FriendsOfMDRF.org - THE BLOG!

It's the first day in months that I won't be driving 1.5 hours down 95, looking for that exit to I-97 (the shortest interstate in the United States) and then the Crownsville exit.

It's the first day in months that I don't hear cannonfire to REALLY start my day.

It's the first day in months that I don't get the hugs and handshakes from the men and ladies that I consider the best friends I've ever had.

It's the first day in months that I can't rationalize having a hard cider or an ale at 1030 in the morning. . . and noticing I'm not alone in that rationalization.

It's the first day in months that I don't give a Klingon chest salute to Ray the guard and be granted either a hug or a wink from His Majesty, King Fred.

It's the first day in months that I won't growl at the O'Danny's first show when they ask men, "comfortable with their masculinity" to swoon. . . and have Daisy point at me and accuse me of creeping out the crowd!

It's the first day in months that I won't hear all the background noises of faire, from vendors to knights. . . . I won't smell the folding of iron from the blacksmith or the steak-on-a-stake. . . . I won't see the leaves changing from green to gold. . . I won't feel the sod/straw/chips/gravel/stone/dirt/mud of Revel Grove's lanes underfoot . . . and I won't taste an ice cold cider, washing down a Scotch Egg.

It's the first day in months that I'll be sad.

It will also be the first day in months that I get to experience the expectation of a new season of The Maryland Renaissance Festival and all the joy that suspense brings. Melancholy over the season that's spent but joyous in hope that the faire will do what it always does. . . . evolve into a spectacular event that exceeds every expectation. . . and brings with it more magic than the year before.

It's the first day to share a new season with everyone at www.friendsofmdrf.org

As in previous years, upon the Monday morning after the closing day of the season, I select who I think is a good representation of our membership and sings our praises.

Another man has been selected and will join the ranks of (2009) Sir Dragon/Ron Santos, (2008) Scotsman/Greg Moore, (2007) Captain Chelle/Michelle Campbell, (2006) Magpie/Angi Bynum, (2005) Amras Elfwine/Kevin Arrington, (2004) Lumpy/Ken Leyhe, (2003) Noir Cyn/Cynthia Kimball, (2002) Sir Black Fox/Steve Kimball as the 2010 Friend of the year. . . . . a mighty huzzah to. . . .

Sir Dante/Mike Dantuono

Mike is so devoted to our membership that he had the logo added to his RV's spare tire cover!

Mike is always at faire with his lovely wife Joanne (named after the fabric store) and is more than happy to share a story, a beer, and a smile. He's a wonderful friend and considered a brother to many of us.

Hearty Huzzahs to ye, Mike!

By Jennifer Tanko

Shorter days, colorful leaves and a stein that holds almost three draft beers; October may be my favorite month. It’s not too cold yet, I get to spend all month planning a killer costume, but most of all, it is when we Americans celebrate the German festival of Oktoberfest.

I was lucky enough this semester to be able to attend a whopping three Oktoberfest celebrations in a row.

The first Oktoberfest I attended was Oktoberfest Weekend at the Maryland Renaissance Festival.

I had never been to Renn Fest before and jumped on the excuse to kill two birds with one stone and go on that particular weekend.

The beer selection was a lot better than I’d anticipated, no urine-flavored water like Miller Lite and the like on draft. I also found myself taking a few breaks from beer to enjoy some mead or hard cider.

My next weekend was spent at the Maryland Brewer’s Oktoberfest, which featured local breweries from all over the state. The atmosphere was definitely more authentic, there was an Oompah band and tons of German food (and I do love the kraut). Thankfully my friends and I were dressed up for the occasion in good company.

Of course, due to the nature of this festival, the beer selection was absolutely fantastic. I tried my hardest to force myself to try new stuff, but I couldn’t stop going back to my favorites at The Brewer’s Art and Clipper City Brewing Co. In fact, the tasting selections at the former gave me “the thirst”—I was crazy for Brewer’s Art and found myself there the following Wednesday, and my cravings have definitely not been curbed.

See the rest at: http://www.thetowerlight.com/arts/going-german-1.2041851

"I didn't think about posting this earlier (as I naturally assume that *everybody* watches Pub Sing to the very end), but yesterday was the last performance Drake Mallard/Paul DiBlasi as a member of the Pyrates Royale (at least at Maryland, and at least as a regular member - I wouldn't be surprised to see him show up like Damon/Louis once a year or so). He said that he wanted to work with Janie (Meneely) more to help get her music heard, and presumably to spend more time with her. "

Thus said our good friend Will Paisley about the retirement of Mallard Drake of The Pyrates Royale. To Check out the followup responses to this announcement, check here: http://fomdrforg.proboards.com/index.cgi?action=display&board=facts&thread=1214&page=1

Just click the image below!