Festival Park (Des Moines) news/rumors. -- posted by JohnPaul on Thursday, May 31, 2007 10:17PM
Okay, here's some info on the construction plans for Festival Park this year...

* Public restrooms are going to be added in the area between the castle and the jousting list.
* Four new merchant buildings are being added somewhere at the far end, close to where the privies were located in 2006.
* Planting is going on in the "rock mud" areas around the park, with flowers already sprouting up. The tree/shrub/greenery sponsorship is also getting some trees and other green things planted this season as well.
* The buildings should be completed this year, including the lower panels and doors everywhere with a doorway. (Much of this was planned for 2007 for rain delays prevented it from being done.)

More to come... The next event, the Wild West Music Fest, will be held the weekend of June 30 and July 1, 2007. Hopefully restrooms will be in place by then, though if it keeps raining...

Omaha World Herald video coverage of NebFaire? (And other video!) -- posted by JohnPaul on Wednesday, May 30, 2007 9:17PM
Okay, since when does a newspaper have a videographer? I feel so out of the loop. Anyway, here's a cool mini article on the Nebraska Renaissance Faire with a neat edited video covering the event (and links to some bellydance footage, too.) Check it out!

http://www.omaha.com/index.php?u_page=2620&u_sid=2391353

And, while I'm at it, here's a YouTube vid from NebFaire, via Danza Mystique:

[more...]

Nebraska Ren Fare. Incrementally better. -- posted by JohnPaul on Tuesday, May 29, 2007 9:15PM
First, a video:

Next, a quick review...

There are festivals I never miss and spend full weekends at - sometimes for quality/fun, and sometimes due to just making insane tips performing at them (like Iowa Ren Fest). There are festivals that I day trip to (sometimes just for cost reasons). There are festivals I visit every few years. And there are festivals I wouldn't revisit unless I had some compelling reason to (like a business trip promoting the Regional Renaissance Reporter).

It's hard to define where I place the Nebraska Renaissance Faire. I've been to all five of them so far (the first two in Ashland, NE, and the last three at Scary Acres in Omaha). The first Ashland event was sparsly attended and I think the organizer wasn't planning on trying again, but many of us encouraged them that a second year was needed. But, so far away from a population base, it wasn't much better. The move to Omaha, at a haunted house theme park with a castle facade, was somewhat better, but still not great. The first year there, I performed with the Pirate Comedy Show and tips sucked. Tips also sucked a few miles away at the Council Bluffs Renaissance Faire of the Midlands a few years earlier with a different group, so I've just decided that -- for my type of comedy acts -- that area isn't great for getting tips (but other places, like Des Moines and Amana Colonies, are mad money for me, so I never miss them).

Anyway, after 2005 I no longer wanted to perform at Neb Faire (and after the screwups at Midlands years earlier, documented fully on this site by Willa back then), I have had no desire to perform there either. But, I'd at least day trip to NebFaire, like I did last year on my way to Oklahoma for the rest of the three day weekend. That works well. I get pictures for this site, and that's good since I provide hosting for the www.nebfaire.com website. (Kinda rotten to take money from someone then not at least show up to their event if you can, right?)

The reasons I didn't like the event went beyond the lack of tips. The layout was conjested, and stage locations sucked (our backs against the sidewalk meaning patrons were constrantly walking behind us while we performed -- just bad). 2006 had some similar stages, and it just didn't come across as a great event. (Now, it should be said, it was still FAR from the worst events I've attended; just not great enough to justify a full weekend. A quick day trip was a pleasant excursion, though.)

So for 2007, they really needed a pirate act. After being approached and re-approached, I finally gave in, then found out neither of the Pirate Wenches could do it, so no show. I still decided to go and document Joust Evolution's third event, and hang out and try to have fun.

And I did have fun. The layout was changed -- moving the joust up to an elevated corn field. That opened up the lower level for a food court and "pirate's cove" place, which worked out much nicer. It also removed food tets from in front of the castle, allowing a better view of the "big" prop of the show. This was very good.

The small linear walkways were still conjested -- during peak times, it was so packed you had trouble getting from end to end. Small crowds easily bring this event to feeling cramped and packed (and the parking lot apparently filled up each day, even with the threat of rain on Saturday which never happened). Heck, the rain is what had me sleeping in Saturday morning instead of driving out early. I thought for sure the event would have been rained out based on the weather forecast I watched.

