Looking Back at IRF 1998
by John-Paul, ATF Staff Writer

While it is true that my first renaissance festival experience was in 1981, it wasn't until 1997 that I really started getting "in" to faires. I attended the September 1997 Iowa Renaissance Festival and Harvest Faire at the Iowa State Fairgrounds and had a pretty good time. 1998 rolled around and I attended Salisbury Faire (Des Moines, May) and the Faire of the Midlands (Council Bluffs, June) and Kansas City Renaissance Festival (Kansas City, September). I now had a much better view of Midwest renaissance events and felt compelled to write a review of the Iowa Renaissance Festival when I visited it "one year later." This is that review, printed in its entirety with new comments added where appropriate.

Don't read this as a review of the modern event -- the current IRF is in a completely different part of the state and far nicer. Consider it a glimpse into my mind as I was starting to get hooked on festivals.

NOTE: The links formerly led to pictures on my old site. I have attempted to update them to where the pictures now reside. If you find a broken link, let me know.

The Good, the Bad, and the Ugly

"Iowa's 7th Annual Renaissance Festival and Harvest Faire provides an unbalanced mixture of fun."

Created on September 17th, 1998 - Last Updated on September 25th

The original version of this review was a bit more critical. I wanted to print out a copy to send to the event organizer so I revised it to discuss both weekends.

And so it all began...

The Iowa Renaissance Festival and Harvest Faire celebrated its seventh year in existence by hosting another show at the State Fairgrounds in Des Moines.  The chosen site was the camping facility atop a hilled area.  This did mean that mundane items such as parking lots and power lines could easily be seen, but also meant vendors had easy access to electricity and shower facilities.  For the Ren Fest purists, the location is likely not very impressive.  For the casual observer, it might seem to be little more than a lightly themed crafts show -- with weapons, elaborate costumes, and many non-American accents.  The choice of campground did make things convenient for merchants who might have otherwise needed to stay in hotels, and there is certainly no bad thing about having actual bathrooms on property (rather than portable outhouses).

The show was held on the weekends of September 12-13 and 19-20, 1998. The show was open from 11:00 a.m. to 6:00 p.m. Admission was about $8 (less if tickets were purchased in advanced) with young children free, and guests in costume (called "garb" by the Medieval enthusiasts) were allowed in at a discount.  In an effort to draw in repeat visitors, it was usually easy to get a discounted admission (and, in some cases, free) for returning again.  The value for the money was quite nice as there was plenty of entertainment scheduled to fill an entire day.

"Called 'garb' by the Medieval enthusiasts." Remember, I didn't run a rennie website back then. Anyone who read my review was most likely visiting my site to look at pictures of Disneyland. Also, much of the renspeak was still relatively new to me. And so I had to explain...

For the uninitiated, Renaissance Festivals can be something as trivial as a craft show with people dressed up in period clothing (think King Arthur or Monty Python's Quest for the Holy Grail) all the way up to grand themed recreations of entire medieval villages with jousting tournaments and banquet halls.  This show sits a few notches above the bottom of the scale with the largest reason being the lack of large scale entertainment and theming.  (Building a castle or finding room for a joust would likely require a different location, anyway...)  Still, many small shows do put on great combat demonstrations and provide much more "escapism" with more roaming characters to interact with and a generally higher attention to details.

This location did prove to have a place for a joust in 1999. It was way down the land at the bottom of a hill. A bit of a walk and far enough away from the rest of the event to be annoying, but the hillside seating gave everyone a perfect view of the joust.

In this review you will find many links to full size JPEG pictures to give you a better idea of what the festival was like.  All photos were taken by myself on an Epson PhotoPC digital camera.  Enjoy!

Think about the good times...

Now, I believe no criticism is useful without some suggestions.  "Just what would make you happy?" I ask myself.  So, let me begin with the items that make the Iowa Faire worthwhile:

1. The King and Queen -- Having them around adds fantastic atmosphere.  It just wouldn't be the same without them, and along with a few others with elaborate costumes, they stand out above the rest of the crowd.

   The King in Queen were the group "R.O.S.E." Queen Verity was a fixture at all of the festivals I went to. The group was later restructured and Queen Verity and her husband, Sir Thomas, began appearing as "Past Times with Good Company."

2. The Official Greeter / Hand-Kiss Instructor -- This gentleman is now someone I expect to see at any nearby event I attend.  Perhaps it was him getting me in good with a lady friend, or the fact that he is as much fun to watch as to interact with.  Regardless, he is top quality.

   This was Sir Thomas and his participation at events will always be missed. Health concerns have removed him from performing.

3. That Leather Guy from Omaha -- Although I have talked to him on various occasions and given him a bit of my income, I still don't recall his name.  This is a family run "hobby" for him and his group is always around with bags, belts, and even leather clad teddy bears.  Out of all the vendors I have encountered, something about this guy stands out.

