FriendsOfMDRF.org - THE BLOG!

http://www.baltimoresun.com/news/maryland/bal-md.rennfest31aug31,0,1513301.story

Here ya' go. . .Opening Weekend's bout with 95 degrees and almost 100% humidity!. . .ugh!

http://s195.photobucket.com/albums/z312/SirBlackFox/MDRF/2009/?action=view&current=701b94f6.jpg

Don Quixote is the best production at MDRF in years. The acting, both comedic, dramatic, and insane, is superb. This adaptation (written for the festival by Baltimore playwright Mike Field), gives Brian Reynolds a no-holds-barred comedic romp as Sancho Panza.

Directed by veteran festival director Timothy Shaw, Fred Nelson's booming voice (after all, he's usually HRH King Henry VIII) as Don Quixote and insane glances, sell the part. (Hey Fred, Casper called. . . he wants his legs back).

You have to see this for yourself and experience the many cast members in roles that are in opposition to their usual characters in Revel Grove.

According to actor Fred Nelson (King Henry VIII) at MDRF: "The King's colors this year will be gold with forest green trim."

Tomorrow, we that attend will see for ourselves and by Sunday night, there will be links to photos so that all may see!

I got tired of the green: http://fomdrforg.proboards.com

http://www.nytimes.com/2009/08/23/theater/23sont.html?_r=1&adxnnl=1&hpw=&adxnnlx=1251202013-ERw97VdUeXuIMdtosFehnw

Shot photos of many of the folks at PARF this past weekend for their Pyrate Invasion. . . you may find them here:

http://s195.photobucket.com/albums/z312/SirBlackFox/PARF/PARF%202009/

The Five Day Countdown has begun.

Saturday was the opening day for the Maryland Renaissance Festival and we were there. Our family first attended “RenFest” three years ago, with the vague idea that it would be “educational.” Educational? Hmmm. Perhaps. But it certainly is entertaining.

So, how to describe it? RenFest is comprised of several acres of fantastical medieval-style buildings scattered in a lovely wooded setting, meant to evoke a 16th Century English village. There are artisan shops of all types, concessions selling every kind of foodstuff on a stick imaginable (cheesecake on a stick-yum!), pubs (mead and hard cider in addition to ale and wine), performance areas featuring musicians and stage acts, games of chance and skill, a climbing wall and play areas for kids…oh, and a jousting ring where actual jousting tournaments take place. [Factoid: Jousting is the official sport of the state of Maryland.]

But the true entertainment is the people watching. A weird and wonderful melange of serious Elizabethan re-enactors, Jack Sparrow wannabees and their saucy wenches, tartan-clad Braveheart types, D&amp/B&amp/Lord of the Rings-ian princes of Gondor, goth-punk-pixie-biker-gamer-wiccan hybrids, little girls in sparkly princess garb and little boys brandishing wooden swords and shields. And everything in between. Oh, and “normal” people.

In abundance: more tattoos than you can shake a stick at. In abundance: cleavage. Nonchalantly displayed, head-turning, what our family call “boobs on a platter” cleavage.

For all the unlikely mix–and the presence of alcohol–it’s a remarkably family friendly and genteel event.

But I have to ask. What is it with nerds gifted folks and renaissance festivals? Clearly there is a connection as cited by no less a cultural authority than Weird Al Yankovic in his “White and Nerdy” video:

I’m nerdy in the extreme and whiter than sour creme
I was in AV club and Glee club and even the chess team!
Only question I ever thought was hard
Was do I like Kirk or do I like Picard?
I spend every weekend
at the renaissance fair
I got my name on my under wear!

At RenFest I watched a hilarious 20 minute version of Macbeth during which the actors made extended Star Trek references. The audience roared. Clearly it’s a stereotype that festival goers embrace.

Well, a little googling around got me at least one theory. On the heels of Nerds: Who They are and Why We Need Them, comes American Nerd: The Story of My People,” by Benjamin Nugent. Nugent recently did a Q&A with the Los Angeles Times, and he offered this insight:

Wasn’t there someplace where they addressed you as “kind sir” or something like that? Some of the nerdy kids in my high school were very into Renaissance festivals.

I think with Renaissance festivals, that quasi-medieval language allows for a certain clarity and politeness in discourse which a lot of nerds miss in high school, and need to find a place where it’s spoken. And that sense of elaborate rules and hierarchies that are very clear and open to everyone – that’s something else high school does not allow. The hierarchies in high school are difficult to climb, it’s not clear how you do it. Everything is intuitive rather than rule-bound, all speech is elusive, etc. While the medieval society, the way it’s imagined, is this clear – everyone knows where everybody stands – honor society.

