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Post by Simon De Montfort on Aug 17, 2006 19:30:59 GMT -5
This year was very good, The cast was excellent and the story line was good, There were few new vendors and that was sad, there were some very good new acts, The Maidens IV, to the hilt, Porter and Stout, Queen Ann's Lace, Pirates Royal.
The Gypsy dancers played hard during the parade, but all and all it was over pretty fast, maybe it was the time change.
The food was good, The chicken paprikas was to die for.
A pirate camp would be awesome! maybe in that adult area that has been talked about, There is still plenty of room left on the grounds,
Speaking of which, if the attendance grows much parking may be an issue, my brother in law came late one day and had to park almost on 534
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Post by bunbun / Hank on Aug 17, 2006 21:29:06 GMT -5
Thoughts. Part 2. Well it's been another 16 hour day for me but before I shower and hit the sack I have a few more comments to make.
I thought the Robin Hood theme was pretty weak. Now don't get me wrong here. Robin, Maid Marion, the entire cast did a most excellent job. And a great big HUZZAH TO YOU FRIAR TUCK. You were fantastic in that roll. The problem I have with it is that there was no closure. After the Robin Hood jail break there was NOTHING!! In the past the villains always got their comeuppance at pub sing. They would be handed off to the Mudbeggers/Washer Well Wench's/Sword School to be dealt with at closing gate.
This year what did we have? A very weak closure the first day between John and Marion. Then on the third weekend of Faire Tom/Prince John came up with a much better ending to the story, but it was never to be seen again. And the Sheriff was only handed off one time. And I ain't buying "Well, there just wasn't enough time" Seems like we had time in years past.
Enough for now. In part 3. I will give you my take on Pub Sing. Till then. PEACE and GOOD CHEER to all. HANK
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Poison Ivy
Lord
Hello, you tasty little morsel.
Posts: 440
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Post by Poison Ivy on Aug 17, 2006 22:03:57 GMT -5
Patty's right. I remember when I was in cast, I felt the same way. And this year, they had the cast scheduled for :
Dancing in the street Parade Chess match
No wonder so many of them went down!
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The Highwayman
Squire
The more laws and order are prominent, the more thieves and robbers there will be.
Posts: 37
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Post by The Highwayman on Aug 17, 2006 22:04:50 GMT -5
I thought the entire thing was wonderful-- the actors and shows were all great, the Chess Match was, again, amazing, and the food was good. There could have been some more vendors, in my opinion, and I agree that the parade wasn't much. However, the two big things I saw other people complaining about and were perturbing to me were: -1. As BunBun pointed out, there was absolutely no closure to the Robin Hood plot. They run out of jail and that's it. I heard other people after the jail break sounding a bit confused and let down because the story continued no where. Having King Richard show up at Pub Sing or Robin Hood defeating the Prince right before the final joust or something (before so it does not interfere too much with the Brothers in Arms themselves) would have brought decent closure. -2. As Simon pointed out, parking started becoming a problem. I know this is a harder one to tackle, but if the faire continues gaining popularity, it will become an even larger problem. There were a few days when I didn't show up until around noon, and I had to park over near the highway. All in all, though, it was very enjoyable. The atmosphere and actors were great. The vendors and other people were nice and got to know you if you visited them daily (and in some cases offered GREAT discounts ). I wouldn't mind it starting two weeks earlier.
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Post by Sir Trevor on Aug 18, 2006 8:40:29 GMT -5
About parking. They do have more parking area yet to be used. But you don't want to know where it is
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Post by Lady Catharine on Aug 18, 2006 10:33:04 GMT -5
robinson, Thank thee!
I will give thee a BIG HUZZAH!!
great minds think alike,its fun, 6 weeks is too short for me, just when Im getting my groove, poof-tis over..IMHO starting 2 weeks prior is fine by you and I!
Gramercy!
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Just Kara (for now)
cast
The more I live, the more I know. What's simple, is true--I love you.
Posts: 252
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Post by Just Kara (for now) on Aug 18, 2006 11:47:40 GMT -5
As far as the storyline not being ended correctly, I agree. There should have been a better ending, however you have to take into account that A. We ran long past the cannon, more than once, so time was an issue. and B. The ending we did have needed to be scripted, and was lower on the list because we needed to get the big shows ready (i.e. Chess Match, Merry Men Fight Show).
