Tuesday, August 4, 2009

San Luis Obispo: Central Coast Renaissance Faire, July 18 & 19, 2009

I was a bit skeptical when we arrived. We were given a tiny amount of real estate. But did we ever make it work! We had a small wedge shape of space, but putting the pavilion in the bit in the back really opened up the encampment and made it work for us. It would have been nice to have had a bit more room, so that the kids could play in the encampment more. I’d wanted to play bocce’ with them, but we just didn’t have the space, and being so near the front of the faire, we couldn’t very well roll the balls out into the street. We did have a bit of afternoon shade, though, which was definitely welcome!

So, do we rally for more space next year, with space to fire the treb(s), or do we ask for the same bit of space for the shade, as shade is hard to come by at this faire? What do you think?

Best (aka what worked) & Worst (aka what didn’t): * The shade was fabulous, then again, so were the lower temperatures. * Being near the front of the faire was interesting, you got to see folk come and go, and they almost always stopped, so we definitely got more ‘face time’ with the patrons. * Notes, we need a more concentrated effort to all be on site and willing to listen at 9:30 (we should be on site by 9am) so I don’t have to repeat stuff over and over and/or not relay anything at all. ;) * I’m going to try to get us a gig dancing for the queen next year (hopefully temperatures will remain moderate). I miss not having a ‘show’ of that sort to perform. * Parades...do you think there were enough parades? Seemed to me that half of our day was spent in parades and/or meet & greet. Fortunately this time we had enough bodies to spread around a bit. * End of the day, having Wil’s folks’ house to retire to...and being made to feel like royalty was worth more than anything. Thanks Gene & Ruth! * Nearly everyone stepping up to take a turn at the front of the guild yard...especially seeing Steve do it on Sunday. Yay Steve! * Everyone keeping busy with crafts, Killian and Cullen working on chain mail is always a big hit with the patrons. I think they really like the multi color stuff, as it stands out. * Tear down went very well. * The faire board must have really liked our work as the site coordinator, came by during tear down to tell us what a fabulous job we did. And again a short while later Mickie, the entertainment coordinator, came by and presented us with some very nice posters that were printed on linen.

Room for improvement / Goals for next event: * More organized dancing, which we’re contractually obligated to do anyway. * More treb shows, again, which we’re contractually obligated to do. * More music in the encampment. * More games for the kids.

Here is a link to some photos that Wil is so gracious as to share with us...http://www.flickr.com/photos/wildabeast71/sets/72157621828580584/

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