He’s onto something. Some are clearly drawn to the historic arcana of real and imagined Elizabethan life. Walking around RenFest I jokingly whispered to my husband, “What percentage would you guess are IT professionals?”

But I don’t think Nugent goes far enough. Creativity, artistry, imagination, the chance to re-invent one’s self–these are significant elements of RenFest as well. It was fun to wonder who these people are in real life. Those who immerse themselves in the RenFest experience aren’t afraid to be non-conformists, to be a bit silly and or dramatic. My guesses included art school students, theater crew members, gamers, Wiccans, professors, poetry girls, martial artists and generally people whose interests and talents and temperaments take them outside the mainstream of American life. Gifted folks. For several weeks a year they revel–literally–in the chance to take on a new persona and experience a different reality. Shared escapism and fantasy. A creative outlet.

M. in particular has been completely smitten by RenFest. Completely. So much so that after last year’s outing–softy that I am and guilted by a magician’s cape I had sewn a few years earlier for C.–I agreed to sew M. a renaissance outfit for this year’s festival. In early spring I made the trek to G Street Fabric and shelled out way more money than I would ever have imagined spending on a sewing project. The patterns for skirt, blouse and corset, the tapestry fabric, the yards of taffeta-like material, muslin for the blouse, the grommets and grommet punch, lining, interfacing, leather lacing, ribbon, thread…the whole thing ran me close to $300.

The project proceeded in fits and spurts all through the spring and into the summer. I figured I had lots of time. In the meantime M. cooked up a plan for a RenFest birthday extravaganza to make up for the birthday party she didn’t have in January. She would invite two friends, they would all dress up, go to the festival, come home and watch James Bond movies and drink way too much soda until the wee hours of Sunday. I was game.

And suddenly, the day was here and an hour before her friends were to arrive I was at the sewing machine trying to hem acres of the slippery skirt. The skirt was sized for an adult, so I had to shorten it substanially, and in my haste I cut too much. Ugh! I felt like a complete idiot. How to salvage it? I could see M. was crushed. But C. came to the rescue. “Here Mom, let me do it.” And so I did. She did a great job. Disaster averted. And M. and her friends had a wonderful day.

Originally found at: http://themorechild.com/2008/08/26/huzzah-for-non-conformists/

It’s not like I was ever traumatized by a knight as a child or beaten by a big-busted wench. I just hate renaissance festivals. I don’t think this really needs a reason. But hanging out with a bunch of dorks who dress up as 16th-century English villagers, speak with fake cockney accents, and pretend to actually be ale-swilling, sword-fighting Tudors makes me want to hurl in the privy.

So when I found myself at the Maryland Renaissance Festival on Sunday afternoon, bribed into attending by The Princess and her friends Cagey and Rory, I made sure to enjoy it as little as possible. And I failed.

The truth was, it didn’t suck. I won’t say I liked it or that I’d go back next year, but it definitely didn’t suck balls. And here’s why:

1. Cleavage
Though I hate the costumes of whatever ridiculous era revelers are trying to emulate, seeing most women wearing breast-endowing corsets is easily the best part of attending these nerdfests. Sure, I don’t need to see women who are well past the age of expectancy from 500 years ago squeezing into these lung-crunchers, but most chicks’ ample bosoms and cut-off Daisy Dukes made for nice eye candy and didn’t make me want to joust myself.

2. Nerdfest
Speaking of nerds, MDRF attracts some of the least socially accepted dregs of society. If you’re an outcast at your school, picked on by even your own parents, or generally reviled by the outside world, you will find acceptance and love here. All you need is a costume with a fake sword, pantaloons, and a funny hat and you’ll be the coolest kid in the realm.

3. Feats of strength
If you want to impress your date and feel like a man’s man, go for the festival games that test a man’s testosterone count. Just make sure you succeed. Though adept at knife-throwing and dart-tossing, I eschewed the battle axe hurling and wench dousing games to test my strength on Thor’s Hammer. I pounded that fucking lever like it was a Guatemalan trying to steal my wallet four times but not once came close to making the top bell ring. As I left, humiliated and sure The Princess wouldn’t be putting out that night, the guy running the game looked at me and said, in his best Poindexter voice, “Go back to your keyboard.”