I wish there would have been more, but I think all in all, we still did a pretty good job with what we were handed, especially John and Tom. Just keep in mind what these guys can do with a full off season to prepare, and full season or rehershals to get everything ready.
With much love, and missing you all, Fanny a.k.a. Kara
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Post by BlackKnight on Aug 18, 2006 13:05:24 GMT -5
I did half expect that Richard Brentar, who has played King Richard in previous seasons, would have made an appearance in the final weekend to give the story some closure. But oh well, it is what it is...
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Post by Captain John Stout on Aug 18, 2006 22:20:18 GMT -5
Truth be told, the thought had crossed my mind . . . .
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Post by bunbun / Hank on Aug 19, 2006 20:05:09 GMT -5
Thoughts. Part 3. While Pub sing was alright for the most part I can't say it was the best I've ever seen. While we had a plethora of very fine musicians it seemed to me as if we lacked the impromptu comedy we had in years past. I'm talking the crazy stuff, like Bardic Wind juggling the Washer Well Wench's while swing from Ariel Angels trapeze. (while I don't think that ever did happen ya gotta admit it would be fun to watch) While Jason the Mud Beggar appeared a couple of times, and Axle put in an appearance on the last day why no Ded Bob, Johnny P. the Tortuga Twins? Ya got 12 days of Faire, ya could "mix it up a bit" at Pub sing. Music is fine, but its not the be all and end all of Faire.
So! there ya have my take on things. That is why in my first post I rated Faire a B+. It was damn good, but there is room for improvement.
Also!! I hope to God the rumors I'm hearing are not true. I DON'T want to see the place turn into "Sesame Street" geared only to the mentality of a 6 year old. HANK.
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Post by Lady Catharine on Aug 21, 2006 7:08:36 GMT -5
I am probably going to take flack for this- but Hank I have to agree with you. NO SESAME STREET---this is a REN FAIRE-NOT A KIDDE FAIRE.
Sorry if Ive offended any famlies, my apologies.
Howere' if there is kidde area to be had, that's fine.Just dont make the entire place one.
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Post by Kelzar on Aug 21, 2006 12:56:00 GMT -5
Here is a viewpoint of a season pass holder parent that has a 6yr old daughter along every other weekend......
Having kid AREAS, ala fairy forest, is wonderful, but IF there are ideas of turning GLMF into a some over sized Disneyfied dirt path Sesame street sandlot, then I will NOT be bringing her back to THIS faire.
On game booths: As it is, I cringe at the "carnival" game booths that have fluorescent stuffed dragon and gaudy plastic swords as prizes. Having the period style game booths, like the ones found behind the joust field are great, lets keep the prizes remotely period too. Kudos to the return of man powered kiddie rides, the fellow that operated the crows nest this year was great. What ever happened to the throw-a-tomato-at-the-fool booth? That was classic, very period, entertainment.
On vendors: Very few new vendors this year. Great to see the active demos like the glassblower back. I look forward to more things happening with the forge. Many vendors are making their wares during the day are quite happy to talk about what they are doing, this makes a great learning experience for the youngsters. The wooden sword booth vendor would take the time to juggle and share with most anyone interested. The foam sword vendor just outside of fairy forest was constantly playing with kids aged 4 to 60. Bring back Sword School.
On the musical and themed acts: The themed acts are great, keeps it so there something new to see for the season pass holders every week. Maidens IV, I hope that they are already signed for the full run next year. Owain, yes, Health to the Company has certainly become signature final song. Spacing of musical acts during pub sing seemed off this year, a crescendoed rise, especially for the last day creates memorable experiences. I didn't hear Lizzie do her sing along "hey jiggy jiggy...my husbands a _______) song at all this year. I hope to hear it next year. John was a great MC for pub sing.
On shows: This year I SPECIFICALLY heard Axel warn adults in the area THREE times that this was his adult humor show. The TT show and Ded Bob warned folks that some material is not suitable for the little ones. Parents need to be parents and police where they take their young ones, if they can't do that then stay at home and watch Dragon Tails and My Little Pony to spend "quality" time with the kids. At the shows expect sexual innuendo, gay reference, drunk and thus stupid pokes, anatomy jokes, bodily function jokes, and why am I wearing funny clothes comments, if you can't handle the first 10 or 15 minutes, or if you feel your child shouldn't be exposed to them, then take a hint and move on.
