Happenings for Rennies:

• Throughout the month, English Country and International Folk Dancing Lessons are offered by the Fairfield Folk Art and Dance Co-op in Fairfield, IA. See their site for specific information.
• June 30 - Bristol Renaissance Festival begins its 9 week run. ATF plans to attend at least one weekend.
• July 7 - 6-10 p.m. The Busted Lift Street Party 180 Main Street, Dubuque Iowa (319) 584-9712 for more info. Music by Wylde Nept.
• July 10 - Irish Jam Night at Java Joe's in DSM.
• July 16 - Ed Conlow's Traditional Irish Music Night at Java Joe's in DSM.

Feature: Puzzles of Posers

• Get Your Jollies — It would be a sin to go to RFotM and not see the Jolly Rogers. Not only did I see them (and buy their double CD), I posed with them (and my good friend, Larisa, the Jolly Stalker).
• Renaissance Sword Theatre — The best unchoreographed live-steel combat you could ever want to see. And that Finley guy is quite easy on the eyes. (Actually, they're all just far too good looking for their own good.)
• Owain Phyfe — Here's Owain with Judy Plester on violin and Rio Blue on percussion. I could listen to them all day long...and I did!
• Shattock — Yeah, yeah, yeah. I know, I know. I'm their groupie. But lookit 'em! Can you blame me?
• OBR — I'm not sure if it's the Order of Bailey's Rose or the Order of Bailey Rose. Either way, it makes me crave a coffee drink. Add some Kahlua and we're home free...

Every two weeks we are going to turn five of our very own photos into a Java-based puzzle for you to solve! If you have a suggestion as to a photo that would make a good puzzle, let us know! To see past puzzles, go here.

Review: Another Faire Virgin Speaks...

I don't know how qualified I am to review a Faire, but at Willa's request and with a little nudging from John-Paul, I am attempting my first review. Of course, my point of view will be much different from the seasoned Faire goer's. It should be noted that over ten years ago I attended the Faire in Shakopee with some friends. We had a wonderful time, kept saying we would go back soon... and never did....Turn the clock forward to 2001... [more...]

Review: Swishy Poke

NOTE: There are about thirty or so performers (collectively) in the groups this article discusses... Those that I left out... It doesn't mean I love you any less... ;-)

Everybody loves a festival! For some the draw is the shopping. For others it's the belly dancers. For some others it's the music. Regardless of the appeal, no festival is complete without some form of sword play or combat... [more...]

Review: Owain Phyfe Live at the Jubilee College Olde Worlde Faire

I enjoyed my time immensely at the Jubilee College Olde Worlde Faire in Brimfield, Illinois. We got to see all of the shows for Renaissance Sword Theatre and Shattock Schoole of Defence. The food was excellent and the grounds were beautiful. However, I do have to say that the absolute height of my weekend was seeing Owain Phyfe. [more...]

The Rennie Perspective: Poll Results

We asked you which part of your faire paraphernalia did you consider to be the most essential piece? Here's what you said:

If you have any questions you'd like to see answered, suggest a poll topic.

Album Review: Owain Phyfe - Poets, Bards and Singers of Song

If you read my review of Owain Phyfe's performances at the Jubilee College Olde World Faire in Brimfield, Illinois, then you already know the difficulty I faced when trying to decide which of Owain's CD's to purchase. I have to say that I'm very happy with the decision I made. [more...]

Plug: AtTheFaire's Pub

Did you know that we have message boards on our site? Well, we do! Each festival in the Midwest has a topic (the Jubilee and Wybreg festivals have had quite a bit of activity lately) and there are more topics to chat under. Just register to get your own handle and start posting! Let us know what you think about ATF or just introduce yourself to the rennies at large! Go to the pub...

Review: John-Paul's New Faire Ratings System

Our 2001 Midwest renaissance festival season is now more than halfway done. As of this writing, AtTheFaire has attended six different events. After the passing of summer we will have only a few more to visit before we shut down and wait for the frigid Iowa winter to pass. Let's take a quick look at the events we have attended so far as I present a brand new multi-category ratings system. [more...]

Review: Willa Follows Suit

For an explanation on just what this review article is about, first read John-Paul's. He might be long-winded, but he's entertaining...and he's just plain cute.

Ratings Guide: 1=Bad, 2=Lacking, 3=Good, 4=Great [more...]

Review: The Washer Well Wenches, First Year Performers

Sure, I know the Washer Well Wenches of Wybreg personally. In fact, I helped get them together. And yes, I have been dating the head wench for almost two years. Sure I realize I helped write a bit of their act and also help them out, but that doesn't mean I can't provide an unbiased review of their show, now, does it? [more...]

Get Registered with Us

Want to meet other rennies? Want other rennies to be able to meet you? Go to our Faire Folke: Rennies section and get registered today! That way, rennies in your area can find you and send you an e-mail.

Also, if you are a renaissance faire Performer or Merchant, we'd like to list your contact information, as well! Quite a few faires use our database to find quality people for their events!