4. Cute kids
Nothing gets a chick’s uterus jumping more than seeing photogenic children acting all adorable and shit. Even I found these little fucking imps to be endearing. Between dressing up as fairies, scaling the climbing wall, or running after bubbles, these pip-squeaks are not the most detestable people you’ll ever see and might restore your faith in humanity.

5. Meat on sticks
Have you ever wanted to walk around like Henry VIII eating a huge turkey leg? Me, too! Between the meats on sticks, fried macaroni and cheese, and ice cream, the food at MRF was reasonably priced and enough to make you feel like a royal glutton. It was, besides The Princess paying my $17 entry fee, one of the few reasons I agreed to attend.

6. It only happens once a year
So the Princess can’t make me go again. Take back Sunday! It’s ManDay.

Originally found at: http://arjewtino.com/2007/6-reasons-the-maryland-renaissance-festival-did-not-suck/

The Real Reason is written in the words that greet you on the faire's site:

Let Merriment Abound!

Use Trip Advisor's cool review tools!

http://www.tripadvisor.com/Attraction_Review-g41096-d652444-Reviews-Maryland_Renaissance_Festival-Crownsville_Maryland.html

Employment Opportunities
Employment Instructions

If you are interested in participating in the 33rd Annual Maryland Renaissance Festival, please download & fill out the Employment Application. Applications for this year are accepted through the current season, but will only be responded to as needed.

All applicants must 14 years or older.

Please mail or fax your completed application to:

Maryland Renaissance Festival
Employee Coordinator
PO Box 315
Crownsville, Md 21032

Fax No: 410-573-1508

Application: http://www.rennfest.com/pdfs/Employment-Application.pdf

Check 'em out: http://www.yelp.com/biz/maryland-renaissance-festival-annapolis

Looking for OUTGOING, responsible and reliable people to cover sales positions for the Sterling Renaissance Festival 2009.
We sell CINNAMON ROASTED NUTS.
We work from August 29th to OCTOBER 25th. You MUST BE ABLE TO COME every weekend!!!!
From 9AM to 7 PM.
WE PAY $80 a day on the books .
SOME POSITIONS PAY 5% COMISSION OF SALES BASE ON YOUR ABILITIES.
Must be OUTGOING, FRIENDLY AND LIKE TO SHOUT, and HAVE FUN AND INTERACT WITH CUSTOMERS.
Must have TRANSPORTATION and live less than an hour form the Festival.
Please when reply send your phone number.

* Location: Annapolis, MD
* Compensation: WE PAY $80 a day on the books . SOME POSITIONS PAY 5% COMISSION OF SALES BASE ON YOUR ABILITIES.
* Principals only. Recruiters, please don't contact this job poster.
* Please, no phone calls about this job!
* Please do not contact job poster about other services, products or commercial interests.

pulled from: http://annapolis.craigslist.org/fbh/1307480039.html

What a great idea!

http://www.rennfest.com/blog/welcome

The house band, the famous Pyrates Royale, welcomes you to end your day with an old-fashioned sing-along. Enjoy music by the Pyrates, The Hooligans and other fabulous musical guests. And you never know which villager or royalty will drop by. Don't miss the fun!

8/29,30: Host Jack Rackham with John Rugby & Zach Rachkam. It's Back in the Saddle Again!

9/5 - 9/13: Hosts: The Rugbys.

9/19,20: Rose Jones' Wild Irish Pub Sing.

9/27 & 28: Pirate Adventure Weekend: A Scallywag's Pub Sing, with your host, Captain Fletcher Moone.

10/3 - 10/11: Host: Jack Rackham.

10/17, 18: Hosts: The Rugbys.

10/24,25: Last Weekend spectacular with host Jack Rackham.

Pulled From: http://www.rennfest.com/entertainment/stage-acts-shows-and-events

Guy Collins

Fun and funambulism! Awesome juggling stunts with a wicked, wacky sense of humor. www.jugglerguy.com

Performing: 8/29 - 9/13 at the Lyric Stage.

Pulled From: http://www.rennfest.com/entertainment/stage-acts-shows-and-events

Over the next few days the individual stage pages will fill in with their appropriate scheduled entertainers. I'll post here when that's complete.

After that, I'll be putting together specific "crawls" for those interested in a theme for each day's events. This is something I started doing a few years ago and it's been pretty popular.

