I have often, as I did over the last several posts,
described performers, singers, merchants and even the faires themselves. I think it is now time for something for you,
the patrons of a faire.
From the comments left over the past several years, I have noticed
many people have never been to a medieval/renaissance faire. Well, hopefully, in this post I can inform
you what to expect, and what to do, and not to do at one of these faires!!!
Before you even get to a faire, CHECK IT OUT! Many faires have a website, which will post
or list the performers and merchants at that particular faire. By knowing what is available, you can ration
your time to know which performances you want to see, and what you might want
to buy.
Now take the next step.
Check and see if these performers or merchants have a website
themselves. View their website, see if this is an act you might like, or a
vendor you might want to check out.
REMEMBER, TIME IF YOU ENEMY. You
may not have much time to visit every single act, or vendor at these faires,
being a little prepared will help you manage your time better.
Also, when you are checking online, see what the entrance price
of the faire is. This is important,
because many faires might have a different online price, then at the gate. You, or your family members, may be eligible
for a discount, such as age or military service, again some of these may be
only available online, or at the gate. If is a faire with multiple weekends,
see if you can get a frequent discount rate.
Get a Schedule- When you arrive (or print one online before
hand), see if they have a schedule. This
will help you determine where to be and when. This is very important for acts
you want to see. If you are at a large faire, hopefully there will also be included with the schedule a map. Not only do you need to know what time events are happening, but also where. Pay attention to location, you do not want to be on the other side of a faire when an act you want to see starts.
Check the weather- I have gone to faires when the weather
has not been perfect, However, knowing if it might rain or not, will help you
determine which day you want to go (if held on multiple days), also helps you
determine proper attire (see below).
Dress Appropriately- As many of you know I made my own
leather armor, and I like to wear it to these faires. You do not need to dress in period piece (if
you want to go ahead, it’s fun), but, you should be aware about what you are
wearing. Weather will determine what you
should wear. If it’s hot, wear less.
Possibility of rain, have an umbrella.
Also, remember if it might be unseasonably chilly. Walking around cold will make what should
have been fun, into an unpleasant experience.
You do not need to purchase a costume to own just to wear to
a medieval faire. Check ahead, and see
if that faire rents out costumes for the day.
You can show up and they will fit you into nice looking medieval attire.
Also, think about the
proper shoes and boots. If it is an outside faire (most are), you may be
walking around uneven ground, rock filled pathways etc. You also will be walking a lot that day, so make
sure to wear comfortable and practical shoes or boots.
Bring MONEY- Going to some of these faires are not cheap.
Some items are expensive, this is because of their uniqueness, or being
handmade. Also, remember these places
might not take credit cards, or even have an ATM available. Make sure you have enough money to do what
you want to do.
Also, in terms of money, bring some to tip the performers.
These performers work hard, so if they have a tip jar, leave something in there
for them. See if they sell any
merchandise, some performers such as singers might sell a CD of their music; if
you like their music buy it.
Take Pictures- There is nothing wrong with taking a camera,
or cell phone, and snapping some pictures.
If you do this, make sure to share it online or with your friends or
family. NOTE: I have not seen this at a
medieval/renaissance faire; but, when I was at a circus we were not allowed to
take pictures. It never hurts to ask.
Be Enthusiastic- This is a faire, have fun, get into the
spirit of the event. I will totally
admit, I am a shy, introverted person, this might be the reason I enjoy writing
a blog; I can use the excuse of being
unengaged because I am a reviewer. However,
do get into the faire. One of the best
times I ever had was at the Connecticut Renaissance Faire. I have purchased a VIP ticket, and had the
honor of escorting Queen Elizabeth around.
She was a wonderful actress, and helped me out of my shell.
So basically, I am saying let some of your inhibitions go,
and just have tons of fun at the faire.
As you walk around the faire, performers, merchants and faire members
will try to engage you in medieval/renaissance speak. Learn some words so you can participate also.
Leave the Attitude at the Gate- You are late on your car
payment, your girl or boyfriend just left you: I feel sorry for you, but leave
that at the gate. If you bring that in, other will be affected by it.
Also, be courteous of others. They are here to have fun, or
if they are performers they are putting on a show for you, show others the same
respect you want them to show you.
Eat and Drink- First, Safety issue: You will be there for
the full day. Make sure you drink enough to keep hydrated. Also, eat something
so you do now get low blood sugar.
Now that point is over, let’s talk about fun eating and
drinking. The faire is a place to get some great food. Some food is specific to
a medieval/renaissance faire, like giant turkey legs, enjoy them here. In terms of food: if you are on a restricted diet, check ahead and see if the vendors can meet your dietary needs. If not, eat ahead, or after the faire. Most faires will not allow outside food.
You will also find alcohol at many of these faires. Beer,
wine and of course Mead. If you want to
drink, drink in moderation. No one wants
to see you kicked out of a faire because you are drunk. Also, beware about drinking Mead. It is a sugar based (honey) alcohol, means it
will bring up fast, and you will crash coming down. A little Mead will go a long way.
Talk and Listen- I am
not saying to run up to everyone at the faire and introduce yourself, but, if
by chance you may find yourself in a conversation. I have been at some faires, where now, I call
talked to, I now call friends. Also, it
may also be a way of networking, many of you know my other passion is professional
wrestling. I have gotten to know several wrestlers and promoters that by chance
I met at one of these faires. If they
are not busy, talk to some of the performers and merchants; you may find a
world of knowledge waiting there to be tapped.
Learn- You are at a faire, and it’s fun and entertaining,
you should also remember it is a place of vast information. There will be more
than just entertainers there, there will be demonstrations, re-enactors and
artists working at their trade and art.
Take to time to listen to them, or ask questions. These people know their
craft and most will be more than happy to speak about it.
Involve your child(ren) into this learning experience. History to a child can be boring; to them is
just dates and facts. A
medieval/renaissance faire can put a face on this history, make it personal.
Allow your child(ren) to be excited and engage in the faire.
Share your experience- I have a blog, which is the way I
express my experiences at this faire, I also take the time to share my
experiences on Facebook etc. You may not
have a blog, or other social media, that is ok. Share your experiences with
your friends and neighbors. These faires are successful, or fail, by their
reputation, so if you like one tell others.
Finally, just go to a medieval/renaissance faire. As I
stated many of my readers have never gone to a faire; It’s about time you
experienced one. You will find it is
more than a faire, it is a community of people who love to share, have fun, and
want to educate you about a specific period in time.
Thank you for reading my post about going to a
medieval/renaissance faire. If you want, please leave a comment, I would love
to hear your opinions.
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W.A.Rusho is a professional wrestler, author and historian. You can reach him at his website or via his email.
Like what you are reading on a blog? Click an advertisement to support a blogger.
W.A.Rusho is a professional wrestler, author and historian. You can reach him at his website or via his email.
Sounds like great fun for people into visiging medieval faires. Personally would not have time to go even if I lived in the US. Keep on enjoying, William.
ReplyDeleteI love the idea of helping kids learn history by visiting a faire. Great plan for parents with kids suffering from summer boredom!
ReplyDeleteFantastic post, William, that I will happily share. I'd never thought of tipping the performers (unless they have a jar out that reminds you to tip.) I've been to a few Renaissance Faires and have always enjoyed them. Cheers!
ReplyDeleteI have never been to a medieval faire. Great tips for newbies, particularly;
ReplyDelete1. Checking the weather
2. Bring money
Even when we go out as a family and bring a packed lunch, we always have spending money as children will ask for one thing or another.