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Post by Sir Trevor on Jul 8, 2011 19:02:16 GMT -5
Well, opening weekend is upon us!
Weather looks decent. (a bit on the hot side for my tastes)
Can't wait to see everyone and have fun playing in the shire.
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Post by blueguy on Jul 9, 2011 7:36:03 GMT -5
Well, it's around 8:30 in the AM and i'm looking out the window at work and seeing cars (and red trucks with camperbeds) I know belong to various cast and crew driving by from the campgrounds to the faire to get started. Welcome home everybody, i'll be joining you this afternoon.
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Post by Sir Trevor on Jul 9, 2011 20:58:59 GMT -5
Ok. First day is behind us now. I have a few thoughts on the day. I will get the negative out of the way first, so I can end this post on a good note. First some things that were disappointing, but not really surprising. Got there at 10. Went to the ticket booth to get our stickers. And they weren't ready yet  There were people in the booth, but they didn't have tickets, money, or stickers yet. Looked like the ticket line didn't start moving until just before the Opening Gate show. And the Will-Call line looked to be moving really slow. No programs. And I heard they didn't have Avaloch Notes in the exchange booths until around noon. (didn't affect us, as I still had some from last year) Also, be forwarned, that the lemonade stand near the chessboard doesn't have any soda. Found that out when we were heading to chess, then had to double back to Drift to fill my mug before going back to chess. That is all I have for negatives. On the somewhat disappointing side, there seems to be a few less vendors. Kind of expected some open space. Especially since I was pretty sure that the pirate booth wouldn't be back after they pulled out before the end of last season. Which meant no human powered rides this season. Some other vendors also appear to be gone. But we have some new ones as well. Also, I am sure many will be glad to hear that Royal Teas are back this year. Though in a new location. The stage down by the joust field appears to be completely empty this season  With all that said. I still think it was a good day. Weather was nice. A little warm, but not bad, especially when compaired to last season. I didn't think the crowds were all that big. At least not until I talked to a few of the vendors. Who seemed to do a steady business for the day. And heard they were using some of the overflow lots for parking also. The people I talked to, and overheard in the lanes all seemed to having a great time. And really, that is what matters the most. That people came, and had a great time. As for the late closing. Not sure how I feel. But pub sing seemed to be fuller today, than most of the days last year. Oh yeah. Almost forgot. YOU HAVE TO SEE THE CHECKERS MATCH! It was amazing! |
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Post by blueguy on Jul 9, 2011 21:21:07 GMT -5
Agreed in full. It was great seeing everybody while disguised as a guy in red. Today was possibly the slowest trip around the faire I have ever taken due to all the catching up. Also expect bonus fights in either the chess or checkers matches every day. That's right, even if you have seen it, you may not have seen it.
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Post by nm1997 on Jul 9, 2011 21:42:07 GMT -5
Well said Sir Trevor. I agree completely. We had to walk around to each stage and see who was playing and when, but it was well worth it. It was pretty funny the first two shows I watched(Owain Phyfe and Lady Ophelia) both remembered my family and I from last year. Saw Johnny Phoenix for the first time. That also was a great show. The birds of prey display was neat. Chess is always fun. Huzzah to everyone involved for a great afternoon. See you all next week alas I cannot make it tomorrow. Have a great night all. Long live the king, the queen, and Avaloch!
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Post by Sir Trevor on Jul 9, 2011 22:31:35 GMT -5
Oh yeah. Forgot to mention some of the fun we had.
Got to see an excellent performance by the Plunder Doggs at Olive's.
They played several numbers. And the addition of the fiddle makes the songs that much better.
Will's character - Arnie. You have to see it, to believe it.
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Post by nm1997 on Jul 9, 2011 23:04:05 GMT -5
Will was outstanding! The hot pink pants and matching hair bow were a hoot. It was kind of funny he danced rufty tufty and ended up with his back turned to the crowd and Lady O gave him the option to face the crowd. Long story short he encouraged a mostly female audience to check out his "good side" aka his booty. He was also a riot in the chess match. Of course, my compliments to him as an actor. He made an AWESOME prince John Lackland last year and a great sheriff of Avaloch the year before.
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Post by blueguy on Jul 10, 2011 7:23:33 GMT -5
Just remember, anything that looks out of place or is missing (vendors, schedules me in anything blue) is all because of the time travel theme weekend.
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Post by baronessdevale on Jul 10, 2011 9:43:49 GMT -5
We had a great time yesterday! We thought it all went pretty well for opening weekend. Especially after the many problems they seemed to have getting ready this year. A little disappointing that Circa Paleo was not there but at least they are coming later in the season. Loved Johnny Phoenix as always! I laughed so hard I was crying. If you didn't get a chance to see the cast's improv show at the Coliseum stage, you missed out. They did an outstanding job! We managed to pick up a schedule of showtimes later in the afternoon at the first aid tent. Can't wait until next weekend to catch some of the shows we missed.