Crawl Themes for this year include: The Pyrate Crawl, The Weapons Crawl, The Royal Crawl, The Comedy Crawl, The Children's Crawl, The Drama Crawl, The Music Crawl, The Traditional Crawl, and my personal favorite, The Liz Demery Crawl.

Stay tuned!

http://www.rennfest.com/entertainment/our-2008-entertainment-schedule

Since 1984, the Maryland Renaissance Festival has annually transformed a 25-acre plot of forest in Crownsville into the “Faire,” a replica of a bustling 16th-century European village. That could soon change, though, as its organizers are looking to grow the event further by moving it to a larger site.

Magician and Baltimore resident Brian Wendell Morton will be performing for the 11th year when the festival begins at the end of the month, and he relishes the chance to perform at what he calls a “cheerful, family-friendly event.”

“It's a way to step out of your daily life into a fantasy world,” Morton said.

Even if the festival should move, the local performer claims he would remain a loyal participant.

“I'm sure it will still be the Maryland Renaissance Festival,” he said. “If it happens, it happens and I'll roll with it.”

for more info: http://www.mddailyrecord.com/article.cfm?id=12139&type=UTTM

OK ... we need help / insight / advice...

We have 8 new songs this year.

"Wild Rover",
"Ugly Lass" (tune of "Parting Glass"),
"Daphne's Diversion" (tune of "Irish Rover"),
"DeeDee's Plea" (tune of "Little Beggarman"),
"Coachman's Whip" (trad),
"Wild Mountin' Time"
and "Unhealthy Company"
... any MDRF regular knows the tune to the last two songs listed...

We didn't have time to press a cd for the new songs - so instead we will sell "download cards". Which you can buy for cheaper than a cd (since you have to download the songs yourself).
And on that page where you download the songs - you can also download the lyrics.

The first few weekends with new songs - we are always trying to work out the kinks, and trying to either edit or completely remove songs that we feel the fans just aren't digging.

If you sit at the White Hart a lot - would you be bothered to hear a set with a lot of new songs?

We plan to always sing Moose - because we like it that so many people get involved in the song. Any other songs you feel you have to hear?

Also - please feel free to join our page on Facebook and tell us what you think. We really want to be able to create setlists, and edit our songs to make the show as enjoyable as possible for the fans...

http://www.facebook.com/pages/The-ODanny-Girls/32629029296

We are comedy Iraqi chicks who serve at the pleasure of the crowd ... and Will... gotta keep Will happy ....

~ Daisy

August 29th through October 25th
Revel Grove in Crownsville, Maryland

The Maryland Renaissance Festival has become the region's premier outdoor event and the second largest Renaissance Festival in the country. Since the Festival's first season as a ramshackle village in 1977, the event has matured into a large theme show with more than 1,300 participants and 280,000 guests per season. The English Tudor village is 25 acres of woods and field that transport patrons to an era of chivalry, bawdiness, and good fun. There are more than 130 craft shops displaying many wares handmade by the village artisans. Forty-two food outlets provide a feast of foods rarely seen at other festivals. The Maryland Renaissance Festival, more than a fun event of entertainment, food, crafts, and attractions, is a success that has exhibited continued growth without compromising customer satisfaction.

http://www.washingtoncitypaper.com/display.php?id=37642

9:50am
Opening Gate: The Royal Arrival
Written by Carolyn Spedden
Directed by Tom Plott

Join newly appointed Mayor, Sir Richard Southwell as he welcomes the King and Court to the Harvest Festival. Let the cannon sound, the gates open and the fun begin. Huzzah!

------------------

11am
Gatehouse Stage: The Return
Written by Carolyn Spedden
Directed by Tom Plott & Mary Ann Jung

The villagers hear rumors that "the great pestilence" has infected the nearby village of Tiddington. Fear builds as they scheme of ways to protect themselves against the plague. As Mayor, Sir Richard Southwell has enough problems on his hands, but the tensions mount as Scottish courtier, Sir David Lyndsay, informs the mayor that he has just spotted an old lost love of his in the crowd. But, that is impossible. For he had reports that she died in France some years ago.

The courtiers welcome the ladies Mary and Elizabeth back into the line of succession and into Court life. The King himself is in fine spirits, and gossip swirls around the talk of the King's possible sixth marriage. Who could the lady be? Anna of Cleves feels the odds are in her favor to be remarried to the King and once again delcared Queen of England.

-------------

12:30am, 1:30pm, 3pm
Royal Pavilion: Children’s Knighting Ceremonies
Directed Diane Wilshere

Princess Anna's Knighting Ceremony at 12:30pm

The Lady Mary's Knighting Ceremony at 1:30pm

King Henry's Knighting Ceremony at 3pm.

