386,101 visits (8 today, 62 this week, 195 this
month, 1,294 this year, 20 yesterday. Best day was 151
visitors.)
Our tip jar:
Official festival websites for events ATF may attend as of
5/7/11
:
Note: If you have an event in the Midwest,
and you would like AtTheFaire to take photos there and write a recap for
the Ren Reporter, drop me a note
and we'll try to fit it in.
Unfortunately, due to finances, ATF has no plans to attend any events this year, currently. If you would like to sponsor a visit (so we could document your event with tons of photo, YouTube vidoes, etc. giving promotion for years to come), please contact us.
If you have an event in the surrounding Iowa region and would like it listed here, please contact us with details (event name, date, web link).
If you would like to support AtTheFaire, and promote your Renaissance festival related group, business or service, drop me a note! We could use the coins in our tip jar!
Latest Headline as of
Thursday, 17-May-2012 11:02:14 CDT
:
330
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Sunday, May 13, 2012 10:27PM
10:27 PM - NebFaire, I hardly knew you! (posted by
JohnPaul
)
Although I had not planned to attend any festivals this year other than my local Des Moines Renaissance Faire, this weekend I found myself at the Nebraska Renaissance Faire in Omaha.
My, how this little event at the Bellevue Berry Farm & Pumpkin Ranch has evolved since it first moved to this western location in 2008. Photos from that humble year are found here:
It had been two years since I visited, and there were some dramatic improvements to the site. First, most stage locations now have nice wooden stages and backdrops. The frontmost Coliseum Theater stage now has huge wooden posts framed around it. The Minstrel Stage gained a nice wooden backdrop, as well, and the Children's Realm stage has a wooden dragon perched atop it's castle backdrop this year.
There was a swinging pirate boat ride (crafted by its operator), and various signage improvements throughout. The ranch, which hosts western themed events and a big Halloween festival each year, also had built a few more permanent cabins that were being used by merchants for the Renaissance faire. The Potter's House, formerly using a different building, had taken over one nice log cabin. (Yes, the theme of the western shacks clashes with the Renaissance theme, but that's going to be a downside with such a shared festival site.)
The largest and most dramatic change was found at the joust arena. Several rows of bleacher seats are now available (the first year it was standing room only) and the arena is surrounded by a wooden fence on the other sides. In the back center is a large seating area with a central section for the Royals, and side seating for patrons. It sits quite high, with two sets of wooden stairs leading up to it. This was VERY nice.
The top level drink area had moved around the corner (and the awful deck level musical stage was no longer being used). Instead, food was now in a heavily themed pirate's pub area with props, rope work, and all kinds of details (obviously for the previous weekend's pirate festival). Very nice as well (though it would be nice for the workers in these food booths to be in costumes -- I noticed one pirate with cool hair behind the bar, and others just in t-shirts).
Sorry for the nitpicks on that -- but overall, wow, great improvements. I think the jousting list is the best you will find for hours, without visiting the large events in Kansas City or Minnesota. It draws the Royal viewing area at the Des Moines Renaissance Faire.
Kudos to the ranch folks for so many site improvements this season.
Photos coming in the next week or so...
Saturday, February 25, 2012 3:53PM
3:53 PM - Iowa-Minnesota Pirate Festival (Clear Lake, Iowa) (posted by
JohnPaul
)
Iowa-Minnesota Pirate Festival August 10-12, 2012 Clear Lake, Iowa
5:59 PM - The Scots Dragon (Iowa) retires. (posted by
JohnPaul
)
We learned about this during the Des Moines Renaissance Faire, and now their site is updated:
10:04 AM - Off topic: Iowa Haunted House index website. (posted by
JohnPaul
)
I am based in Des Moines, Iowa, and as you may know, I enjoy "themed" attrations (theme parks, themed restaurants, tourist attractions, etc.). I also enjoy haunted houses, and do some work for a local one that has been referred to as the "Walt Disney World of Haunted Attractions" by the newspaper. (They have eight different things to see, and you buy one pass to go through everything.)
I mention it here mostly to get it referrenced in the search engines. I will be doing interviews and such with various attractions this season, and posting them to my YouTube channel.