So the layout was better, and not having to perform and worry about tips and such meant I was free to do something I hadn't done in years -- play! I sang in front of food booths, harassed patrons, and got alot of free stuff for my work (and even sold all but one of the Pirate Comedy Show CDs I brought with me - bonus!). Oddly enough, I took in more money "not" performing than I did doing 2 shows on a rained-out (ie, closed early) day at Amana this year. Go figure.

Incrementally better describes it. I have no idea if attendance was up or down, but it sure as heck seemed busier than previous years, even with all the new space made by relocating the joust. The joust, though, lacked seating. Just like the old college Midlands, if you didn't show up early, you'd not be able to watch -- a few rows of standers in front of you and you were out of luck. I am told they may terrace the viewing area next year, but honestly -- why not just provide 10 rows of seating? A joust is the most expensive piece of entertainment at a festival and it's a shame everyone can't see it. (I walked off on Sunday, for example, since I couldn't even get close enough to take pictures.) Always annoying, and so many festivals have this issue (well, except for Iowa Ren Fest, which has this HUGE hill people sit on; no bad seat in the place there, but that's a rare, rare exception)...

What else? Some interesting food -- I had my first gyro, there was catfish and Frito Pie (not really renaissance, but neither are funnel cakes and all the other stuff found at most renfests these days ;-). Iced tea everywhere, lemonade, smoothies, Coke products (even Coke in a glass bottle), power aid and other drinks, etc. There was a surprising amount of food to be had here. Bonus.

There were five living history groups -- the huge SCA encampment had plenty of falcon-type birds on display (nice), and M.A.R.S. (medeival and renaissance society from Omaha) had a great display -- best I've seen them have yet -- with a hand operate lathe and other neat things to see. Very impressive. Brotherhood of Steele, Westside Reenactors (dancing and singing; high school kids?), and ... one other? ... were nice touches. In fact, when you walked in, you passed one large group on the right, and not one but TWO blacksmiths working on the left. "Welcome to the renaissance... You'll have to walk a bit if you are looking for trinkets and wooden swords."

This was a nice touch -- a great way to "welcome" visitors to the event.

The show guide needed a map, apparently. I did the show guide, and was even given a map, but didn't include it because some areas were still being decided on (relocating the pirate cove, etc.) and I figured it was better to have no map than trust an innacurate one. But, this year, they did list all the merchants and what they sold (food and goods) and even marked "hand made" items with a special icon -- nice touch. Kinda makes the "premium" goods merchants stand out from the buy/sell folks.

I don't know. I don't want to say this is a "great" event, since there are still plenty I like more, but it's not as bad as I found it in previous years (even years when was paid to be there). Good deal. And, at $10, it's $4 cheaper than Midlands so at 25% less, the price helps a bit too.

In the end, I think I'll be returning this event to a "full weekend" event. I had alot of fun, and if they can tweak the pirate cove a bit (or use a better, new site) next year, I think that will get it closer to where it needs to be.

And now ... the scoop of the week... The plan is for NebFaire to move to two weekends, and quite possibly to a new plot of land being designed with a more "permanent" site in mind. Initially this would just be a large wooded area with trees and such for the event to be held, but it's possible stages, etc. would be built to be used there (and for other activities other times of the year).

Years ago (like, 96-99) we had a two weekend event here in Des Moines. I'm not sure it was much larger attendance wise than NebFaire, and the extra weekend helped in case of bad weather. If the forecast had held that all three days were rainy, that would have killed the event for 2007. But, with two weekends, there'd be a good chance of better weather the next weekend. (Ignoring the fact that Des Moines 2006 had rain or prediction of rain for ALL SEVEN DAYS it ran last year.)

It should be interesting to watch. (And, to see if rumors are true that some other area was wanting the event to move to their property -- though it would be a shame to lose the castle.) [more...]

Iowa Ren Fest video on YouTube (Danza Mystique). -- posted by JohnPaul on Monday, May 28, 2007 11:16PM
Hey, check this out. YouTube member "picassolama" has posted a four minute video from this year's Iowa Renaissance Festival (the day of the rain). You'll recognize who he is -- the guy with the Danza Mystique gypsy dancers. And, I even get a few seconds of cameo. I've finally made it to YouTube in a video that I didn't record myself in. Huzzah!



Or link directly:

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=nf34vF1Ot-U [more...]

