Scarborough Renaissance Festival

[Drac]

There have been a lot of changes last couple years with new owners. It is not the same fair I went to 5 years ago.

Any more comment than that is lible to turn into a rant which maybe unfair.

We have our Friends of Faire (FoF) passes (required to buy two since they got rid of the Season pass, sort of) so we'll be there as much as possible.

Scottish weekend may not have as many tents as before due to some new rules. Unfortuneately I will be on vacation.

Jim

[Zardoz]

This being my first time to Scarbie, I was a tad disappointed overall. For such a large faire, why wasn't there more music? At the TRF, you can wander around all day and hear musical acts going on all over the place. But at Scarbie it was eerily devoid of music. I found that curious. I was also sort of disappointed that many of the people working the booths didn't even bother to attempt to use period language or accents.

I have not been to Scarby in almost 10 years, but I see what you mean. I was looking over their website, and while I see few music acts I know, like Wine & Alchemy, Cast in Bronze and Cantiga, The list of 'pure music' acts does seem a little short, compared to what I recall.

As far as the boothies not using 'period' language or accents, that wouldn't trouble me, I know it's tradition, but the ubiquitous fake olde Englishe accents at TRF wear on me after a while.

Hoping to get up there and see for myself in the next couple of weeks though.

[Tobus]

As far as the boothies not using 'period' language or accents, that wouldn't trouble me, I know it's tradition, but the ubiquitous fake olde Englishe accents at TRF wear on me after a while.

Sure, but it's part of the experience of a Ren faire. It's corny as hell, but it at least means they're trying. When the vendors don't even bother to play the part, the whole atmosphere of the faire suffers.

Several of the vendors I recognized from TRF were there, but some of them didn't carry nearly the range of products at Scarbie that they sell at TRF. Son of Sandlar was one of them... my wife bought one of their higher-end pairs of boots last November, and I was thinking of getting a similar pair. But all they had were the cheaper models. I didn't question them as to why, but I'm guessing because the quality of costumes at this faire isn't nearly as good as the TRF, and they figure it's not worth the bother to lug around their pricier boots because the crowd here isn't the same.

I did buy my wife another complete wench dress and corset set from Boss Wench (who we bought her last dress from, 15 years ago at TRF). That set me back over $400. But seeing her in it was worth every penny.

[The Thirsty Viking]

I did manage to find his booth on Saturday but everyone there seemed to be busy at the moment so I didn't interrupt. I meant to come back to it later, but that just didn't happen. Thirsty Viking, were you the younger fellow working the bellows and tending the fire?

We have a few younger guys in the shop... This is me on the right:


Drac- we are across from the Glassblower and the White Horse pub, and between Safer Swords and the Salsa lady.

As far as vendors using accents and such - At our booth, we tend to use the obligatory "good day" or "Well met", but over the years we have found that in our particular trade, weapons and smithing, when you talk to people in the accent, they have a hard time taking you seriously and tend to dismiss you. Most people want straight talk when they are seeking information or looking to buy a piece that could amount to a month's pay or more.

I cannot speak for other booths, but I tend to mirror these sentiments on anything I am about to spend my hard-earned money. I expect that from the cast, not the vendors.

TRF is a different story. At TRF, our shop is not only a vendor, but we also fall under the umbrella of the performance company, so we tend to put on more of a "show" for the patrons in speech and banter. Frankly.... i hate it. when people have questions, and are truly wanting information on the craft, I want my mind on giving them the best information I can, rather than if I am using proper 1530's grammar (of which, there really is none).

[Zardoz]

As far as vendors using accents and such - At our booth, we tend to use the obligatory "good day" or "Well met", but over the years we have found that in our particular trade, weapons and smithing, when you talk to people in the accent, they have a hard time taking you seriously and tend to dismiss you. Most people want straight talk when they are seeking information or looking to buy a piece that could amount to a month's pay or more.

I cannot speak for other booths, but I tend to mirror these sentiments on anything I am about to spend my hard-earned money. I expect that from the cast, not the vendors.

That's pretty much my take too, I know the accents are a big part of the 'show', and the mundanes expect them etc.. I'm OK with the girl selling me my beer being part of the show, and I'll play along. But like Thirsty said, if I'm looking at spending hundreds of dollars with a vendor, I'd like to put the 'show' on hold for a bit.

[Zardoz]

OK, The stars have lined up, my ducks are in a row, and I'll be at Scarborough Faire for the Highland weekend bright and early on Saturday April 30th.

Hope to see a few of the rabble !

[MichaelPHahn]

My family went this past Saturday (4/23) with friends who go every year. My wife and son rented costumes and had a blast. I wore my just arrived (as in the day before) USA Kilts 5 yard wool kilt in McLaren Modern. It was a perfect way to break it in. Best part is that my 13 year old son now wants a kilt of his own. Other good news was that in honor of the new kilt my full blooded Scots friend was buying me as much Belhaven Stout as I wanted.

[Drac]

OK, The stars have lined up, my ducks are in a row, and I'll be at Scarborough Faire for the Highland weekend bright and early on Saturday April 30th.

Hope to see a few of the rabble !

And of course I will be in San Diego.

Have a good time. Beware the QoH draft anyone garbed in kilts. Sometimes they really don't leave you an escape option.

Jim

[Zardoz]

And of course I will be in San Diego.

Have a good time. Beware the QoH draft anyone garbed in kilts. Sometimes they really don't leave you an escape option.

Jim

I know a lot of those guys, I'm sure they'll pressgang me

[The Thirsty Viking]

I will be working, so Come on by and see me, Zardoz! I'm sure i could find a few minutes to "Talk Shop"