Goodly children can be knighted by at our Royal Pavilion, located at the end of the boardwalk between the Climbing Wall and the Children's Play Area. Please note that due to the Royals busy schedule we must limit each knighting ceremony to 40 children. Numbered tickets will be handed out 10 minutes prior to each ceremony, at the back of the audience seating at the Pavilion

-------------

3:00pm
Globe Theatre: The Human Chess Game: 'J'adoube'
Written and directed by Carolyn Spedden
Fight Choreography by Jim Frank and Geoff Thompson

Newly restored to the line of succession and welcomed back to court, the daughters of King Henry VIII play a game of chess to occupy the time before a royal banquet. However Mary, the daughter of Catherine of Aragon, and Elizabeth, who is daughter of Anne Boleyn, do not know how to engage in a simple, friendly game. These half-sisters differ much in personality. However, both are highly determined women, and have the ability to adjust to the ever-changing circumstances at Court.

An extra dimension to the game - stage combatants literally fight for their spaces!

(Rated PG – for stage combat violence.)
------------------

5pm
Gatehouse Stage: The Dream Denied
Written by Carolyn Spedden
Directed by Tom Plott and Mary Ann Jung

King Henry has asked to see Anna of Cleves in a private conference. Could her dreams come true? Will the King ask for her hand and remarry her?

In the village, the threat of plague grows ever closer. In trying to explain the cause of this pestilence, the theories and solutions get more and more fanciful. Suspicions fall on the French woman, Angelique Saville. The troubles in Oxfordshire began when she arrived in England. Is this a coincidence, or something more?

As the villagers pursue a witch hunt, Sir David Lyndsay is determined to reach the French woman first and save her from harm. However, what are his motives? While it cannot be rationally explained, he is convinced that this young woman is none other than Francoise de Foix, his first great love whom he has not seen since 1519. But how can this be?! It is 1543 and she looks as young and lovely as she did 24 years ago. Is this something magical, or the wild imaginings of a man still in love and refusing to give up hope?

(Rated PG for adult themes)

Edited and directed by Timothy Shaw
Stage Manager: Jen Silber
Musical direction by J. Adam Wyatt
Starring Courtney Weber as Beatrice and J. Owen Dickson as Benedick.

One of Shakespeare's most enduring comedies to be performed on the Gatehouse Stage from October 3rd to the 25th only! (pulled from: http://www.rennfest.com/entertainment/stage-acts-shows-and-events )

---------

Much Ado About Nothing is a romantic comedy by William Shakespeare set in Messina, Sicily. The story concerns a pair of lovers named Claudio and Hero who are due to be married in a week. To pass the time before their wedding day, they conspire with Don Pedro, the prince of Aragon, to trick their friends, Beatrice and Benedick, into confessing their love for one another. The prince's illegitimate brother, Don John, however, jealous of both Don Pedro's power and his affection for Claudio, plans to sabotage the coming wedding.

(pulled from: http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Much_Ado_About_Nothing)

Written by Mike Field, based on the novel by Miguel de Cervantes.

Directed by Timothy Shaw

Stage Manager: Liz Armour;

Fight Choreography: Geoff Thompson

Musicians: Bill and Cathy Palmer

Considered one of the greatest works of fiction ever published, Don Quixote was originally published in two volumes, a decade apart. Book I appeared in 1605, and Book II in 1615. An immediate success, the volumes go from very medieval in feel to that of a modern novel. Its cultural significance is felt in all of the art forms to this day– dance, music, theatre and art.

This adaptation written expecially for the Renaissance Festival by Baltimore playwright Mike Field, focuses on Book I, and the story of the four lovers – a tale of jealousy, trickery, dispair and finally happy resolution.

Directed by veteran festival director Timothy Shaw, and featuring familiar faces from the Festival’s company of actors including Fred Nelson (King Henry VIII), Brian H. Reynolds (formerly Mayor Wetherby), Casey Severn and Geoff Thompson of Fight School, and Joy & Glenn Evans the husband and wife acting team who have performed a wide variety of roles, and last year were Nurse and Lord Capulet in Mr. Shaw’s production of Romeo and Juliet.

We invite you to join the madcap adventures of a Spanish knight, his trusty but unlearned squire, and the memorable cast of characters he encounters in his quest for honor, love, fame and glory.