Hello from Omaha -- posted by JohnPaul on Sunday, May 27, 2007 12:13AM
After sleeping in due to rain storms in Des Moines (I didn't want to load up the Prius in a rainstorm) I finally left for Omaha, arriving around noon (the Nebraska Ren Faire opened at 11). The weather forecast was for rain all day but apparently my source was wrong. Though it had rained, it didn't drop a bit during Sat. Parking was a bit muddy and jousters didn't do horse stuff due to previous rain.

Layout is improved with jousting up on the hill and food court wrapping around where joust used to be. This leaves the castle with no merchants in front so its easier to see. Seems to be more here this year but not sure. It is improved over past years though so that's a plus.

Found out some more on Midlands, but will save that for a later update.

Let's hope for no rain on Sun and Mon.

Ren Faire of the Midlands website updated for 2007. -- posted by JohnPaul on Friday, May 25, 2007 9:06PM
Okay, looks like they have their site updated:

http://www.faire.org

The bad news: No Tortuga Twins, and no New Rides of the Golden Age.

The good news: There will be 13 acts there including Smee and Blogg and the Jolly Rogers.

The merchat list shows 25 merchants listed.

It sounds like a very small event this year, and quite possibly very dissapointing to folks who put up with the heat and awful school location for many years due to it having such strong entertainment and tons of merchants. So, it's very important for as many of us as possible to attend and show support for this event. They are having a special ribbon cutting ceremony Friday at 4:30 pm so local folks without day jobs (or who can get off work early) should drop by for that and encourage them.

Tickets at the gate will be $14, or $12 in advance at HyVee (no two-for-one this year) or you can bring a canned good and get the $12 price at the door. Active military gets in for half price (yay!). [more...]

Pirates of the Carribean 3: At World's End -- posted by JohnPaul on Thursday, May 24, 2007 11:54PM
Well, we saw it tonight, and I liked it better than 2. Dead Man's Chest was alot of fun, but seemed way over the top with all of it's outlandish sequences. This one is much more down to earth though does keep the supernatural aspect (Davy Jones, etc.) in there -- just not as much of it.

Theme park ride fans will love it because it brings back alot more from the ride -- including some actual ride soundtrack moments in one sequence, and, of course, the "Yo Ho" song that was missing from part 2.

I hope it does well. It has some great moments, some fun running gags, and was alot of fun. Got to the theater for the 8pm showing, then by the time all the previews were done and the movie was over (including a final scene after the credits, like the last two), it was after 11pm -- so plan for 3 hours to see it.

Enjoy.

Any excuse to wear tights... (Pirates movie premier.) -- posted by JohnPaul on Thursday, May 24, 2007 6:24PM
Tonight is the world premier of the new Pirates of the Caribbean movie, with showtimes starting nationwide at 8pm. We're about to head out to the local megamall to see it. I wasn't planning on dressing up (even though I did feel awkward when we went and saw the premier of Pirates 2 last year and were about the ONLY ones NOT in pirate costume). But, Dee, who works out at the mall, reported that by the time she left around 5pm, there were people lined up and many in costume.

So what the heck.

No tights though. I save those for the paying gigs.

Oklahoma Renaissance Festival Video Journals -- posted by JohnPaul on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 10:27PM
Coming soon, to a YouTube near you...
[more...]

NebFaire entertainment list posted (and schedule). -- posted by JohnPaul on Tuesday, May 22, 2007 12:59AM
See:

http://www.festint.com/nebfaire/entertainment.shtml

(Sorry it's so last minute; I was out of town this last weekend and couldn't work on it until I got home today.) [more...]

Des Moines Ren Faire - sponsor some greenage. -- posted by JohnPaul on Monday, May 21, 2007 7:26PM
Greetings, everyone!

We are looking for individuals, families or organizations to help us beautify Festival Park. Below, please see a list of specified plants, trees and shrubs that are available for purchase through Miller Nursery of Johnston, Iowa - a sponsor of the Des Moines Renaissance Faire. As our sponsor, Miller Nursery is giving us a "buy one, get one free offer." Prices listed below will actually get us two items!

Individuals or families wishing to purchase rose bushes, shrubs or trees to be planted at Festival Park this year should contact Sleepy Hollow by no later than June 1, 2007. Payment for the plants and trees will be required before planting, which should take place no later than June 15, 2007, as we want to get these plants into the ground to allow them to establish themselves prior to the Faire opening in September.

Donors or a specified individual being memorialized will be named in this years festival program as well as thanked on our Des Moines Renaissance Faire website. Tree purchases over $200 will be marked with a small plaque naming the donor or memorial subject.

