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.
• May 12 - 27 - Greater St. Louis Ren Faire in Wentzville, Missouri.
• May 26 - 28 - The International May Festival in Clear Lake, Iowa. (ATF will be there)
• June 3 - My Waterloo Days Ren Faire in Waterloo, Iowa. (ATF will be there)
• June 8 - 10 - Renaissance Faire of the Midlands in Council Bluffs, Iowa. (ATF will be there)
• June 16 - 17 - Hamlet of Mid-Missouri Ren Faire in Sedalia, Missouri. (ATF will be there)
• June 23 - 24 - A Renaissance Affair in Osceola, Iowa. (ATF will be there)

Feature: Puzzle Fun!

• The Salisbury Bridge — Sadly, Sauboo can't hide under this one.
• John-Paul Smooch — Ahh tradition...add a Frenchman and ooh la la!
• Shattock Men & Washer Wenches — From left to right: Sheila, Godfrey, Keirra, Robespierre, Willa & Gregor.
• Tail Shot — Can you tell who these tailed fiends are?
• Washer Well Wenches — See the girls next to the sign that Mistress Willa patched together.

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: Feels Like the First Time - Salisbury Faire by Willa

Article: Tips for Tipping by Mark Davio

As the Ren Faire season starts up in many parts of the country and we as paying patrons go back into time... don't forget to bring your pocket books, purses, money bags or what ever you carry your currency in... For you see tipping the performers you are entertained by is our way of saying "thank you". Oh yes we all like to hear "Bravo", "good job"," well done", etc... however, nothing speaks louder of gratitude and appreciation than someone tipping you generously.

We as a society have lost the "art" of tipping... but we will tip the waitress who gets paid to bring us our food. Or the bar tender who may slip a little extra gin in our drink... But when it comes to performers we think... Oh they were good but all they need is a standing O, (ovation). [more...]

Poll: The Rennie Perspective

You all made us proud! Last issue's poll asked you what you thought of our photo fiasco, and here are the results:

There will be another poll in the next issue. If you have any questions you'd like to see answered, suggest a poll topic.

Article: 2001 Season by John-Paul

Salisbury Faire in Des Moines marks the beginning of our Midwest renaissance festival season. The cold winter has finally ended and, in spite of it being one of the worst in years, all signs of snow have disappeared. The temperatures in Iowa climb into the 80s and 90s while just a month ago the utility company was getting extra income from all the furnaces and heaters. Our lawn has even been mowed...twice! Trees are once again green and, most significantly, Salisbury Faire billboards and posters are all over the area. Spring is indeed here. [more...]

Feature: Recipe of the Week

• Cold Sage Chicken from 14th Century France

Every week we are going to feature a scrumptious recipe from Cariadoc's Miscellany for you to try! For past recipes we have featured on our site, go here.

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!