   That would be Andy. His business, "Den of Antiquity", is based out of Council Bluffs and they still make the best stuff around. They have really grown since then!

4. Wine, Wine, Wine! -- I had no idea Iowa made wine until this year's event.  Nothing better on a warm day than a free sample of chilled local spirits!  Drinkers, don't get too excited -- it is only sold by the bottle.  Nondrinkers, don't worry -- there is little chance of those NyQuil-sized shot glasses getting anyone intoxicated.  Again, atmosphere without the side effects!  (Though I personally wouldn't mind being able to buy it by the mug...)

   The Winterset Winery made its last appearance that year due to just being "too busy" for the event. Pity. They were a real good thing to have around. Currently, the new location for the event is in the heart of the Amana Colonies so other wineries usually show up.

5. The Mud Show -- I'm not one to enjoy mud sports usually, but something about this professional troupe (based out of the Chicago area, with multiple touring crews) just brings a grin to my face.  However, if I were to be on the receiving end of a "mud hug" I'm quite sure I might change my opinion.

   They haven't appeared at the first two IRFs held in Amana, but one of the members was seen during the final hours of the 2001 show talking to the organizer. Maybe they will be there for 2002?

6. Iced Tea, Iced Coffee -- Many non-period items could be found at the show which would normally bother me, but something about an iced latte in a medieval village just makes me smile...

   And they were never heard from again. Pity. They were so much fun!

7. The Printing Press -- It is amazing they ever got anything done back then!  This stands out as one of the few historical items represented.  He even sold original prints made by the press.  Talk about a unique souvenir!

   Another great guy I haven't seen since. I think he was from the Chicago area.

8. Discounts -- Yes, what better way to increase the number of folks in costume than to offer them a discount?  This encouraged me to go back more than I probably would otherwise.  I also noted discounts for those who wished to return again the following day.
9. Rigor Mortis -- I'm not quite sure of the spelling, but this guy is a wonderful character.  Faires need more of this kind of thing.  Well, not more of this kind of thing, but the general concept of roaming, interactive characters is quite desirable.

   Husband to Pandora of "Pandora's Box" based near Council Bluffs. Pandora would become one of my two favorite garb merchants of all time.

Close, but no cigar...

Sadly, the show seems unfulfilling.  Why?  The price was reasonable...or was it?  At this year's event, I only counted a few bits of entertainment over the first weekend:  Marco the Magnificent, the magician, was great though he seemed a bit unprepared for all the children at the event during the first weekend (a problem which he solved by altering his act slightly the second weekend). Orckes & Trolles are a local favorite musical group, and the Wench Show always brings laughter.  There is also a puppet show and belly dancing.  The Mud Show seems to be one of the only professional Faire groups at this event.  Most of the events are easy to miss unless you hear a "shouter" announcing it (and we'll not comment about one of the mud men using an electric bull horn).  They do give out handbills at the gate, but signs posting performance times at the stages would be a great touch (like most other faires I have been to).

I later became good friends with Marco, who is now retired from performing. The Orckes & Trolles are still around, but the Wench Show is no more. Sarah moved, I think, but one of the other members still performs in the Celtic band Knotwork. The belly dancers still show up (Caravan of Joy, maybe?) though a member or two split off to form Danza Mystique.

But on second smoke...

The following weekend, a few more acts were added to the line up, including a Scottish encampment at the far end of the campgrounds with tents and combat demonstrations.  At least one other performer was present that I did not get to see, though I am told she was excellent.  Also, a wonderful harp player was present  What a difference a week made.  If you were lucky, you might even get picked on by a lovely story teller.  (Since she is lovely, we'll include another picture here.)

The encampment, Clann Tartan, is still a fixture at Midwest events. I think the harpist would have been Rueben.

Something to spend your money on...

There were many simply amazing merchants there selling everything from hand crafted swords (with a lifetime guarantee), leather crafts, jewelry, costumes, drinks, handmade masks, glassworks, and even an ancient torture booth (which today we call massages).  Roaming entertainment could be found including various members or royalty, Rigor Mortis (and his fresh picked "Dragon Boogers"), and gravity testers (we now call them "jugglers").  A very fulfilling French "sandwich" vendor was also there during the second weekend.  Most merchants were happy to demonstrate the quality of their wares.  Virtually all the products were high quality, and most handmade.  And, of course, you often get to talk with the person who made the item you are considering purchasing.

Make me a believer!