Honor a living parent or family member or remember a lost loved one fondly, by helping us beautify Festival Park!

Lynne Melssen
Community Relations Director
Des Moines Renaissance Faire

The Gardens at the Des Moines Renaissance Faire

Rose bushes: $37.00 each - additional planting fee: $20.00
Firecracker Easy Elegance Rose
Funny Face Easy Elegance Rose
Little Mischief Easy Elegance Rose
Macy's Pride Easy Elegance Rose
Sunrise Sunset Easy Elegance Rose

Shrub roses: $35.00 each - additional planting fee: $20.00

Bonica Shrub Rose
Cuthbert Grant Shrub Rose
Home Run Shrub Rose
Knockout Shrub Rose
Purple Pavement Rose
William Baffin Climbing Rose

Shrubs: Dogwoods - prices range from $31.00 - $50.00 each - additional planting fee: $20.00
Types available - Ivory and Redwig

Shrubs: Burning Bush (turns red in autumn) - prices range from $34.00 - $57.00 each - additional planting fee: $20.00

Flowering Shrubs: Endless Summer Hydrangea - prices range from $38.00 - $60.00 each - additional planting fee: $20.00

Holly Bushes: Nordic Inkberry - $34.00 each - additional planting fee: $20.00
Shamrock Inkberry - $52.00 each - additional planting fee: $20.00


Maple Trees: 1.25 " #15 Autumn Blaze Maple - $126 each - additional planting fee: $50.00
1.50 " #20 Autumn Blaze Maple - $200 each - additional planting fee: $50.00
2 " Autumn Blaze Maple - $325 each - additional planting fee: $50.00
3 " Autumn Blaze Maple - $416.00 each - additional planting fee: $50.00
1.25 " Sienna Glen Maple - $177.00 each - additional planting fee: $50.00
1.25 - 1.50 " Sienna Glen Maple - $203 - $230 each - additional planting fee: $50.00
1.5 " Sienna Glen Maple - $230 each - additional planting fee: $50.00
2 " Sienna Glen Maple - $250 each - additional planting fee: $50.00

Sarasota Florida CASTING CALL! -- posted by JohnPaul on Sunday, May 20, 2007 10:15PM
May 13, 2007

10:06am - Casting AUDITIONS! (Posted by Jeremy C. Croteau)

The Sarasota Medieval Fair is looking for performers to participate in the
upcoming season. We provide training and an experience of a lifetime! No
previous experience necessary. The festival is looking for men and women
of all ages. Experience is a plus, but not necessary, as workshops will
be offered for all categories during rehearsals.

2007 Audition Information:

When:
Sunday, July 29, 2007 OR Sunday, August 5, 2007

Time:
Starts at exactly 12:00pm

Where:
Asolo Theater: 5555 N. Tamiami Trail; Sarasota, FL. 34243

* Bring drinks and a lunch. Costume is encouraged, but business casual is
another option. Come prepared to have fun!

For questions, please email Jon Loose, Production Manager, at:

Pdmanager at the address of
SarasotaMedievalFair.com

or call Toll-Free: 1-888-303-FAIR(3247) ext. 4
[more...]

Hello from the Muskogee Dennys -- posted by JohnPaul on Sunday, May 20, 2007 9:59AM
Good Sunday morning. We are currently waiting for breakfast at the Dennys just down the road from the OKFR. There are the usual few people in garb dining this morning (not us). We hope to talk our way in to the festival for a few hours today before we embark on an 8 or so hour drive back home to Iowa this afternoon.

New this year included a new ticket booth and expanded entrance holding area. A new huge gift shop. And a few other items mentioned in the glossy show guide. I hope to meet up with our contact and ask her a few more details so I can cover them in RRR #11 this summer. Fun day! And great weather.

Its still my favorite ren fest.

Laundry Lasses -- posted by JohnPaul on Sunday, May 20, 2007 9:55AM
Greetings from the OKRF. Busy busy day. Visited tons of merchants and handed out tons of copies of the Ren Reporter with the OKRF article in it. Had some beer. Had lunch. Had some beer. Had some wine. Shook hands with the owner. Chatted with Smee and Blogg. And now watching the local wet laundry themed wench act. more to come.

Laundry Lasses -- posted by JohnPaul on Saturday, May 19, 2007 3:50PM
Greetings from the OKRF. Busy busy day. Visited tons of merchants and handed out tons of copies of the Ren Reporter with the OKRF article in it. Had some beer. Had lunch. Had some beer. Had some wine. Shook hands with the owner. Chatted with Smee and Blogg. And now watching the local wet laundry themed wench act. more to come.

