Hello and Goodbye Ren Fair

Renaissance Fair Season, a place where you can dress in elaborate outfits, trade random trinkets, eat things on sticks, and watch dangerously funny shows. It is a fun time for everyone of all ages. However, go in with a game plan. I have only been a handful of times, but I have learned a good way to handle it. The closest one I've ever been to is the TN Ren Fair. My friends and I went the first Saturday and the last Saturday. Here is my advice.

Make a plan.

Go to the site and see the schedule and the map. The friend I took with me has a weak ankle, and it’s hard for her to walk long, especially up and down the hills. Planning on which we want to see and which stages they will be on. We had an idea on which shows we wanted to see. Human Chess, where a variety of actors and actresses come and battle on who will take the English Throne, is on top of our list. It’s goofy and entertaining. You better hope you sit on the side of who you want to win. On the first weekend, Jacques the Whipper was in town. We definitely had to see him. I had the perfect song request if he picked me. Sadly he did not, but if anyone sees this and attends his show, try to request ‘Everybody wants to be a cat’ from Aristocats. Our cat lover whipper boy will love it. I am sure. There was also a fire lady, Adamo Ignis. She was one we discovered when we were going through the list of people. We also wanted to see Paolo Garbanzo. It was hard to figure it out without rushing from stage to stage. Knowing we were coming back in a few weeks, we decided to watch Paolo when he did a show with Jacques and watch his show the next time. At the end of planning, I had it where we started at the top of the hill and we made our way down. We did go up again for Empty Hats, which is one of my favorite bands there. We had plenty of time to shop through the stalls. The entire time we didn’t feel rushed. 

Lay it all out. 

Make sure you have what you need. Have your outfit figured out and the accessories out and one spot. Have an idea for breakfast too. After last year, I had to think of an outfit I would feel good in and also comfortable in. The makeup was simple and the hair was up. As someone who does not do well in the heat, getting the hair up was nice. Plus with the hair up I could add cute accessories. This year I had two small hair clips that I glue flowers to. Doing a twisty move, I made two small messy buns that I found really cute and simple to do. I also had a parasol that I added the same flowers to. It was a good way to get out of the sign or any surprise rainfall. NOW! The MOST important item to add: Sunscreen. Don’t be like me and forget. It was a nice cloudy cool day when I went, but still ended up like a burnt tomato. Also stay hydrated. When you have options for drinks, I personally stay away from sodas. They get hot fast and cost five dollars a pop. I like getting the 32 oz Lemonade. When I run low, I get a bottle of water and pour it in. Then I have lemon water. 

When you gather all the things, pack them up and head out. We try to get there thirty minutes before the ticket stands open so we have time to hang our accessories there. When you enter, you have an hour before they officially open. We find a nice patch of grass and sit. We wait for the Queen to announce the opening and in the meantime, we people watch and read our books. Yes, we equipped our book pouches and brought books. My book was Late Bloomer by Mazey Eddings (physical) and my friend’s book was Brimstone by Callie Hart (Ebook). We had plenty of time in between shows to read them. In the second round, we didn’t. We brought the kids and trinkets. We had to entertain them. I also walk around the fair passing out my little scroll when they seat in spots for a show. Trading trinkets is fun and simple. Sometimes you don’t even have to trade. I just handed them out as I passed someone. It's exciting to hear them say ‘I got a trinket!’ 

Leaving me to my final point. 

Enjoy yourself! Get the pictures of you and your friends then turn your phone on power save and explore. Get into character. Be a warrior, fairy, or a queen! I learn to enjoy the moments given. Yes, the crowd can be overwhelming, lines will be long, and the temperature will be hot. Plan for it and don’t let it ruin the good times. This last round we got soaked. I was worried it would ruin people's moods, but we embrace it. I saw kids playing in water puddles. We continued soaking wet and had fun. The workers there help keep everything lively. When overwhelm find your quiet corner. There are spots if you look for them. I like the little wooded area right before the joust field. There’s a bridge and shade to stand and watch people and their wonderful outfits pass by. It gives me ideas for next year's outfit. Take your time to have fun. Out of everything I do recommend going to the closing procedures where they sing the Festival of Song. It’s my favorite part of the day. It warms my heart to gather together and sing a song of joy and welcoming and saying goodbye until next time. 

Have fun if you are going to another fair. For me, I’ll see you again next year!