Suspension of belief is nearly mandatory at shows such as this.  If that can't be done, you end up being at a hot outdoor event with a bunch of people in silly looking clothing talking in fake accents.  This show does little to suspend belief.  How in character is a flashy rolling cart selling bottled perfume?  Or being able to buy kraut dogs and egg rolls (one of the first things you see as you enter).  At least some kind of disguise could be used -- even a burlap tarp works wonders.  The "iced tea, iced coffee" vendor actually was there in -- of all things -- a Volkswagen Van!  They did a remarkable job of hiding it with tapestries (provided by the show's host, I believe).  Now that I have seen that, I don't think there is an excuse for not at least trying to hide the rest of the mundane items.  (To their credit, the sponsor did try to hide various power boxes and other things by disguising them as corn stalks.)  Oh, and even though iced espressos may be a bit out of place here, they are delicious so I'll gladly give them some slack.

Things seem to have improved greatly in the new location. No blue tarps. For the most part...

Oh where, oh where can it be?

I suppose the main thing that bothers me is just what is missing from this event:

1. Turkey Legs -- Usually known as "leg of the beast" or "dragon legs", Renaissance Festivals simply must have these items.  I am told this is the first year they weren't present.  Is it that difficult to find a turkey leg vendor?  Even the magician knew how traditional these items were as he'd make a comment such as "put down your turkey legs..." during his show, though apparently he realized these items were not present and dropped that dialog.

   Turkey legs are still missing even in the Amana location!

2. Roses -- It seems most Faires either have a roaming cutie selling flowers from a basket, or some form of rose stand (sometimes even wax dipped).  No go at this show.  This, again, is something that seems missing. Note:  In a major proactive move, the Lady Delilah Gabrieli stepped in to vend roses on the final day of the Faire.  I see many sales opportunities at this event.

   This event is what got me into the rose vending business! Little did I know how much a part of my character this would become. Lady Delilah was my girlfriend at the time. Her interest in SCA (and the fact that she had never been to a renaissance festival) is what prompted me to take her to this event which, of course, got me hooked.

3. Combat -- A Renaissance Festival without a sword fight?  I understand the logistics of having a large scale jousting tournament, and see why that may not be feasible for a smaller show, but out of all the things visitors expect the clash of swords.  Note:  During the second weekend, the Vikings held many weapon demonstrations and several informal shows were also held by the Celts.

   The Vikings are Skajldborg, a group from Council Bluffs. They split off from the Knights of St. George which is the group Mistress Willa used to be a part of. The Three Celts was a merchant. Somewhere I probably have their website address still, but I haven't seen them since.

4. S.C.A. -- Political problems seem to have caused the S.C.A. to not want to participate in this event.  One explanation was that the money wasn't good enough.  (Frankly, I would have thought giving a group such as the S.C.A. free space would be enough but perhaps I do not understand their side of things.)  If this group were here, I'm sure some of the more fun aspects of the show (and history lessons) would be present.

   Still no SCA, though they seem to attend every other festival I go to. Old politics die hard, I guess.

5. Merlin -- 'nuf said.  Marco is fun, but he doesn't have the right hat :-)  (This is mere opinion.  A Faire does need at least one magician, and I am fond of one with a stage show and then a wandering Merlin to do street magic.)

   There IS a Merlyn who performs at many other events, but not at IRF. IRF has been sans magician since Marco retired.

6. Roaming Musicians -- With the exception of the one musical group, a dulcimer player and a young lady singing at the entrance, this event was almost entirely without music.  An earlier show in Des Moines had flute players, harps, a roaming guitarist (a bit out of his time period, but what the heck), and other minstrels.  A few wandering players could be found, and an extra guitarist (Malcolm) the final weekend, adding a bit more atmosphere.

   The lack of music remains a problem with IRF. 2000 and 2001 had only a lute player to entertain the masses.

9/25/98 Update: I received the following e-mail from George adding a few corrections to my statement above about the lack of sword demonstrations. With permission, he writes:

"No sword fights on the first weekend?! Did you make your way down to the De Medici Stage at the far end of the faire? Renaissance Sword Theatre (A non-choreographed live steel combat troupe from Topeka Kansas) put on 6 shows! From the crowd response & the amount given in hat pass, some folks were very impressed! I am disappointed that you did not see at least one show! Ask those "great & terrible" Scots at 3 Celts & Co., they liked the show! I hope you correct this oversight by telling folks that there were sword fights (Real swords) on the first weekend as well."

I did apparently miss this -- even though I thought I saw everything. A coworker of mine who was also there all four days (and performing) missed this too, so at least I wasn't alone. So, I stand corrected. I am hoping someone will contribute another review of the event so other opinions can be shared. Interested? Let me know...

George, I found out in 2001, was a member of said troupe! I have no idea how I missed them because when I finally got a taste of what their act was like at Wybreg Fall 2000 I was blown away. In 2001 I finally saw their full show at several events. What can I say but WOW! They have not been at any IRF since, but I'm going to work on the organizer and try to get them brought back... They rock.

(UNVERIFIED RUMOR SECTION FOLLOWS.)

What seems to be the problem?