Hello from Muskogee, Oklahoma... -- posted by JohnPaul on Saturday, May 19, 2007 1:02AM
After an 8 hour drive, I'm here at a cheap motel just a few miles from the Oklahoma Renaissance Festival (my favorite ren fest). This is the type of event I hope Des Moines Ren Faire will grow up to be like.

Tomorrow I'll be spending the day passing out copies of the Regional Renaissance Reporter to their merchants and performers (probably the #8 issue with the big article on Muskogee). If there is time, I'll also be recording some HiDef video for a video journal of the event, but since I apparently left my camcorder charger back in Iowa, maybe not as much video as I normally woulf have.

So, goodnight for now, and more updates (and tons of photos) later.

Nodaway Ren Fest J.R. Cook's Nintendo Wii diet plan. -- posted by JohnPaul on Tuesday, May 15, 2007 6:20PM
Just for grins, stop by and "DIGG" this article. J.R. Cook received some TV press recently over using a Nintendo Wii as an excercise plan.

http://digg.com/nintendo_wii/Guy_Lost_28_lbs_on_Slimfast_Pizza_and_Wii

(That link will give you a chance to vote up the posting, and also has a link for more information at J.R.'s web log about this project.)

Enjoy... (And watch the TV news appearance where he was interviewed.) [more...]

A sneak peak at an odd Nebraska Ren Faire TV commercial... (updated) -- posted by JohnPaul on Saturday, May 12, 2007 3:19AM
Well, since weird videos do so well on YouTube, here's an odd take on a renaissance festival ad - no ren fest music, no ren fest scenes, just some folks talking to the camera. I don't know if they will approve this ad or request more changes, but here's the second prototype of an ad I put together for this year's Nebraska Ren Faire:

[more...]

12th and 13th most viewed "ren fest" videos on YouTube.com -- posted by JohnPaul on Friday, May 11, 2007 7:08PM
Oddly enough, if you go to YouTube.com and search for "renaissance faire" then sort by View Count, the ad I did for the Des Moines Ren Faire 2005 is the 13th most viewed video. If you search for "renaissance festival" it shows up in position 12. And, like most videos on YouTube, it's not even a particularly interesting video.

But here it is anyway...

12th most viewed renaissance festival video on YouTube

JP on TV in 2006 promoting the new permanent Des Moines Ren Faire -- posted by JohnPaul on Friday, May 11, 2007 6:22PM
And, last September Diandra and I made a quick apperance on Channel 13 in Des Moines to talk about the new permanent Des Moines Renaissance Faire. This was an interesting morning. It was supposed to be myself (the token pirate) and the two Muddy Misfits. The Misfits got lost and when it became apparent they were not going to make it in time, I pulled Diandra in with me. Fortunately, she was riding to the festival with me and was dressed up to work at the Tavern.
[more...]

JP on TV in 2005 promoting the Des Moines Ren Faire -- posted by JohnPaul on Friday, May 11, 2007 6:19PM
Just for fun, here is a YouTube.com video of Queen Cate (Lynne) and myself appearing on the local Channel 8 TV station in Des Moines in 2005.
[more...]

Looking for jouster groups. -- posted by JohnPaul on Thursday, May 10, 2007 10:15PM
Okay, does anyone know of other jousting troups? Here's the list so far.

http://cavalloeqarts.com/index.asp
Cavallo Equestrian Arts

http://www.fourwindsfaire.com/joust.htm
Four Winds Joust Team

http://www.noblecauseproductions.com/
Noble Cause Productions

http://www.warhorse.com/
New Riders of the Golden Age

http://www.hanlon-lees.com/main.html
Hanlon-Lees Action Theater

http://freelancers.faire.net/index.html
Free Lancers

http://www.jameszoppe.com/
American Jousting Alliance

Realms of the Legand - new comic -- posted by JohnPaul on Thursday, May 10, 2007 7:05PM
(Check out this post on the Yahoo! group for Realm of the Legend...)

Announcing Thorgrim the Troll, and family in an ongoing comic strip.

Posted by: "James W Anderson III" crusader_magnus.yahoo.com

We are working on a new feature for the website and would like input from people about what they would like to see in it.

The feature is an ongoing comic strip about Thorgrim the Troll, and his family and friends and their various adventures, much of it in the various settings within our overall layout. Thorgrim is the official mascot of the fantasy area. I will be posting more about him in the TROL_Fantasy group.