I am also going to help these haunts get websites up, since few have their own sites (making it very difficult to find information on them; thus, me doing that index site). Here's a site (also mentioned to get it noticed):
2:55 PM - Ren Faire of the Midlands (Council Bluffs) info needed. (posted by
JohnPaul
)
Does anyone have the show guide from the final year of the Renaissance Faire of the Midlands in Council Bluffs, Iowa? I know I do, somewhere, buried with tons of other things... Was it 2006?
I'm wanting to get a scan to get an idea of how many stages they had, how many acts, etc. I suspect it was a larger event than my memory recalls, but looking through my pictures, the last one I went to at the fairgrounds didn't seem that big.
Monday, September 12, 2011 1:20PM
1:20 PM - DMRF 2011 (posted by
JohnPaul
)
What an amazingly busy even this has been so far. I have been too busy working to get many photos, and zero video (yet), but I will post what I have when I have time. I am only making it to internet access about once a week lately, and that may continue through October, but I'll get photos up as fast as I can.
The new Dungeon Tour we helped with is pretty popular, which is cool. It almost makes all the bruises and scrapes from running speaker and control wires worth it!
Tuesday, August 23, 2011 2:51PM
2:51 PM - Kettle Corn vendor needed at Des Moines! (posted by
JohnPaul
)
The Des Moines Renaissance Faire is trying to respond to some food requests, which has them looking for a kettle corn vendor for this year (first three weekends in September).
There is also another small food booth (electric, sink, hot water, etc.) that is our mini donut booth, but they are unable to join us this season, so there is an opportunity for something else there, too.
If you might be interested, e-mail greg@festint.com
I can point you to photos of the shop buildings if you want to see them.
10:24 AM - A sad pet plea from Seventh Sojourn soaps... (posted by
JohnPaul
)
This sad situation is passed along from www.soapmagic.com - one of the long time supporters of AtTheFaire.com. I will be updating their site soon with a donation box for those who might want to chip in a few bucks...
Little Za za is our 6 year old Welsh Corgi, and she is very ill. She is in the fight of her life against an auto-immune disorder called anemia. Anemia is a condition where your immune system attacks her red blood cells. For Za za, it would have been fatal if not treated. We believe the anemia was triggered by an antibiotic given to her at the vet. Neither we nor her vet had no way of knowing this would happen.
Za za is a very important part of our lives. Everyone who meets her, loves her. She is a gentle, loving dog who falls in love with everyone she meets. She is also Missy’s close companion. Za za is Missy’s very first dog that was –her- dog. She loves her mommy with all her heart, and Missy loves her equally in return. We were not willing to just let such a beautiful spirit go, so we decided to fight this disease.
Za za spent 9 days in the intensive care unit at the University of Minnesota Veterinary Hospital. They put her on immune-suppressive drugs and she required four blood transfusions during her stay. She was finally able to come home to us on Saturday, August 6th. We are now working very hard on her recovery.
Because of her condition, Za za has eligible to be enrolled in a University program studying possible treatments for K-9 anemia. They are attempting to find better treatments that improve the survival rate for dogs suffering from this horrible disease. Because Za za is one of the few dogs diagnosed with this condition to survive it, she will be a part of this study and will provide valuable research information to help others in the future.
Za za’s medical treatment has been extremely expensive. If you have ever met Za za, or just love dogs in general and wish to help, we would deeply appreciate it.
Later in the year we will introduce our “Soggy Doggy” pet soap (for dogs and cats), and will be partnering with animal charities and shelters to raise money for them through sales of the soap.
6:35 PM - Psst. Wanna buy a working trebuchet (catapult)? (posted by
JohnPaul
)
From the mailbag...
My name is Ryan Stewart from Charles City, IA. A few years back my Grandpa and I made a trebuchet. It is made from 100 year old hand hewn beams and has a throwing arm about 11 ft. in length. I understand you often deal with items and people related to this time period. I was wondering if you could offer me suggestions about how to sell this and who may be interested. I have attached a picture of the trebuchet.
Thanks for your help, Ryan Stewart ryandstewart1@gmail.com
I say someone contact Ryan and buy this thing and start bringing it to regional festivals as a demo -- you might even be able to charge the event to bring it! I wonder how much it can launch?