Many I asked about this responded the same way:  When the Salisbury Faire was first held a few years ago (with proceeds going to benefit the Salisbury House rather than a for-profit event), apparently it was stated: If you perform at the Salisbury Faire, you are not welcome at the Iowa Harvest Faire.  I find this kind of statement hard to believe, since it doesn't make business sense.  If anything, it would seem the familiarity of performers would be a good thing.  If I do find truth to this rumor, I will be very disappointed.

Following the same theme, I spoke with a few folks at the Council Bluffs Festival who explained they would not be involved with the Iowa Faire due to all the "politics" there.  Few were willing to elaborate, so again I have no solid statements to just what the problems might be.

Regardless of my personal discoveries, I encourage you to make up your own mind about this event.  At least go there yourself and see if you enjoy it.

(END OF UNVERIFIED RUMOR SECTION.)

I'm sure all of this is still "unverified" but I've learned enough to know that it did happen, though I think it became a far bigger deal than it should have.

At any rate, I had fun at this show.  The first weekend I spent more as a casual "tourist" showing up late in the afternoon and spending my time watching shows and browsing at merchants.  This was a "faire" show for this type of visitor (pun intended).  The second weekend, I was in a bit more of a participatory mood.  Folks, if you want to have some serious fun at an event like this, take a moment to pick up some garb from one of the clothing merchants.  A simple shirt and pants will suffice, and maybe a hat (or a lovely flower wreath for the ladies).  To go the extra mile, get some kind of leather bag to carry your mundane items in such as watches and wallets.  With this done, you are ready to have quite a different experience.  Even if you can't handle faking an English, Scottish, or other accent, you will still find yourself part of the show rather than a bystander.

Even then I was telling people to come play instead of just watching.

Now, don't worry -- this doesn't mean anyone would expect you to perform, but you will find the hosts of the show generally appreciate the effort and will play along even more.  Sometimes this even gets you discounts with the merchants.  I found myself wandering around with my newly acquired little pet just generally having a great time.  Sadly, my pet made an unfortunate end with the coffee merchant.  (Don't worry, folks, not $2 toy rodents were actually harmed in the typing of this report.)  Heck, even eating a large amount of sour kraut in costume was somehow more satisfying. And, of course, the ladies seem friendlier.

That mouse was part of my original character. To this day, I still carry it in my hat ready for an opportunity to use the same bad joke I used back then. (Ah, "back then..." Like four years was such a long time ago!)

 I spent two full days (with plans to be there the following weekend) enjoying the atmosphere and even lightened my bank account by over $400, much to the pleasure of many merchants reporting slower than expected sales.  Although the Council Bluffs show was nice and had fantastic entertainment, I found it crowded and small. Kansas City was large and magnificent, which some may find causes the intimacy to be lost.

Wow. I was really easy on the Council Bluffs show here. I guess the intense heat and outrageous ticket prices didn't bother me as much back then.

After the sun sets...

That is what really got me hooked on these things. Unfortunately, the larger the event the wilder the after-hours party. At this show it was just a fun time singing and eating with a bit of drinking. In the years that followed I got to see some really big after hours parties and I've decided I'm just going back to my tent or hotel. After seeing someone almost die in a fire accident in 1999 I've decided that sometimes a party just isn't worth the bad things that usually happen at them... :-) I'll write a story about that show some other time.

Any final suggestions?

What can the Iowa Renaissance Festival do to improve?  There is little that can be done about the location other than enforcing more effort to "hide" the circus tents.  Bringing in more entertainment seems easy enough, as well as the addition of more food vendors.  Perhaps next year they will take one of the many ice tea sellers and place them at the other end of the show area.  An official web site would be a nice idea too.  The information I retrieved from a massive Faire index has a few things that turned out to be inaccurate such the printing press not being a replica of the Gutenberg press, and there being no Merlin magician.  Having an official source would be a "good thing."  With web sites being as cheap as they are these days (such as my site at simplenet.com which costs me less than $10 a month for unlimited storage and traffic) there is hardly an excuse to not be online.  I am certain there are folks who would even volunteer to create the web pages in exchange for tickets or perhaps a free booth space.

In 2001 the event did get an official website! I set it up for them and gave them an amazing deal just so they could get some information online. The address is http://festint.com. (Simplenet was bought out by Yahoo! and raised its rates considerably...)

So for now, I close and be thee farewell.  Even with the down sides, I had a most lovely time at the Iowa Renaissance Festival and Harvest Faire in 1998 A.D.  In fact, I can't remember a time when I have had so much fun and met so many interesting and wonderful people.  Even though other Faires I have been to were grander and more elaborate, this one has been the most fun to me.

Agree?  Disagree?  Let me know!
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And there you have it. My first review. I guess even back then I was destined to have a website that talked about renaissance festivals.. -- John-Paul

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