This will be an ongoing discussion in the TROL_Fantasy yahoogroup and we want the plot to evolve with input from everyone who is interested.

We will pick and choose from the best ideas that fit with our intent for the facility and the image of the characters. Many of the ideas will become part of the ongoing and growing tapestry of the facility and some may actually end up becoming part of what we build in some of the areas or lead to another character in the facility.

We have major talent working on doing the characters and the comic strip, including top artists who have done major work for TSR and DC and Marvel Comics as well as other talented contributing artists so it promises to be a very interesting project.

AtTheFaire "Remembering (insert festival name here)" DVD series? -- posted by JohnPaul on Thursday, May 10, 2007 5:43PM
For the past decade, I've been known as "that guy who posts all those renfest pictures." But, there were a few years where I also shot alot of digital video as well, starting in 1999 when I acquired my first DV camcorder. I have recently going through over 200 tapes of video, heavily split between Disney theme parks and renaissance festivals. I have footage from the 1999 Salisbury Faire where I did many pans through the festival and documented it in a similar manner to how I document things with the photos. I have tapes from all three Wybreg Village Festivals (1999, two in 2000) and the 2001 Wybreg Beer Garden. I have old video from Jubilee, Iowa Renaissance, Kansas City, and a number of other events.

I recently added four new 500GB hard drives (2 terrabytes) specifically for the project of archiving all my tapes to DVD-Rs before these old tapes die (or, more likely, my player dies). Now that I'm almost done, I've been asked to make some copies, and I'm considering editing up some DVDs of the various renfest home movies I have an offering copies.

So, depending on time, this will be one of my many ren-related side projects in coming months. All the video I do I plan to post on YouTube so folks can watch it for free, but if I have time I'll have them on DVD too.

I'll create a new page here on this site (the first new page made here in years) describing what I have. Sometime. (It's already a massively busy season for me between trips to the Amanas and Wichita as well as work on TV ads, posters, show guides, flyers and the Regional Renaissance Reporter magazine.)

More to come...

3 Pints Gone and Greater St. Louis Ren Faire -- posted by JohnPaul on Thursday, May 10, 2007 5:34PM
(From 3 Pints Gone...)

We just got word that during the 2007 Greater St. Louis Renaissance Festival season there will be a Fan Appreciation Day, Sunday May 27th.

You can order your tickets online for that day at a discounted rate. Adult tickets can be pre-ordered for $8.00 each and picked up at Will-call at the Ticket Booth. Order here:

http://stlrenfaire.com/fan_appreciation/index.html

Following the close of Faire on that day a B-B-Q dinner will be held at the Lion's Pavilion in Rotary Park. They will provide hamburgers, hot dogs and brats, along with potato salad and cole slaw for a cost of $5.00. (You pay the $5 each person just before dinner)

You provide your drinks, but please keep in mind, glass bottles are not allowed in the Park. (BYOB Cider, diet Pepsi, Whiskey in a flask.)

You will be able to have dinner with you favorite performers (Bill, James & Kathleen from 3 Pints Gone) and with The Jolly Rogers, LimeyBirds and Elvendrums.

See us at our daily show to buy your new 3 Pints Gone t-shirt to wear that evening. (Wouldn't that be great is everyone had 3 Pints Gone T-shirts!!!!! I digress) Please come. I it will be great.

All the Best Regards,
Kathleen
P.S See official website at http://www.3pintsgone.com for t-shirt info. [more...]

Nebraska Renaissance Faire press release. -- posted by JohnPaul on Thursday, May 10, 2007 12:31AM
Nebraska Renaissance Faire
-News Release-

"RENAISSANCE FAIRE MEETS THEMEPARK"

The 5th annual NEBRASKA RENAISSANCE FAIRE & MEDIEVAL PAGEANT now stands as the largest family festival of its type in the region. Running on all three days of Memorial Day Weekend (May 26-27-28th) from 11am to 6pm, it will feature the premiere appearance of several new shows to the area. This includes the equestrian spectacle -- Joust Evolution.

This year's history re-enactment event will again take place at Giles Castle (also known as Scary Acres Halloween Park). This hidden setting in SW Omaha is being built up with new features each year under plans to convert it into a true themepark with a variety of events. Its high-profile castle centerpiece is becoming a landmark at 168th & Giles Road (17272 Giles Rd.)

