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Post by Higgins on Jul 12, 2011 18:40:01 GMT -5
Amen to that Blueguy! (or is it aiti- blueguy?) Take it from someone who attends a lot of other faires, I appreciate the privy fairies because I've never seen one anywhere else.
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Post by Sir Trevor on Jul 12, 2011 18:55:25 GMT -5
I agree. The privy fairies did a wonderful job. Saw them out and about a lot. And their efforts were greatly appreciated. Also, I agree, all the booth workers I dealt with were very good. Nice, polite, friendly.
As for keeping the same office staff over the off-season. Why don't we shoot for keeping the same office staff from one year to the next. That may be a bit more realistic. I hope. That was one of the problems this year. The entire office staff is new. Except of course, Larry, Cindy, and Steve. Steve is the reason we hold on to as many vendors as we do. They know how to contact him during the off season. And co-ordinate things. As for the vendors we lost. Some left for personal reasons. Some didn't want to be involved with the trustee stuff this year. Others just had stuff come up. This is the first season since Steve took over that we have had a net loss in the number of vendors. Considering the economy is what it is, I don't think that is too bad.
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Post by Fionnghuala on Jul 12, 2011 19:22:49 GMT -5
Haven't made it out yet, so a specific question regarding this year's fair - are there any of the human powered rides or other kid-specific physical activities, or will there be? I believe someone told me that the Carouselo, the Hippogriff, and the Crow's Nest weren't even there this year - is this correct? I ask because we usually bring two kids that my mom babysits every year, and we need to know if it will be worth it for them - as that's the stuff they are interested in.
And is there anything that resembles a joust this year, and will there actually be specialty acts on the theme weekends (i.e. any additional acts for Celtic Weekend, or specialty fire performers on Fun/Fire/Fantasy weekend)? Since the entertainment page of the website is STILL dated for 2010, it's making it a bit difficult to know who is there/what to expect when trying to pick which weekend to come.
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Post by ivywoodwings on Jul 12, 2011 19:53:20 GMT -5
Huzzah to the privy fairies! I love seeing one in action. I always think 'oh cool'' - like seeing a wild rabbit in your suburban backyard or something.
I was only there on Saturday and left early because of concert tickets but I had a great time. Yes, I was disappointed to not get a program but I used that day to just to leisurley take in the environment as a whole and not have it broken up by certain events.
Some highlights and thank you's: - Thanks to Silent Lion whom I never miss although I think their music works better on their old stage. - Thanks to all the people in the lanes I (re)introduced myself to. - To the white trash couple I met at the smoothie stand: um, wow. The man called his wife 'crazy' for taking about a recently uber-hyped Florida trial and then proceeded to tell me, in detail, about the four times he was abducted by UFOs. Even they amused me albeit in some sick way. - Thanks to Lord Marshall Laww for remembering me from years ago and putting on some great shows. He handled a certain over-zealous boy in the audience with grace, humor and aplomb. - Thanks to the TPTB for hiring a new act like his. I love the other acts, I love their jokes but by coming to GLMF for years, I know some of these older acts too well and think I can quote them verbatim. - Special thanks to Chelsea from the cast. That lady works magic at the faire. She's honest, positive and can make anyone feel special in a 1 minute converstation.
One last Huzzah to the folks that let me crash their tail-gate party, sample their homemade cider and connect with them in some small way. Even if that's just a nod of the head and a smile.
Can't wait to see most of you on Sunday. Saturday, I will be doing housework so I will think of myself as my own privy fairy.
I will see you all on Sunday if you are there. Saturday, I need to play privy fair
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Post by Sir Trevor on Jul 12, 2011 22:06:23 GMT -5
Homemade cider. That must have been BeerBlessings Dave.
