My son and I are going to opening weekend at the Texas Renaissance Festival on Saturday. Just wondering if any local dopers will be around.
Doesn’t look like I’m going to be able to make it this year. Just wanted to tell you to have a good time. I was there last year and had a blast.
Oh yeah, a piece of advice. If you have a lot of morals, leave them behind. You’ll have more fun that way. 
Of course, I don’t know how old your son is. You may not want to be that kind of example.
Make me feel better. Tell me these things aren’t any fun. Tell me that they overcharge for crappy stuff. Tell me the food sucks. Tell me that it’s okay to have never gotten to go to one, even though I’ve pined to since I was eleven. I beg of you…tell me the music is dumb and the costumes are lousy. Just don’t tell me that they are every bit as cool as I have always envisioned them.
But since I can’t go, you have a spectacular time with your son. Lucky kid. I hope the weather is perfect and everything goes wonderfully for you. Have fun!
They aren’t as cool anymore. You missed all the good ones. Sorry.
h_thur: Give a big, wet kiss to all the sexy men in leather for me. Don’t forget to grope!
Hmm. is it getting warm in here?
I’m so jealous!! The MD Ren Fest is one of my favourite events of the year, it’s currently in full swing, and I haven’t been able to go in the past two years. I desperately miss it!! 
The best one I’ve been to over the last couple of years is Hawkwood. It hasn’t been around for that long, so it still has that vibe around it. The food’s great and I always have a good time.
Damn, I will never get in the habit of using smilies to indicate when I’m joking.
There are still some very good ones out there, but anyone attending in the '70’s and '80’s will tell you that they are not what they used to be. I blame the corporate sponsorship. I hate that you can’t walk around them anymore without corporate logos in your face. but hey, drink enough beer, sing a few filthy songs, give and receive a few lewd suggestions, and you can still have a great time. Besides, where else can you put on funny clothes, insult perfect strangers, and not get beat up?
One thing though - kill the damn microphones! I feel strongly enough about that to start a pit thread, but I won’t.
I’ll admit, I’ve missed Hawkwood the last 2 years, but the only cool thing I remember (and it was REEAAAAAALLLLLL cool) was the location - they just built all the buildings in the middle of a forest, and left most of the trees as-is. I expected Errol Flynn to jump out any minute.
If you’ve never been, go. Find a decent-sized RenFest and have a ball. Beware of RenFests that happen for one weekend in a city park. LAME. Go to one that lasts for at least 4 weeks.
Don’t buy swords or costumes (more properly referred to as “garb”) there - most of the time you’ll get overcharged. Windowshop shamelessly. You’ll find unique stuff that you can’t get anywhere else (like my wife’s sandalwood hand lotion that she repleneshes her supply of every year).
If you can, scrape together good garb (no tennis shoes!) and wear it. It’s fun to be mistaken for a cast member. Especially when it’s cast members making the mistake.
My son is 10 months old, and I’m a single mom! I don’t think my son will know what’s going on if I sneak a grope or two at a leather-clad man. (No pictures please - I don’t want any evidence.)
Actually, my aunt is a beer wench this year, so I’ll to enjoy some good beer for cheap/free. It’s been a few years since I’ve been, but it was fabulous then.
They have man powered rides for the kids. My son is too young for them this year, but next year he’ll have a blast!
This time I’m going to look for unique toys for my son. His first birthday is coming up soon and Santa needs to pack her sleigh too. 
h-thur - Have a blast! We will be headed to TRF the weekend of the 13th. We are going to camp on the grounds this year since its a 2 1/2 hour drive from home. This way, we can be at the gates when they open, and not still trying to figure out where we should turn right ;).
struuter - Are you around Houston? Bring your knapsack and sleeping bag and camp with us!!
(giggle wouldn’t hubby be suprised! ::knock on camper door:: ‘Hello, I’m struuter and I’ve been invited to camp with you…’ lol)
three bunny mama, I live about 15-20 miles from TRF, in Anderson. Another aunt of mine lives in Plantersville. Maybe we’ll see you on the weekend of the 13th! (I plan on going several times this season.)