The festival's producers want to make this year's experience for the public so rewarding that they can merit going to two weekends, next year. One of these new "attractions" will be the addition of a Pirate Cove Stage in the woods for the reunion of pirate fans who will be coming to celebrate the latest Disney movie.

Some thirty professional performing troupes and hundreds of costumed comedic village characters will be on hand. There will be four educational Living History encampment groups set up where guests can walk right into the past. There will be special appearances by the Royale Pirates of Tortuga, the Nebraska Swordfighters Guild, the Tavern Wenches of Canterbury, the Banished Misfortunates pub band, Bashaarat Belly Dancers, Merlin the Magician, the Horsemen's comedia dell'arte, the Squires of Goethos trebuchet demonstration, two Samurai martial arts companies, two blacksmiths, and a real nuptial ceremony on saturday.

Additional components to the Nebraska Renaissance Faire will include the wide variety of novelty foods and drinks, dozens of artisan merchants selling their unique goods, games of skill, public archery, and children's activities.

Admission is $10 for adults, $5 for kids from 8 to 13 and free for children under 8 years of age. There will be multi-day tickets available and group discounts. Boy Scouts and Girl Scouts in uniform get in free.

For further details see www.nebfaire.com or contact greg@festint.com or call tel. #641-357-5177.

-30-

CONTACT: Greg Schmidt *Photos available
greg/
festint.com
641-357-5177 [more...]

Des Moines Ren Faire sword classes -- posted by JohnPaul on Wednesday, May 9, 2007 6:44PM
(This just in from Queen Cate...)

Greetings, Everyone!

Dale Tokvam has asked me to announce that an informational meeting will take place THIS SATURDAY, MAY 12th, to discuss upcoming Sword Fighting classes. Location: Sleepy Hollow Sports Park lodge - 2nd floor - beginning at 1:00 PM. 4051 Dean Avenue, Des Moines.

The meeting should last less than an hour. Dale is the founder/director of the Swordfighting group, Canis Bellum and was the fight captain for the 2006 Des Moines Renaissance Faire. (as well as a GREAT tax collector!)

Dale would like to get information from everyone, find out what days/evening would be good for classses, let them know what to expect, and what equipment they will need to get started.

Dale plans to kick off the first class the first week of June. Please remember that everyone will be paying Dale directly for the classes - Festivals International and Sleepy Hollow Sports Park will NOT be subsidizing Dale's talents this season. Everyone will come away from the class with a new skill - one which can be honed and improved and marketed to the DM Renaissance Faire AS WELL AS other festivals around the Midwest. Dale will discuss prices with everyone at Saturday's meeting.

If there are any questions, please email Lynne Melssen at:

http://www.dmrenfaire.com/contact_lynne.shtml

Thanks!

Lynne Melssen
Community Relations Director
Des Moines Renaissance Faire

Ren Faire of the Midlands website updated. -- posted by JohnPaul on Tuesday, May 8, 2007 7:00PM
Okay, it's now "official" -- at least, there is finally something on the official website of Renaissance Faire of the Midlands that gives dates and says 2007. The front page is updated, but other pages still give 2006 information.

http://www.faire.org/

It looks like the entertainment page has also been updated and lists the acts that will be there, including past favorites:

Smee and Blogg
Merlyn's Magic (he's local)
The Jolly Rogers
Orckes and Trolles
Musica Antiqua

No mention of the Tortuga Twins, and while jousting is listed, it doesn't say who (but does say "full contact") so it may not be the real pine lance breaking New Riders of the Golden Age that we've grown so used to. But, at least the Jolly Rogers will be there!

The price last year was $14, but there was a buy one, get one free ticket offer at Burger King. The front page now says that discount tickets will be available but no pricing yet. Bookmark their site and keep checking. [more...]

Janesville Renaissance Faire (Wisconsin) -- posted by JohnPaul on Monday, May 7, 2007 9:08PM
(Another event has passed on their information for this year...)

Janesville Renaissance Festival, Janesville Jaycees and GSM-Bristol - Reenactment and Educational Presentations are excited to announce our second annual Renaissance Faire. It will be held at Traxler Park in Janesville, WI on May 19-20, 2007.

