FriendsOfMDRF.org - THE BLOG!

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

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 slideshow is made up of photos that Sir Black Fox took at the Maryland Renaissance Festival in 2008 with music from the house band "The Pyrates Royale" backing it up. Dedicated to Ron "Sir Dragon" Santos, a staff member and friend who passed just as the season was ending. Ron is our 2009 Friend of the Year.

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=hhKqvzeD7n0

By Kim Johnson McCartney

All,

As we gear up for Faire to start, I just thought I would share not only this year's story line, but also my thoughts about this upcoming season (not that most of you probably care, but hey - its my page lol).

This year's story line is of course that our Beloved Majesty King Henry matches up with his last wife, Katherine Parr. I believe that had His Majesty lived long enough, Katherine would have been his last wife regardless as she seemed to keep him the happiest. Or perhaps it was that he was finally settled and wise enough to realize that one woman is truly enough for any man to deal with!

Now onto the important business - THE DRAGON! Last year, we made so many great new friends and were able to share new experiences with our dear old friends. I cannot imagine how this season could be any better, but I do feel like it will be that much more rich and wonderful with all of our friends!! Obviously, John and I will be found at the Dragon at most given times of the day with Diane, Kay, Katie,Traci, Kevin, Dave, Bill, Elaine, Bella and Michael! I think we should post a sign at the entrances to the Dragon that say "Adults only - would you take your kid to a bar anywhere else?!"

I truly hope that Jules and the management staff keep in mind how incredibly unique and awesome Maryland is when (and if) they finally find a new site to have our Faire at. Among the Faires I have been to so far, Maryland is the most like really being back in the Renaissance times with the atmostphere (including the cobblestones and yes, even the MUD! Nothing like a rain day at Faire, right Dave?!) I have been going to MDRF since I was in high school, and there is nothing quite like it. Maybe because I'm a history dork, or just a Rennie but I can't bear the thought of Maryland becoming like PA with their paved walk ways, cheesy clothes and crappy vendors. The only cool thing about PA was being able to wear weapons peace-tied. Seriously - electric guitars at a Renaissance Festival?! PUHLEEZE!!!! Although I have a hard time with "Tudor Speak" as I like to call Old English, (hence my being a Pirate instead of a noble), I appreciate and cherish the fact that our cast, musicians, and even the booth staff are requested to "never step out of character". To me, that completes the experience!

I still would LOVE to see a GARB ONLY day for Pass Holders. It could be the Saturday after Faire ends, or the Saturday before it begins - only about 1/4 of the staff would really need to be there and the stage acts could all use it as a "dress rehearsal" for their shows instead of opening weekend.

Well - enough rambling. HUZZAH! Only 37 days to go!!!!

I shall see thee all anon at the Dragon!

Pulled from Kim's Facebook page with permission: http://www.facebook.com/note.php?note_id=106495953555&ref=nf