On food and drink: Black Ox cottage and the fruits and veggie vendor, very good please keep. While I have not yet had one, same with the pickle vendor. The people at Kings Kreamery were quite simply the most pleasant food vendor during the whole run, always smiling. Friar Plucks, the best cooked meals and not drowning in fat, very dedicated. What is with the wrist bands? I understand enough of the LCB laws to know that you don't need to "card" the greyhaired octogenarians. So if the faire goes Disney does that mean the only alcohol on the grounds will be found in the emergency kit in the form of a wound cleaner?
On parking: When it is rainy, the lot is very wet (overflowing ponds don't help), when it is dry, it becomes very dusty, that's nature. I don't know how practical it is to try to smooth out the ruts during off season. Is it lawful to store and use the (vegetable based) cooking oil from the last season to oil the roads to help keep the dust down? Overall parking seemed pretty organized this season.
On the parade: I think getting the parade off of the 12 o'clock schedule was good for evening out the food/drink lines. I can understand how the parade can tap the energy of those carrying things, waving, performing, nonstop, especially in 90+ degree heat. What if the parade route were shortened, turn right at RenBoots an cut off the big loop around Old Worlde or something similar.
On the cast and crew: Great job, most of you are now seasoned, street interaction went well, combat chess was one of the best you've ever done. Plot line was little lacking. Jeremy, amazing physical resilience to stay fully dressed and composed in that heat in the Sheriff's attire. Greg, wonderful job on the ogre character and street bits. It was quite enjoyable to talk with and among those that shared table during a meal or break. Our wenchified Christine and Larry sporting clothespins were probably the two funniest things I saw this year. Tim, great job on maintaining composure while in great sopranic pain, again, sorry about that. Privy fairies, a thankless job, until now, THANK YOU.
Overall: A good year, I expect next year will be better organized with our two new appoints at the helm. A posted vendor list with hopefully more new vendors, updated links, storyline and information for 2007 by the time the snow melts would be fantastic. Please don't Disneyfy the faire. A consolidated kids area and/or an isolated adults only area would be nice additions. Could the space next the maze (on the opposite side from Johnny's stage) be made into picnic area that could be designed as family friendly lunch space? (i.e. away from any stage that might have adult humor content)
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Post by CelticWench on Aug 21, 2006 14:29:51 GMT -5
I didn't hear Lizzie do her sing along "hey jiggy jiggy...my husbands a _______) song at all this year. I hope to hear it next year. Kelzar - I specifically asked Lizzie about "Follow the Band" (the tune you are referring to)....evidently it was deemed over-the-top by the Kiddie Police.
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Post by Sir Trevor on Aug 21, 2006 19:52:34 GMT -5
What is with the wrist bands? I understand enough of the LCB laws to know that you don't need to "card" the greyhaired octogenarians. So if the faire goes Disney does that mean the only alcohol on the grounds will be found in the emergency kit in the form of a wound cleaner? I'll take a stab at this one. What I have heard from reliable sources. This is another one that is partially to blame because the trustees. It is another one of the ways they have been attacking the faire. Trying to get it's liquor license yanked by catching the faire serving minors. They have even gone so far as to send minors in to see if they will get served. (I know, sounds paranoid. And I even thought that myself the first couple times I heard about it. But I have heard it far too often, and from too many different sources to discount it out-of-hand now) So the wristbands are a way to make it easier on the serving staff. To make sure that those getting served are actually supposed to be getting served. Sure, it might be over-the-top. But it is no different than some stores that still card me for smokes because they have been burned in the past by certain groups sending in 'ringers' to stir up headlines and cause trouble. So those that think the faire might be over-reacting. Keep in mind. They have good reason to be paranoid. The trustees have not been able to win in court (they have never won a case, in all the years of litigation so far) So they are trying to attack the faire from other sides now. Why do you think there have been so many inspections by the health department and the building department? Which have all gone great BTW. Larry actually welcomed all the extra health inspections this year. Gave him good evidence that everything was up to standards to ward off any 'friends of the trustees' coming in and trying to claim food poisoning. The inspectors have been great. Even they don't understand why their bosses keep sending them there, when there have never been any problems. And there are other places that could use their attention more.
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Post by Kayenne on Aug 21, 2006 20:36:10 GMT -5
I don't want the faire turning into Disneyland, but I do think bringing in a few kid-friendly acts would be a very good idea.
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