Bring your family and enjoy interacting with the many performers as well as shopping at the exotic vendors during this exciting two day trip into an old world experience! Our free Children's Area is filled with great crafts and activities! We are pleased to announce musical performances by Molly & The Tinker, magic by Molotov the Magnificent, and Robin Hood and Little John will be performing "Two Merry Men and the Seven Deadly Sins", a music and comedy act, Seelie court will be providing music on Sunday as well! We are also pleased to have reenactment and historical demonstrations by the GSM-Bristol, Guild of St. George, The Foxton Medieval Project, St. Martin’s Academy of Martial Arts, as well as medieval style combat by The Northern Horde. New this year is an expanded market place, with over 30 vendors, and an artisan demonstration area. We will also have a falconer from Take Flight! Wildlife Education doing demonstrations and displays. View our website for more information http://www.jvlfaire.gsmbristol.org.

Cost for the event is $7 for adult admission, $5 for children 4-12 years of age, Free for under 4. $1 off admission with a donation of a non perishable food item.

Thank you for helping ot suppor thte community as much as you do!

Chris Last
Co-Chair
Janesville Renaissance Faire
http://jvlfaire.gsmbristol.org

More news on Ren Faire of the Midlands -- posted by JohnPaul on Sunday, May 6, 2007 10:11PM
Okay, here's the latest... Friday, I heard from Mad Jack Morgan (Pyrate - www.cutthroatsncorsets.org) with some observations about the Renaissance Faire of the Midlands website. He noted that, while no year was listed, the dates saying "June 15, 16 & 17" matched the Friday, Saturday and Sunday of June this year. Other pages in the site listed 2006 and last years dates, which 16-18. So, that says the dates for this year were updated.

Then, passed along by several was an update that says:

HEAR YE…HEAR YE…

A group from St. Louis has bought the Renaissance Faire of the Midlands!

The time frame will be:

Friday - June 15, 2007…5PM - 9PM
Saturday – June 16, 2007… 10 AM – 7 PM
Sunday – June 17, 2007…10 AM - 6 PM

St. Louis is planning a smaller version of what we have performed in the past. Their Faire will have fewer stages and very few performers will be paid. Since it will be much smaller, less people and fewer tents they are planning on holding the Faire closer to the road at Westfair where there are trees for shade and should have an intimate feel to it.

Huzzah for getting some shade! I look forward to visiting this year so we can document the second return of RFotM. (Newbies may not know that this event went away "forever" a few years ago, too, including having a big farewell festival event where they had everyone signing a large memory book and invited all past royalty, etc. It was a glorious time, then the event continued the following year as normal.)

Keep those updates coming!

IRF 2007 -- posted by JohnPaul on Saturday, May 5, 2007 10:41PM
Why is it that even when I go to this festival with "nothing to do" other than sound for the joust (no Ren Reporter, no Pirate Comedy Show), I still have no time to see stuff and do things? I seem to spend every spare moment talking with people. I guess that's what happens when you only see certain friends once a year.

Bad this year: no Amana wine for sale! Millstream beer was, tho.

Good this year: it didn't rain in spite of the forecast saying it would.

New this year: Scurvvy Dawgs for the first time in Amana. With their horse-scaring cannon.

Pics and more later... Sunday Molly and I will be doing the Pirate Show twice.

Hello from Amana Colonies! -- posted by JohnPaul on Friday, May 4, 2007 11:59PM
Greetings from a $55/night motel in the Amanas. We visited the site briefly tonight before eating way too much dinner. Site is wet. it may effect how much horse riding the jousters (Joust Evolution) can do, but we'll hope for the best.

Songstress Susan won't be able to make it, but we'll try to carry on the insanity in her absense.

More later.

Another newspaper quote... -- posted by JohnPaul on Thursday, May 3, 2007 7:19AM
I have a Yahoo! news search set p for certain terms, like "renaissance festival," "renaissance faire," etc. I also add some local references like "des moines renaissance" and the like. This morning it triggered with something from the Iowa Press Citizen, which had my infamous "theme park" quote:

Iowa Press Citizen Article about Iowa Ren Fest

Meanwhile, looks like rain or thunderstorms for Friday and Saturday in the Amana Colonies this weekend. I guess it's too much to ask for a renaissance festival in Iowa without weather problems :-) [more...]

Ren Faire of the Midlands website back up. -- posted by JohnPaul on Tuesday, May 1, 2007 2:30PM
James at The Noble Market wrote it today after noticing that the Renaissance Faire of the Midlands website is back up with the "festival is gone" page removed. Instead, the site from 2006 with last year's pricing and date and such is listed.

I know this is not quite the same as "the festival is back" since no information exists for 2007, but it's worth noting so you can check the page from time to time for updates.

The site is www.faire.org