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Post by Sir Trevor on Jul 12, 2011 22:14:43 GMT -5
Haven't made it out yet, so a specific question regarding this year's fair - are there any of the human powered rides or other kid-specific physical activities, or will there be? I believe someone told me that the Carouselo, the Hippogriff, and the Crow's Nest weren't even there this year - is this correct? I ask because we usually bring two kids that my mom babysits every year, and we need to know if it will be worth it for them - as that's the stuff they are interested in. No human powered rides. They pulled out before the end of last season, and I doubt they will ever return. Piper's only had a few of their games up and running opening weekend. Not sure what the status of the rest of the games are going forward. I do know, they had 3 of thier 4 vehicles break down shortly before faire opened, and I think that lead to some logistics problems for them. Hopefully they will be up and running at full speed next weekend. But I don't know for sure if that will be the case. quote] And is there anything that resembles a joust this year, and will there actually be specialty acts on the theme weekends (i.e. any additional acts for Celtic Weekend, or specialty fire performers on Fun/Fire/Fantasy weekend)? Since the entertainment page of the website is STILL dated for 2010, it's making it a bit difficult to know who is there/what to expect when trying to pick which weekend to come. [/quote] Same jousters as we have had the past couple seasons. No idea on themed acts. There weren't any for opening weekend. I didn't get much chance to visit with Heather, she was pretty busy. So, I have no inside info on what may ore may not be going on for any of the themed weekends. You need to check out the highland games though. They now have a trebuchet!
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Post by Capt. Morgan on Jul 13, 2011 0:03:05 GMT -5
Who doesn't tip the Privy Fae's? I always will leave or give a few dollars (the REAL stuff, folks) to them...You never, EVER want to tick off a Privy Fae or your Bartender...or Barber....word of advice... As to organization and "how busy everyone was so it was all 6's and 7's" on Opening Weekend? BS, Hogwash and any other words you want to insert...some of these people couldn't organize a riot... Truthfully...In this day and economy....I can no longer recommend this Faire to other Rennies as I have done in the past which saw the influx of folks from VA, MD, NY, MI and PA...and it took me aback to find out there is no Mud Show or Man Powered Rides...and what's with only 1 side of the Archery Range being opened? Love the guys doing the Joust...we go a ways back with them...then again, being immortal...I go a ways back with alot of things! ;D From what I've seen and heard, evidently...there is a problem with keeping Staff from one year to the next....some of the acts now (and gone) were on Staff back when...they aren't now...speaks volumes...Oh...wait...I'm being "negative"....Yah...well, deal with it Going into the 2nd weekend and have folks coming from VA...GLMF Home Page Entertainment still isn't updated...and I guess that's why Trev's Site picks up the slack in trying to pull info together... A shadow of what it once was...but still, I hold onto the shades of the past trying to see it still as I walk around the now, very sunny Shire clasping the hands of those I've come to know here....No doubt Morgan, Dwyn and Nyneve as well as Merlin will be a bit on the off sides of the Shire, sharing their own stories and drink...still guarding...still caring...
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Post by Lady Catharine on Jul 13, 2011 9:25:51 GMT -5
The Privy Fae's have a THANKLESS position. Creakside Smoothies ARE THE BEST!!! Tip accordingly...Bosha and her son Eli are the ONLY 2 there...She works her wings off....and she a nice person too...She is VERY Accommodating.., she senses what you prefer to have ,,she gives no lip..she really does 150%.. Try the Pena colada's out of this world!!! Let us not Forget Ellen, The WONDERFUL HAIRBRAIDER In the Back near the Chess Board Stage.. She DOES AWESOME BRAIDS..Nice Personality too!!! PLEASANT! Her place has become a fave of mine!!!
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Post by blueguy on Jul 13, 2011 14:07:49 GMT -5
Trevor, I think you, I, Hank, Bunnie and Capt. Morgan need to talk sunday. Do a little planning toward presenting some of these issues to staff in a polite and organized manner. (after we see where things stand in week 2). If it's causing this much displeasure to the core regulars, something needs to be said and said in a polite and supportive warning without impulsive panic.