Thursday, July 7, 2011 8:09PM
8:09 PM - October Haunted Houses in Des Moines, Iowa (posted by
JohnPaul
)
If anyone out here knows anyone doing a haunted house in the Des Moines, Iowa area (Ames, etc. included), please tell them about this project of mine:
6:04 PM - OT: Trek Fest in Riverside, Iowa (posted by
JohnPaul
)
FOR IMMEDIATE RELEASE
William Shatner and fans help save TrekFest XXVII (June 24-25, 2011)
TrekFest is a small-town festival with a Star Trek theme. Riverside, Iowa is the official Future Birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk - the character played by William Shatner in the original 1960's Star Trek television series.
Riverside, IA (June 15, 2011) - The Riverside Area Community Club (RACC) in Riverside, Iowa (the small town known worldwide as The Future Birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk) almost canceled TrekFest XXVII due to lack of funding. The news hit the media and then local businesses, organizations and fans worldwide stepped up with donations allowing TrekFest to take place this June 24th to 25th.
The amount needed was at minimum $10,000. Mindbridge Foundation graciously donated $5,000, the Riverside Casino and Golf Resort $3,000 and The River Products Company of Iowa City gave $1,500. Several contributions from local businesses and residents flowed in along with online donations from people worldwide (as far as Australia) to help save the event. The Iowa City Yaht Club opened its doors for a special concert performed by local bands to raise money. Actor William Shatner also playing a part in keeping TrekFest alive.
In 2004, William Shatner (who played Star Trek's Captain Kirk in the 1960's TV series) filmed INVASION IOWA in Riverside, IA (a Spike-TV reality show). He developed a bond with the local townspeople and promised he would one day come back to Riverside for TrekFest after the casino was built. Since then, RACC invited Shatner to attend each year, and each time he has declined due to his busy schedule. This prompted a Star Trek fan from Kansas to start a Facebook page called “William Shatner should keep his promise and come to TrekFest.” Members of this page and other online fans worldwide ended up donating over $700.
Shatner responded to this year's invitation in a letter to RACC, “Once again I have to tell you that I'm not able to make it to Riverside. I certainly remember you all fondly and hope everyone is in good health and happy. If there is something I can send for you to auction off to help with your community fund, I'd be delighted to do so.”
RACC accepted and Shatner sent two items to be auctioned off and will be announced in the near future.
Bands performing in Hall Park will be Friday: INSECTOID (9pm). Saturday: SYNTHAHOLICS BAND (11:15am); FIVE YEAR MISSION (9:30pm) is a band based out Indiana who offered to come to TrekFest to keep the event alive. Their Mission: Our goal is to take every episode of the original Star Trek, write a song about it, record it, and play it. In the end, there will be five full-length CDs full of Star Trek goodness for all to enjoy. The popular WHO'Z PLAY'IN will take stage at 9pm.
TrekFest highlights include a Demo Derby (Fri, 7:30pm), Saturday Parade at 10am (theme “Assignment Earth” - candy will be tossed to the kids), a Sci-Fi Swap Meet (11am), Costume Contest (1pm). BBQ meals and carnival rides. The event will end with a fireworks show (paid for by the City of Riverside) at 10pm. For an extensive list of TrekFest's family-friendly events, visit www.trekfest.com.
The Riverside Area Community Club is grateful to all their fans (local and worldwide) for keeping TrekFest alive. Ken McCracken (president of RACC) said, “Without the fans, there would literally be no TrekFest.”
TrekFest hopes to continue to live long and prosper. And who knows, maybe one day in the near future William Shatner will accept RACC's invitation to TrekFest and once again come home to The Future Birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk.
About
In 1984, former city councilman, Steve Miller, came up with the idea to dub Riverside, Iowa - The Future Birthplace of Captain James T. Kirk. This far out idea was approved by the city and by Star Trek creator, Gene Roddenberry. The town's annual River Fest celebration was renamed TrekFest and has lived long and prospered ever since. The Riverside Area Community Club (RACC) plans and implements TrekFest annually. Money raised by RACC is used to help out the community with academic scholarships, new playground equipment and other events.
