2013 the first weekend

[blueguy]

Kudos to Medieval Nightwing for making that costume work.

Overall, not a bad opening weekend despite the tiny crowd.

Good to see so many old friends.

I am loving the pirate cove with the beach. At some point I will be gathering some templars and building sand castles (because building castles is what templars do) The rest of you may sack them as you wish after completion.

I like seeing a performing group marching to pub sing to drag the crowd along. Very cool move there.

Stuff you all may have missed:
-The Tea Booth now sells very tiny hats and rosaries.
-The new glass artist on the corner near Capt. Stout has some really awesome little figurines. Dragons, cats, fairies, etc.
-Pirate Dave and his encampment have some cool stuff for sale as well.
-St. Sadie's Soap has expanded to add essential oils across from the stained glass (for those missing the old oil booth near the labyrinth.
-speaking of that old spot, the new tenants are selling glass lanterns that are interesting and not too pricey.
-The vendor between the drift inn and the alpacas is only going to be there for the first few weeks. so shop soon there.
-There is a new vendor of jellies, pickles, sauerkraut and other canned stuff in jars by gypsy camp. the hot pepper butter was tasty, the horseradish was good and i have heard comments saying something was not delicious. so let's support a new friend.

-Justin, the very talented Violin player that was wandering the lanes last year has some stage shows now between Broon's acts. Go give him some love.

-Capt. Stout is not only doing a stage performance but also selling runes on his corner this year should you need some.

--With the smaller cast, it will be harder to get a handle on what is happening in terms of the daily plot. So make sure you stop a few cast members and ask them about what they are doing on such a fine day and what events are taking place. That way you will know why the Prince is so reluctant to marry certain ladies, what is going on with the gypsies and who the pirates are backing in the whole thing.

-Fairy forest has re-opened the back part of the grove with a bit of fun for the kids. Please take a minute to stop and have a look or send families with little ones back there to have a peek. It looks off the beaten path but it's a great quiet respite spot for families that need a little quiet time away from traffic with their kids.

-Speaking of which I love seeing an certain former cast member back in the fold as the "Fay King".

[ivywoodwings]

Dang, thanks! That's some great info. It's amazing how much you can miss. My highlights are more a personal nature but I feel the need to share:

- Saw Donna at the front gate. She asked if I wanted fairy dust. I broke my 2013 "no glitter" vow even before entering and I couldn't have been happier.

- My sister got her first season pass! And garb! I should make commission on how many people I get addicted to this place. Do you know my brother Jim? He follows Circa Paleo around like the Grateful Dead.

- I always have my first beer while watching Silent Lion. It's my annual marker. I wish they were at a different stage. That place is the new mud pit.

- I bought way too much stuff. Luckily I work in an arts institution so I can wear a leather top hat on at a Tuesday staff meeting and it's all cool. Also, a ton of jewelry, a chalice and enough incense and incense scented soap to choke a hippie horse. Any way I can get in free based on the money I throw at vendors? I keed, I keed.

- I really enjoyed Broon! So funny with the audience. And Donegal Doggs and Circus Stella. And Cu Dub - that sword belly dance by Laila is amazing.

- I am jaded theatre bitch so when the young cast makes errors, I find it endearing. I caught the pastor guy and said hello. I asked if I was going to hell since I was smoking. He looked stunned and took a really long beat finally saying "I hope you enjoy your stay on Avaloch". Not as bad of a faux pas as last year when a cast member invited me to new adult area because I was 'clearly of age'. I know that dude last year felt bad but I did laugh and thought it was funny and oddly sweet.

- Food has gotten worse. Seriously the pizza had American cheese. Ugh. Smoothie booth? Not so hot either.

- That mermaid area rocked!!!

- "Scotch on the rocks" ha! Thank you, Beer Priest!

- My first year I got a season pass I adored the queen. On the last day of that year, I bought her a rose and told her how much her time meant to me. On Saturday, she came as a playtron a bought ME a rose. I love you, Kelly!

- Maybe my favorite part of last weekend was the fact that more people came up to me to say hello. I know I don't have a clique like most of you do. I fall into a weird spot because I'm older than many of you. While I have a cool job that allows me to wear funky hats I buy at faire, it does not allow me to go to visit other faires and keep in touch. But it does mean the world to me when folks remember me from the year before.

My work schedule and life limits my time the following weekends. But I'll be there a ton. Please say hi!
PS: Shameless related faire plug: The professional theatre I work at is producing "Monty Python's Spamalot". It's Beck Center for the Arts in Lakewood, OH. About 70 minutes west of GLMF. That's the musical based on Monty Python's Holy Grail.

Ivy Woodwings (Rachel Green Spence)

[CapnRedShirt]

Something else many probably missed... while there is no "Lady Ophelia's Dance" this year (and I am very sad about that), the cast members and some playtrons who know the dances are putting on dances at 12:30 and 5 each day in town square. It lacks something of the grandeur of the rehearsed show with a vocal host, but it's fun if you know the dances or can learn them quickly.

[Sir Trevor]

I had a blast opening weekend.
The crowds were small, but overall seemed to be having fun, and willing to play a bit.

Most of my time was spent catching up with friends, so I didn't explore the booths or the shows too much.
Though I am so happy to have Broon and Slash back. Especially their show together.
And that tight-rope walker was amazing. Stopped me in my tracks when I walked by and saw what he was doing.

Enjoyed hearing the music through the shire. Didn't get a chance to stop and watch anyone perform really. But could hear it quite well from most areas. Really nice sitting at the soap booth and hearing Terry play.
Listening to Menagerie again is always a welcome treat.
Plunder Doggs are always a hoot when I'm in the area of Stumble.
Richard playing in the lanes is always welcome.
And of course hearing Cu Dubh who can be heard throughout new world.

Cast looks like fun. Definitely more street interaction, since they only have the chess match and parade to really monopolize their time now.
MAnaged to meet a few of the new cast members and play with them a bit. While enjoying some old favorites in new roles.

[blueguy]

For you regulars, the cast being small means they can always use a willing and costumed body to tag along as an extra pirate, gypsy, fairy or guard for the nobles. (even the mayor could stand to have a few more peasants). So feel free to join in on their street games or show up early for chess and stand on the board. Also note that I ALWAYS have at least 2 games on me that are period in style that I am happy to teach during my visits. Please feel free to ask. (and we will all keep our mouths shut about the average age of the posters here and take Ivy's comments as a compliment)

[countessofmidnight]

Thanks for your suggestions of things to watch for. I love to see new additions to the Faire: the vendors with exiting new wares, new acts. Of course, I love inter-acting with the cast, always.