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Post by Sir Trevor on Jul 10, 2011 21:18:02 GMT -5
We had an even better day today, than yesterday. I was hotter, and a bit more humid, but still fun. Spent most of the day sitting in the shade and visiting with people. Saw some interesting cast bits (like the limbo competition in town square earier in the day) Saw the first Highland Games show of the day. The trebuche was awesome to see! Also saw Johny's 6:30 adult show. Pretty funny  Also got some Frier Pluck's! Britny loved the pulled pork, and the pot roast was as good as always. And of course, the potatoes were excellent! Crowds seemed thin today. But most vendors and performers I talked to still had a pretty good day. Overall, most seemed to think they had a decent opening weekend as far as money went. Just hopping that continues. As happy vendors and performers make for a much more enjoyable faire. And more returning again next season. |
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Post by Seriously on Jul 11, 2011 10:29:10 GMT -5
I have to say that I had a great time. I was a bit worried about the theme but it turned out to be OK. I only noticed a few people that actually dressed the futuristic direction. There were even a few people that did a good job crossing future and medieval. Huzzah to you creative group. I know I might get reprimanded for saying this but it seems a bit unorganized. You all have mentioned it already... - Late funny money - Not ready - No ketchup at a booth that sells fries? common - I missed music between acts at the smoothie pub. (Waaa I miss my ale) - Seemed like a slow start of the day but by the afternoon it looked like a nice crowd. I had a blast and I cant wait till next week. |
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Post by countessofmidnight on Jul 11, 2011 10:43:23 GMT -5
Will was outstanding! The hot pink pants and matching hair bow were a hoot. It was kind of funny he danced rufty tufty and ended up with his back turned to the crowd and Lady O gave him the option to face the crowd. Long story short he encouraged a mostly female audience to check out his "good side" aka his booty. He was also a riot in the chess match. Of course, my compliments to him as an actor. He made an AWESOME prince John Lackland last year and a great sheriff of Avaloch the year before. ...Cool. I can't wait to see his performance ! Will is one of my favorites,---I laugh like crazy ! And,---he's great to dance with TOO !!!  |
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Post by countessofmidnight on Jul 11, 2011 10:54:44 GMT -5
From what I hear from the Cap'n & the crew of The Raider's Of The North Shore pirate encampment ---the 1st week went well ! Unfortunately, I wasn't able to be there ! " Me personal ship ( truck ) be sunk by old age ! She couldna be fixed ! No careenin' t'at ol' beast ! Ah,---well ! I be hopin' ta be wi' RNS next time, as ship's doctor, Tullia Arabee ! See ye t'en, Mateys ! "
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Post by Lady Catharine on Jul 11, 2011 11:37:08 GMT -5
I did not stay till closing..
My Biggest Gripe is with the BAKERY in the MAIN FOOD COURT..
Last year depending which closing Sunday, no consistency with the fill a bag of bakery.
One Sunday it was 7.00.
Another sun it was 8.00.
Well this year Gerhardt's wife, (I'm assuming).
RAISED THEIR PRICES TO 10.00 A bag!!!
She was watching the girls fill em up...We overheard her saying 'Next week it will 20..00 a bag'!!
As far as I'm concerned SHE CAN KEEP IT, Take the leftovers home or eat them!
Greedy, Take Advantage of Patrons. I feel is her motto!
I don't need that MOTHER LOAD of sugar, nor does my family~
TBTB Needs to have a discussion with them..
So, when I'm off the board I will email Larry..
I'm very disappointed..
I can understand rising costs, not 100% Costs!!!
Bull...
I will patronize the vendors, not the bakery vendor UNTIL she changes her prices..Greedy..plain and simple!~
Alot of sparse areas..I was ready to exit out by 330..it seems like a ghost town....
We still have 5 more weekends...Attendance has to improve..
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Post by countessofmidnight on Jul 11, 2011 12:07:03 GMT -5
I did not stay till closing.. My Biggest Gripe is with the BAKERY in the MAIN FOOD COURT.. Last year depending which closing Sunday, no consistency with the fill a bag of bakery. One Sunday it was 7.00. Another sun it was 8.00. Well this year Gerhardt's wife, (I'm assuming). RAISED THEIR PRICES TO 10.00 A bag!!! She was watching the girls fill em up...We overheard her saying 'Next week it will 20..00 a bag'!! As far as I'm concerned SHE CAN KEEP IT, Take the leftovers home or eat them! Greedy, Take Advantage of Patrons. I feel is her motto! I don't need that MOTHER LOAD of sugar, nor does my family~ TBTB Needs to have a discussion with them.. So, when I'm off the board I will email Larry.. I'm very disappointed.. I can understand rising costs, not 100% Costs!!! Bull... I will patronize the vendors, not the bakery vendor UNTIL she changes her prices..Greedy..plain and simple!~ Alot of sparse areas..I was ready to exit out by 330..it seems like a ghost town.... We still have 5 more weekends...Attendance has to improve.. $ 10.00 a bag... $20.00 a bag... WHAT !!!!!!!!!!!!!!...  ...Not when you can get day old bakery for 90 cents a loaf at the evil empire !!! ;D |
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...Not when you can get day old bakery for 90 cents a loaf at the evil empire !!! ;D