###
TrekFest Carol, Herb or Fred 319-930-9735 trekfest@gmail.com www.trekfest.com Phone: 646-470-KIRK (5475)
6:25 PM - Des Moines: The Central Iowa Celtic Festival and Highland Games (posted by
JohnPaul
)
The Central Iowa Celtic Festival and Highland Games Date: Saturday, June 18, 2011 Time: 09:00 AM Location: Living History Farms Front Lawn, 11121 Hickman Rd, Urbandale, IA
The 6th annual Central Iowa Celtic Festival and Highland Games will take place Saturday, June 18, 2011 on the front lawn at Living History Farms, 11121 Hickman Road, Urbandale from 9 am to 5 pm. We will have activities all day including special musical guests 3 Pints Gones from Milwaukee and Des Moines' own Orckes & Trolles, Irish step dancers from the Robert Thomas Dancenter in Ames, Scottish heavy athletics (from 9 until around 3 or so), master story tellers Maureen Korte and Jeff Campbell, ethnic food, beverages (including a beer garden) and a Celtic market place. Admission is $10 for ages 14 and up and $5 for ages 8 - 13. Active military in uniform are free. For more information phone 515-278-8302 or use the e-mail link on the home page.
Advance tickets can be purchased at A Celtic Tradition for $8 for adults and $4 for children.
Get $2 off (one can per ticket) at the gate for canned goods to donate to the Food Bank of Iowa.
6:53 PM - Memorial Day: Omaha and Amana Colonies (posted by
JohnPaul
)
This Memorial Day Weekend, those of you in the Omaha area may wish to check out the 4th annual Midwest Renaissance Festival:
My personal financial situation (as well as having a tire that needs to be replaced before I can do any significant driving) prevents me from attending, so I look forward to hearing your reports.
Tuesday, May 10, 2011 8:49PM
8:49 PM - DES MOINES AREA WENCH/MAIDEN WANTED FOR TV AD (posted by
JohnPaul
)
DES MOINES AREA WENCHES/MAIDENS: I'm looking for a renfest cutie to be in a TV ad for the Iowa Renaissance Festival (appearing in front of a green screen). You must have a clear speaking voice, and good accent. Not a paying gig, and has to be done "soon" else I'm gonna be in it. Message me if interested.
5/23/2011: Hey, here's what we ended up doing -- when the Forking Queen threw her utensil crown in to the ring, I knew we had to do it... :-)
Sunday, May 8, 2011 1:21PM
1:21 PM - Big Bear City, California event is back on. (posted by
JohnPaul
)
from the e-mail list...
Caltrans made the announcement that hwy 330 will be opened ahead of schedule, in time for the 4th of July holiday!! Therefore the BBVRSI board has made the decision to go forth with plans to have the 10th annual Big Bear Valley Renaissance Faire! We are so excited to announce that the Knights of Mayhem, Adam Reid "the Bawdy Juggler", the Belles of Bedlam, Victoria Goring, Gallows Humor and many more have already signed on for entertainment!
August 13, 14, 20 & 21. 10 am to 6 pm In beautiful downtown Fawnskin, the north shore of Big Bear Lake!! This is our 10th Anniversary celebration and there will be surprises galore!! New entertainers as well as your good old favorites!! New vendors mixed in with your favorites from past years and new games & guilds to add to your days enjoyment!! As always 5 stages and a complete children's game area!! 39115 Rim of the World Drive, Fawnskin, CA 92333
Please help us spread the word...Big Bear is open for business and the Renaissance Faire is alive and well, ready to serve my Lords and Ladies in Royal fashion!!!!!
Remember, The Faire is a production of the Big Bear Valley Renaissance Society, Inc., a 501 (c) 3 non- profit for education. All profit go to children and teachers for scholarships and educational endeavors!
Lynda McGinnis, Director Big Bear Valley Renaissance Society, Inc P.O. Box 3069 Big Bear City, Ca 92314-3069 909-237-0448 951-202-2232 Cell lynda@bbvrsinc.org www.bbvrsinc.org
Saturday, May 7, 2011 12:17PM
12:17 PM - Anyone used RenaissanceCostumesClothing.com? (posted by
JohnPaul
)
Before I accept advertising or sponsorships, I usually try to run them past you guys to see if there is any feedback on them. Here's one that came to me by way of Festivals International -- Anyone used them? Check them out and let me know what you think.
http://RenaissanceCostumesClothing.com is a trusted source for Medieval and Renaissance items. Their offerings range from traditional, authentic clothing to novelty costumes and are available in standard and plus sizes for men, women, and children.
12:01 PM - Hosting plans available... (posted by
JohnPaul
)
It looks like I am going to try to move forward with hosting expansion plans for 2011...
