guy with the bodice and the d-cups... :eek:

[philpot]

Hey, it can't be any worse than the fairy god father, if you can imagine an over weight, balding, middle 50's man in a pink tutu.
:eek:

Don't have to, saw him last year, then I went and got another Sangria and tried to wash the image out of my mind,

It worked untill your post . . . .:rolleyes:

[Rapier Half-Wit]

Don't have to, saw him last year, then I went and got another Sangria and tried to wash the image out of my mind,

It worked untill your post . . . .:rolleyes:

LMAO Glad I could 'contribute'. Have another sangria. :D

[bobzombie88]

pooop.... he is not coming. alas. i have run out of people to dress up.

[Rapier Half-Wit]

pooop.... he is not coming. alas. i have run out of people to dress up.

Forget it. YOU get out there and YOU have as much fun as you possibly can. Don't let someone else determine whether or not you have fun at faire. That gives them all power and all control over you. Don't do that. Don't give someone else that kind of control over your life. YOU get out there and Lift Up Your Cares.

[Rapier Half-Wit]

No, that would be the 6' 4" barbarian guy with the bodice and the d-cups... :eek:

Alright, be nice. He works at TRF, he's on our side.

[philpot]

Forget it. YOU get out there and YOU have as much fun as you possibly can. Don't let someone else determine whether or not you have fun at faire. That gives them all power and all control over you. Don't do that. Don't give someone else that kind of control over your life. YOU get out there and Lift Up Your Cares.

Yes young Bobzombie88 take it from one semi old guy and one old guy, Life is short, the faire is even shorter, make the faire yours, share it when you can, for the gift of the faire can be a wonderful thing, but make it yours, so no one can take it away !!!

[Rapier Half-Wit]

Yes young Bobzombie88 take it from one semi old guy and one old guy, Life is short, the faire is even shorter, make the faire yours, share it when you can, for the gift of the faire can be a wonderful thing, but make it yours, so no one can take it away !!!

Hey! Who you callin' old?!? ;):D

[AngieP]

Dont worry Rapier you are only as old as you feel...and yes that is supposed to be comforting :D

[philpot]

Hey! Who you callin' old?!?

As I have never met you I can only judge your age by the wisdom I find in your posts, the passion I see in your words, and the strength that is used constructing your sentences. If you are young of age, that only means that your wisdom, passion, and strength will be boundless as time continues to pass, and will elevate to such loftily levels that most mortal men can not fathom.



Burpppp …. 11 beers down, 1 more to go :D:p:rolleyes:

[Sir Martin]

No, that would be the 6' 4" barbarian guy with the bodice and the d-cups... :eek:

If it's who I'm thinking of, she's a woman now, and as RHW said, she's an official TRF performer as of last season. I've met her and must admit that she can be a bit shocking. :eek: :) Still . . her co-workers say she's a great person to have on cast.

[Rapier Half-Wit]

Dont worry Rapier you are only as old as you feel...and yes that is supposed to be comforting :D

hehehe thanks! :D

[Rapier Half-Wit]

As I have never met you I can only judge your age by the wisdom I find in your posts, the passion I see in your words, and the strength that is used constructing your sentences. If you are young of age, that only means that your wisdom, passion, and strength will be boundless as time continues to pass, and will elevate to such loftily levels that most mortal men can not fathom.



Burpppp …. 11 beers down, 1 more to go :D:p:rolleyes:

LMAO Philpot you crack me up. :D

[Beholden]

Yes, I though I'd seen her out there for several years now. I'm sure she's quite nice, but I 've never had the opportunity to sit back and chat. Hmm, how to even phrase this... Doesn't particularly phase me one way or another which gender he/she is currently occupying, just rather a bit confusing to see the, em... full bodice and 5:00 shadow... :)

[Sir Martin]

I can't for the life of me think of her new character's name at the fair. It's something like Wenchzilla or the like. :) She used to go by the name of "Miss Teri" before last year. Just a guess, but it might be because Teri is an androgynous name. She joined the cast at TRF in the 2006 season.

According to one of her friends on the TRF cast, Teri is a transexual who was born a man and chose to become a woman. She has been out at TRF and Scarborough for a few years and used to work at the Boss Wench garb shoppe. I met her a few years ago when my girlfriend was looking for some new garb. Teri is very nice, helpful and was most knowledgeable about her inventory. Gotta admit she was a bit intimidating when I first saw her (from what I remember, she's about 6'3 and 250 or more pounds). :eek:

I believe she is now a lane performer and, among other things, does a routine where she puts a cold can of beer down on the ground with a large noosed rope around it. She will let any man have the beer who can grab it without getting snared. I've decided to just buy my own drink and watch the show. ;)

[Markie]

I believe she is now a lane performer and, among other things, does a routine where she puts a cold can of beer down on the ground with a large noosed rope around it. She will let any man have the beer who can grab it without getting snared. I've decided to just buy my own drink and watch the show. ;)

LOL! That sounds entertaining to watch! I've got to see that.

