Welcome to the MacNN Forums.

starman · Aug 21, 2006, 07:58 AM

Who goes to these things? I went to the one in Tuxedo, NY this past weekend for the first time in something like 15 years or so and I had a blast. I used to go every weekend in college but I guess because of the fact that my friends I went with moved west, it wouldn't be much fun to go alone. Now I'm debating on going more often.

Thoughts?

MacNStein · Aug 21, 2006, 08:16 AM

They are fun, and I try and attend a couple each year. I also enjoy the Highland games, it's a good excuse to drink lots of mead and strut around in a kilt (worn regimental, of course).

baw · Aug 21, 2006, 08:18 AM

I went to one once. It was ok. I'll never go again though.

Zeeb · Aug 21, 2006, 09:04 AM

I worked at a big one in Holly Michigan for years and it was a fun. They tend to be populated by crazy actors and students who drink a lot. Lots of overpriced "crafts" but a jovial atmosphere. I'm a nerd.

Dakar · Aug 21, 2006, 09:09 AM

I always found it a little creepy how into these things some people are.

ort888 · Aug 21, 2006, 09:10 AM

We go once a year for a day. It's fun for that day, but I don't think I'd want to spend a lot of time there.

ghporter · Aug 21, 2006, 10:15 AM

My family goes to the Texas Renaissance Festival every year, and we've been at it consistently for about 10 years. Great fun even though the weather likes to mess with us. We pack multiple costumes because it might be cold, it might be BLOODY hot, it might be dry or it might rain the whole weekend.

We wear costumes because 1) it's fun to dress up and 2) the performers pick on people in street clothes. It's much more fun to watch Joe Cowboy fumbling on stage than to be the "audience volunteer."

We go for the whole weekend because TRF is so big that you can't see all the shops, shows, etc. in one day.

Millennium · Aug 21, 2006, 12:51 PM

I try to get to the Maryland one every year, but that's the only one I can usually make it to. Garb is fun.

RAILhead · Aug 21, 2006, 01:20 PM

No thanks.

scottiB · 02:53 PM

Originally Posted by Zeeb

I worked at a big one in Holly Michigan for years and it was a fun. They tend to be populated by crazy actors and students who drink a lot. Lots of overpriced "crafts" but a jovial atmosphere. I'm a nerd.

I've been to that one a few times. I girl that I once dated is a member of SCA. A lot of fun.

olePigeon · Aug 22, 2006, 01:07 PM

I used to go, but then all the Anime people started showing up and ruining it.

Now I only go to the Celtic Festival. It's a lot more fun and laid back. They also live bands going on all day as well as the crafts and other cool things. The Highland Games are played there as well, it's real cool to watch.

Most of the major Scottish and Irish clans have their booths up. If you're a member of the clan you get to hang out at their booth and get free drinks and food, plus a place to sit. Oh, and make fun of the other clans.

Being a Ramsey has its perks. We're the only clan that didn't lose their castle to the English, so we like to rub that in.

Quite a few SCA people show up, too. Unlike the Ren Faire, you can participate for free. Learn how to fence (sort of), make armor and weapons, tools, farming, all sorts of stuff. A real hoot.

I might visit the Ren Faire again, though. Ever since I saw that King of the Hill episode where Dale showed up as a Star Trek guy from the future, I wanted to do that so bad.

invisibleX · Aug 22, 2006, 01:18 PM

Originally Posted by RAILhead

No thanks.

starman · Aug 22, 2006, 01:30 PM

Anime people? At which one?

Demonhood · Aug 22, 2006, 01:44 PM

what would anime people do at a renn faire?
altho that does sound like the premise for an excellent (and violent) short film.

starman · Aug 22, 2006, 01:59 PM

They probably see it as an excuse to cosplay. Ren Faires are in a completely different league.

olePigeon · Aug 22, 2006, 03:12 PM

Originally Posted by starman

Anime people? At which one?

The one in Northern California. It's at Casa de Fruita now. The last time I was there, there wree a bunch of people dressed up as anime characters. Completely ruined it for me.

Originally Posted by Demonhood

what would anime people do at a renn faire?
altho that does sound like the premise for an excellent (and violent) short film.

Hell if I know. It seems to becoming more of a comic convention than a Ren Faire. More and more people aren't dressing up for the 16th-18th centuries, but as faries, and people with spiked, purple hair and impossibly huge tinfoil swords.

The only thing that made up for it was a gorgeous and very gifted woman. She did a little dance that included hopping up and down when you tipped her. I only realized after I left that I shoulda tipped her 1 quarter at a time.

mitchell_pgh · Aug 22, 2006, 04:07 PM

I went to one in Pennsylvania, but some jerk ran me through with his sward. Worst off, my dog was killed by a dragon. I was at the "dentist" until the EMS could get to me.

NOT AGAIN... NO THANKS!