In 2000, I became a reseller for a friend of mine in Indiana who had his own web server. I was able to offer accounts for $10/month back then, but would lower the price for $8/month if the user would put "Hosted by AtTheFaire.com" on their site.
I was able to grow from a few early sites to over 100, and as more folks joined up, sharing costs, I was able to lower the price to $7/month, then down to $5/month ($60/year).
If I can get a few more signups, it looks like $50/year is going to be acceptable. So, if you have a Renaissance festival related site (merchant, performer, festival), and you are paying more than that, consider switching over here.
I start accounts out with 500GB of storage, but if you need more (1TB? 1.5TB? Even more?) I have always been able to work something out. Bandwidth, also, is plentiful.
Although there have been issues with my current hosting provider over the years, they still promote a 99.5% uptime, daily backups, full cpanel, several types of webmail, auto responders, mailing lists, etc. There's even script auto-installers (one click to install a Wikipedia-style Mediawiki, for instance). I am stunned at all the things offered now which were not available just a few years ago.
Drop me a note if you are interested.
And every site here will get linked on every main page of AtTheFaire.com (I need to really clean up that link box, soon). This boosts your Google ranking and also helps get a newly registered domain be indexed by Google usually within 24 hours (since they crawl my site daily, it seems).
AND, if you are budget constrained (or have a better offer somewhere else), let me know and maybe we can work something out.
Let me know... I either expand, or reduce.
Wednesday, April 27, 2011 9:42AM
9:42 AM - AtTheFaire may go away, 5/15 (posted by
JohnPaul
)
Just a heads up... Due to financial concerns, I may be forced to shut this site down in a few weeks. I will preserve the domain and park it somewhere, but the tens of thousands of photos and other heavy content will be unavailable until I am able to afford to find them a new home.
Hopefully it won't happen, but thought I'd pass this along.
I can save the site if I get enough web hosting renewals/sign ups (I have lowered rates to $50/year, for anyone interested), but so far, it does not look promising. So many folks I have invoiced are having similar money issues right now and personal website projects don't seem to be a priority with them, either ;-)
Tuesday, April 26, 2011 10:45PM
10:45 PM - Webhosting, anyone? (posted by
JohnPaul
)
If anyone is looking for a place to host your Renaissance related website, please consider hosting right here. I have been doing webhosting since 2000, and if you host here, you will get linked from this site (good for Google rankings) and be hosted with a place that specializes in hosting Renaissance performers, merchants and festivals. Over 100 sites are hosted here, currently, and I'd like to add some more for 2011.
$50/year, and I'll give you as much bandwidth and reasonable disk space as I can (500MB? No problem. Need more? Probably can help you out.)
I have over 130,000 photos of my own hosted here (between this site and my Disney theme park site), too, bringing in traffic all the time. Plus, if you host here, you get access to this news page and other stuff for promoting your site :)
Let me know!
Thursday, April 7, 2011 1:46PM
1:46 PM - Segway jousting (video). (posted by
JohnPaul
)
Check this out...
8:27 AM - Press Release: Dubuque Iowa Rebaissance Festival (posted by
JohnPaul
)
Contact information: Lynne Melssen, Producer 515-314-5189 lmelssen@aol.com
For Immediate Release:
Great changes for the Dubuque Renaissance Faire.
In 2011, the Dubuque Renaissance Faire is moving to Camp Albrecht Acres. Started in 2007 as a fundraiser for the Dubuque Museum of Art, the renaissance festival has found a perfect, long-term home in nearby Sherrill, Iowa, just nine miles north of Dubuque. After careful reflection and three successful years of hosting the festival, the Dubuque Museum of Art decided to “gift” the event to Camp Albrecht Acres, feeling that the renaissance faire more closely matched the mission of this camp for disabled children and young adults in “Providing a unique environment for people with special needs.” Scheduled to open again on Saturday and Sunday, May 21 and 22, 2011, the Dubuque Renaissance Faire provides the Tri-state area with a captivating family event enabling visitors of all ages to be enchanted by this era of jousting, juggling, music, dance, blades, battles, pirates and peers. Audience members may shop for treasures in a unique tented marketplace that will offer jewelry, clothing, pottery, swords, leather, glass and more! Try your hand at archery, sample a roasted turkey leg and other tempting foods and fool with the Queen’s favorite Fool, Lloyd Brant of the Theatre of Fools in Minneapolis. Joust Evolution returns with armored knights on horseback, competing for the title of Queen’s champion.