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Post by CelticWench on Jul 13, 2011 14:47:45 GMT -5
Glad to hear that some things haven't changed (Menagerie.....Silent Lion....Olive....Ellen's braids....), sorry to hear that, well, some things haven't changed (lack of programs, specialty act publicity, general organizational and administrative stuff).
Still trying to figure out what weekend we'll be able to get there. Probably only a one-day visit, so I'm trying to find info to make the most of it and see shows I'd really like to catch, but (as usual) TPTB make that difficult. If I'm not careful, the season will be over before we can plan to get there!
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Post by Meghan on Jul 13, 2011 15:20:29 GMT -5
If I may suggest, perhaps there should be a consulting of season pass holders and other regulars as well, rarely do I come out to this board, but I can add i'm very sorry I purchased a pass this year. I sincerely doubt we will be out every weekend as there is NOTHING for kids to do, and pretty much nothing for adults to do.
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Post by baronessdevale on Jul 13, 2011 17:08:05 GMT -5
I am always amazed by the privy fairies. They are almost always smiling and joking which I consider a minor miracle considering the job they have. They are wonderful! While the fair does seem a little slower and emptier, we are still holding out hope that things will improve. My 2 kids who are 5 and 9 had a great time even without the rides being there. Of course I've taught my kids they only needed to ride once a day because who wants to spend the whole day doing that. As long as there is music and laughter we are pretty happy. I guess we'll keep going as long as they get fun entertainment (may that be forever).
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Post by Fionnghuala on Jul 13, 2011 19:48:19 GMT -5
Thank you, Capt. Morgan, for your answers. I honestly don't know if we will justify the cost this summer. Much as we love the site and some of the performers there and seeing familiar faces, we've "been there, done that" for so many years that, without something new and different, we may pass this time.
It is truly a shame that the faire has not been able to maintain itself at the level it achieved some 6-7 years ago, when it seemed to really be at its peak. While I can completely understand that the on-going battles with the township has been a drain - and that acts come and go, and some move on for reasons having nothing to do with any one faire or experience - this issue of "never quite ready, it'll be better next week" really grates on me. Did the audience this past weekend get a discount at the gate because they basically attended a dress rehearsal? No, didn't think so.
If you work in show business - and let's be honest, these faires are in show business - you need to master both the "show" and the "business." Failing to do either eventually means you don't work any more. I'd hate, hate, hate to see this faire fail after all the struggles and hard work and blood/sweat/tears on the part of the performers and staff and patrons - but someone, somewhere, really needs to get their crap in a pile. If that sounds harsh, I'm sorry, but "that's show biz, kid."
If it has become too onerous to try and do business at that site, I'm sure there are plenty of other venues in NE Ohio where a fresh start might be both possible and welcomed.
Wishing everyone a good run - truly.
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Post by Capt. Morgan on Jul 13, 2011 21:30:17 GMT -5
Trevor, I think you, I, Hank, Bunnie and Capt. Morgan need to talk sunday. Do a little planning toward presenting some of these issues to staff in a polite and organized manner. (after we see where things stand in week 2). If it's causing this much displeasure to the core regulars, something needs to be said and said in a polite and supportive warning without impulsive panic. Oddly enough several years ago there was a meeting betwixt "lifer" Faire goers and the then ED and Staff of GLMF...and though concerns and suggestions were presented...well, the answer to that is...see where we are now. Like the proverbial "Horse to water"...you can't make someone listen if they don't want to hear... We do our best with what we have...
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Post by bunbun / Hank on Jul 14, 2011 5:07:01 GMT -5
AMEN, Capt. Morgan and Fionnghuala. You have hit the nail on the head. This past weekend did feel more like a "dress rehearsal" than an actual show. There seemed to be quite a few "opening night" mistakes. But the thing is, they have been doing this for 19, 20 years now, these issues should have been resolved a long time ago.
My God, Wild Rose, a fledgling faire in PA. that is being held on someones farm was better organized their FIRST year than GLMF was this year. I know, I was there.
HANK.
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