Cast List (in order of appearance)

Antonia – niece and housekeeper to Don Quixote . . . Amy Davis

Don Quixote – a minor nobleman of La Mancha . . . Fred Nelson

Sancho Panza – A rustic peasant from La Mancha . . . Brian H. Reynolds

Alfonso – a wealthy merchant, father to Lucinda . . . John Sadowsky

Fernando – son of the Duke . . . David Joria

Cardenio – a minor nobleman’s son, and one-time companion to Fernando . . . Graham Pilato

Lucinda – the daughter of Alfonso, beloved by Cardenio . . . Jessica Talson

Curate Pedro Perez – friend to Don Quixote and the town priest . . . Brian Douglas

Nicholas – friend to Don Quixote and the town barber . . . Casey Severn

Dorothea – the daughter of a wealthy farmer . . . Lisa Robinson

Gertie Gizzard – wife to the innkeeper . . . Joy Evans

Griswald Gizzard – the innkeeper . . . Glenn Evans

Priest – cleric in the town where Lucinda lives . . . Geoff Thompson

Servant – servant to Don Fernando . . . Michael Burgtorf


PERFORMED AT 12NOON AT THE GLOBE THEATRE.
RUNNING TIME: 75 MINUTES.

Pulled From: http://www.rennfest.com/entertainment/stage-acts-shows-and-events

FriendsOfMDRF.org Chat Attendees:

• BlackFox
• LordW
• ShortBoat
• Lionard
• LJA
• NeilR
• Akela
• Roy
• Glorianna
• Jules

Subjects We Chatted About:
• FriendsOfMDRF.org site,
• Acts missing from schedule like Don Juan and Miguel, Emrys Fleet's stage show, and Lurk the mime
• Fred's additional character
• moving Robin Hood to the Gatehouse stage
• The Renfest.com Rendezvous on Labor Day weekend
• Opening Weekend at PARF
• Black Fox: EmCee at Rock Hall Pirates and Wenches' Buccaneer Ball
• Summer Colds and their Faire interruptions!
• Moving the chat to 8:30
• Continue to send out chat reminder emails 1/2 prior to chat
• Black Fox's special "crawls" schedules
• Meeting for group shot on opening day
• Plague storyline: vampiric influence?

Chat lasted from 8pm till roughly 920pm

http://www.rennfest.com/content/view/17/26/

This page includes some new shows (like Don Quixote) which we'll highlight here in days to come!

From the King's Facebook Page:

Pass it on, and let's give Carolyn and Cindy one less damn thing to worry about PDQ.

STITCHER NEEDED:

The Maryland Renaissance Festival is looking for an experienced stitcher to build some basic costume pieces for the upcoming Festival. Must be experienced, and do quality work with a quick turn-around. Pieces include skirts, chemises, and bodices. Stitcher must have transportation and be able to pick up and drop off work in Millersville, MD the location of our Costume Designer. Work to begin immediately. We will start with a few basic pieces and if work is satisfactory there may be additional pieces to build. You will be paid by the hour, and receive four complimentary tickets to the show.

If interested contact Carolyn Spedden, Artistic Director at carolyn@rennfest.com In email please list your sewing experience, and if possible, send a jpeg of costume or clothing you have sewn.

http://www.rennfest.com/content/view/19/23/

*All musicians may not be performing on all festival days. Please check with Customer Service for daily performance schedule. Schedule is subject to change.

I still have a few of the FriendsofMDRF.org membership pins available. I'll have them on me every day of faire until they are gone. Pins are $6.

Again, remember to be careful when dealing with folks at faire who are not approved vendors who offer you product for cash in advance. We've had some problems in the past with other groups ripping people off and mgmt of the festival questioned us about it because they had no idea there were other "friend" groups. If they can't order pins without your money up front, that should send up a mental red flag.

Don't fork over your money until you have the item in your hand . . . this saves everyone from getting ripped off. . . . and actually, no one should be selling items inside the gates unless they're approved vendors. If you'd like a pin, try to catch me outside the gate either before or after the day's faire.

We'll be setting up chat room meetings prior to and during faire this season at: http://friendsofmdrf.org/phpmychat/

We're thinking Thursday nights at 8pm. For discussion, head over to our bb: http://fomdrforg.proboards.com

This coupon is good for the first three weekends of MDRF:

Some wonderful shots from the 2008 season of MDRF:

http://www.rennfest.com/index.php?option=com_rsgallery2&page=slideshow&gid=8&Itemid=31