Ticket prices remain at the same low rates as our first three years. Families of campers who have attended Camp Albrecht Acres receive special consideration - call the camp at 563-552-1771 for more information
The event is open rain or shine from 10 – 5 both days. Visit our website at: http://www.dbqrenfaire.org for more information about the festival.
Wednesday, March 30, 2011 12:13PM
12:13 PM - Iowa's TrekFest in jeopardy! Help needed! (posted by
JohnPaul
)
In 2009, I made a visit to Riverside, Iowa to check out their annual "TrekFest" celebration. Riverside, you see, was the town that decided to proclaim itself as the "Iowa town" where Star Trek's Captain James T. Kirk would be born, and a letter to Star Trek creator Gene Roddenberry granted them the okay to be the "official" future birthplace for Kirk. (It had been know that Kirk was from Iowa -- even quoted in one of the Star Trek movies -- but not until the 2009 relaunch was Riverside every specifically mentioned.)
Photos of my 2009 journey are found here (including appearances by George "Sulu" Takei, Nichele "Uhura" Nicholes, and Walter "Checkov" Koenig):
It was a (phaser) blast to be there, and I returned again in 2010 (and just realized the photos are not working in the gallery).
I received a call from Riverside Area Community Club member Carol Riggan today about the status of this year's TrekFest. Unless they can come up with $10,000, the event (which has been going on for over 20 years) will not be held. This is a shame, since it's a great community event that really puts the town on the map on a national level (at least to Star Trek fans!).
The nearby Riverside Casino is stepping in to challenge a $3000 sponsor -- turning it in to $6000 for the R.A.C.C.
Donations can be sent to:
Riverside Area Community Club SAVE TREK FEST PO Box 55 Riverside Iowa 52327
This is a GREAT opportunity for any regional business to step in and help out and see if it will get them sponsorship listings on the website or something (thousands go to this thing; we even had a Guiness Book of World Records attempt in 2010). Likewise, any online merchants who deal in sci-fi stuff (costumes, collectables, etc.) might consider jumping in.
7:23 PM - 2011 - send in any news you may have. (posted by
JohnPaul
)
If you have any event announcements for 2011 you would like me to post, please send them in. Be sure to include "ATF" in your subject to bypass the new spam filter I had to install. This e-mail has been around for over a decade now, and it's quite spammy :-)
Friday, March 18, 2011 11:28AM
11:28 AM - Renaissance has two Ns, but not in a row... (posted by
JohnPaul
)
Recently, I came across yet another Renaissance festival group or site or event that is abbreviating Renaissance as "renn". In the past, ATF has even mentioned official festival web sites that used renn in their URL. I freely admit that before AtTheFaire and my involvement with festivals, I did not know how to spell Renaissance, and I also spelled it Rennaisance or something similarly incorrect.
So please... If you abbreviate Renaissance, remember that it is not an Renn word... It should be Ren.
With that said... Why is it "rennies" instead of renies? The term (which today we use incorrectly) came from carnies which was folks who lived and worked carnivals.
carnival to carnies...
Renaissance to renies...
Shouldn't that be the way? Did the folks who popularized the term rennies just not know proper spelling of Renaissance?
:-) comments appreciated, via email. (Yes, this is for an article...)
Tuesday, March 1, 2011 9:54AM
9:54 AM - 3 Pints Gone comes to Ames, Iowa March 12, 2011 (posted by
JohnPaul
)
Chain mailer Troy Rutter passes along the news that musical group 3 Pints Gone will be appearing March 12, 2011 in Ames, Iowa at Reiman Gardens.
Saturday, March 12, 7-9pm. Reiman Gardens 1407 University Blvd Ames, IA
Call 515-294-2710 for tickets. (Discount if purchased in advance, else $14 at the door.)
"Irish pub fare will be available."
3 Pints Gone is a phenomnially fun group of musicians/singers that appeared at the Des Moines Renaissance Faire a few years ago. Before that, two of the members were part of a different group that I think I first saw at Hamlet of Slater (Missouri) in 2000.