Sadly, I'm afraid I don't know who you guys are talking about. :0 'fraid I've never met her, or just didn't notice her.

[Sir Martin]

Sadly, I'm afraid I don't know who you guys are talking about. :0 'fraid I've never met her, or just didn't notice her.

Here's a link to one picture of Miss Teri before she began her stage act (still working at Boss Wench when this was taken). Now she does not wear a mask . . instead has a helmet with deer horns on top.
http://chainmail.com/diary/texas05/week6/00000023.htm

[Sir Martin]

I found another picture of Miss Teri . . also located the thread in another forum where it was explained that last year (her first as a cast member), she performed as "Helga von Rottweiler", a member of the German Court. Her path bit is called "The Man Trap". I think she is still doing this as part of her lane performances, but she might have a new name this year. Will let you know as soon as I find out.

http://www.sirclisto.com/trf/trf102.jpg

[philpot]

Last year she was tending a shop while the regular shopkeeper was getting some lunch, my two wenches where shopping, and I have a rather pleasant conversation with her. She is very nice. You should try to have a conversation with her sometime.

[Sir Martin]

Last year she was tending a shop while the regular shopkeeper was getting some lunch, my two wenches where shopping, and I have a rather pleasant conversation with her. She is very nice. You should try to have a conversation with her sometime.

I'm glad they let her help a shopowner out. Didn't know you could do that when you are on cast, but since she is a lane performer her act/hours are probably a bit flexible. I'm definitely going to say hello if I get the chance. The only conversation I had with her was at the Boss Wench shoppe but I was impressed with her customer service. She went out of her way to help us find some garb for my girlfriend. As I recall, they didn't have her size in the item she wanted but Miss Teri did everything she could to help.

[philpot]

When I spkoe to her she was not part of the cast, It might have been two years ago.

[Rapier Half-Wit]

I've only seen Terri at gate opening during morning court, I've never had the opportunity to meet her. What I really find funny is watching the faces of the danes around me when they see her for the first time. It's as though they've never seen a 6'-3", 300 lb large bossomed woman with 5 o'clock shadow.

[philpot]

Yea, she kinda caught my wife off guard alittle.

[kolath]

You know, i've seen you and yours at the fair. I recognize you from just walking around. I'm an old old fat ugly man that no one pays much attention to so i can just have fun looking at all of the performers and their acts. Too bad you can't get your BF in the kilt though, it didn't take me but a 1/2 hour to convince my daughter's fiancee to go in my old kilt.

[bobzombie88]

You know, i've seen you and yours at the fair. I recognize you from just walking around. I'm an old old fat ugly man that no one pays much attention to so i can just have fun looking at all of the performers and their acts. Too bad you can't get your BF in the kilt though, it didn't take me but a 1/2 hour to convince my daughter's fiancee to go in my old kilt.
were you there this past weekend?

[Markie]

I found another picture of Miss Teri . . also located the thread in another forum where it was explained that last year (her first as a cast member), she performed as "Helga von Rottweiler", a member of the German Court. Her path bit is called "The Man Trap". I think she is still doing this as part of her lane performances, but she might have a new name this year. Will let you know as soon as I find out.

http://www.sirclisto.com/trf/trf102.jpg

OH! I saw her!! We were leaving the faire on Saturday after noon and were walking beside her. Some girl had laughed at her and she'd walked up to her and was like "^-^~ Oh did you hear something funny? Do tell" or something. Scared the little teenage brat something good, I'll tell you.

[kolath]

Sorry Bobzombie, i only get to go once this year and the family has decided on Celtic Christmas.:mad: You wouldn't recognize me anyway. I have salt n pepper hair that's long, wear my kilt with a horse hair sporran and bald mountain boots. i'm accompanied usually by a very huge son of mine, who doesn't wear garb, a red headed woman and another one with strawberry blonde with a tall lanky scotsman in a wal mart kilt.
Perhaps celtic christmas will see us both there. I'll be looking for all of the people though we are getting tickets for the feast (first) so i'll miss the meet and greet at noon.
I'm bringing my camera so i'll be able to load some pics up.

[Sir Martin]

OH! I saw her!! We were leaving the faire on Saturday after noon and were walking beside her. Some girl had laughed at her and she'd walked up to her and was like "^-^~ Oh did you hear something funny? Do tell" or something. Scared the little teenage brat something good, I'll tell you.
I wish I could have seen that . . it would have been priceless!

[Rapier Half-Wit]

OH! I saw her!! We were leaving the faire on Saturday after noon and were walking beside her. Some girl had laughed at her and she'd walked up to her and was like "^-^~ Oh did you hear something funny? Do tell" or something. Scared the little teenage brat something good, I'll tell you.

Oh man! That would have been something to see. LMAO :D:D:D