So, if you are in town, go see them! They have an invitation/event on their Facebook page:
7:21 PM - Ren Reporter acquired by Ren Mag... (posted by
JohnPaul
)
Just an FYI... I am no longer involved with the Regional Renaissance Reporter magazine, as it no longer exists. The subscription base now belongs to Renaissance Magazine.
News blurb on the deal:
"Gregory Schmidt of Festivals International is merging his five-year-old Iowa-based magazine, the Regional Renaissance Reporter, with the larger Connecticut-based Renaissance Magazine.
The publication’s former editor, Des Moines-based Allen Huffman, will now focus on the website www.renreporter. com as an information hub for history events around the country. He will also be continuing his work in video production and radio spot design.
Schmidt, a resident of Clear Lake, will focus more on freelance writing and producing regional history documentaries. His Bueno Gang kids movie series has recently been picked up for national distribution by ChristianCinema.com. He’s also serving as co-director of the Iowa Independent Film Festival along with his wife, Bonnie.
He continues to produce festivals around the region, including the Des Moines Renaissance Faire and the Iowa Renaissance Festival at the Amana Colonies. His newest enterprise is the marketing of Paul Micich/World Port Music CDs via the new distribution arm, World Tour Music. He can be contacted via greg@festint.com."
8:39 PM - Pirates of the Caribbean 4 trailer... (posted by
JohnPaul
)
In case you haven't been keeping track (like me), here is a trailer for the upcoming Pirates of the Caribbean movie:
12:18 PM - Des Moines Haunted Houses... (posted by
JohnPaul
)
(I am posting this here since exposure on this page will dramatically boost search engine results. When a site is hosted here, it gets indexed and shows up in Google usually within 24 hours, so I want to get the ball rolling so by next November the site will show up a the top of search results.)
5:36 PM - Four Kingdoms Ren Fest photos by Alan Campbell (posted by
JohnPaul
)
Alan Campbell has passed along a link to his photo gallery with images taken this past weekend at the Four Kingdoms Renaissance & Pyrate Faire in Rock Island, Illinois. I had hoped to make it out there on Sunday, but money and other issues prevented this from happening.
So thank you, Alan, for sharing -- now I can see what I missed!
8:28 PM - Four Kingdoms - Rock Island, IL (posted by
JohnPaul
)
"The QC Celebrates History at New Location"
Royalty, comedy swordsmen and pirates will invade the Quad Cities on October 9/10th as the 6th annual FOUR KINGDOMS RENAISSANCE & PYRATE FAIRE sets up on new grounds with a different look on the back fields of Rock Island's Camelot KOA Campgrounds.
This year's edition of the festival will be particularly different as it's under the management of veteran Renaissance faire performer and staffer Bruce Eyton of Minneapolis. His SwordintheStone Productions is pulling together a wide variety of stage acts, artisan merchants, educational demonstrators and comic village characters who will bring the virgin woodland setting to life.
Eyton, himself, is a fencing instructor and stage combat professional who has had several of his A-list comedy shows toured around the country.
Gregory Schmidt of Festivals International and publisher of the Regional Renaissance Reporter reports, "Bruce Eyton has the spirit and gumption to enhance this event by virtue of being one of the most avid Renaissance fest performers and Medieval faire supporters that I know. I'm confident that his re-branding of the Quad Cities history event will be a success."
The move to the back woods and open prairie acres behind the KOA Camelot main property will provide the Renaissance/Pyrate faire with a more authentic setting for a royal festival celebration. It also gives the incoming pirates a waterfront atmosphere.
The Four Kingdoms Renaissance and Pyrate Faire will run on Columbus Day Weekend (saturday & sunday) from 11am to 6pm as a "rain or shine" event.
It will take place at 2311 78th Avenue West in Rock Island, Illinois, on the undeveloped grounds behind the Camelot KOA Campgrounds with plenty of free parking.
Admission will be $10 at the gate for adults ($9 in advance and $15 for 2-day pass)) with military personnel, seniors & students at $7. Kids under 6 are free and there are group discounts.
For further event information check www.fourkingdoms.com or contact info@fourkingdoms.com (612) 356-4966.
For location and camping information go to www.riqckoa.com or contact #309-787-0665 (888) 562-4502. -30-
Contact: Bruce Eyton 612-356-4966 swordinthestone@live.com
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