# Can someone explain Renaissance Faires? **URL:** \ **Category:** Cafe Society\ **Created:** [July 15, 2006, 1:17am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-renaissance-faires/364565 "2006-07-15T01:17:32Z")\ **Posts on this page:** 20\ **Page:** 7
**Author:** ![Dinsdale](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/d/97f17d/32.png) [@Dinsdale](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Dinsdale)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2006, 1:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-renaissance-faires/364565/121 "2006-07-19T13:44:32Z")
> [@Martini Enfield](#): > > OK, so it’s not too expensive then… fair enough! > > I’d thought it might be in the $30-$50 region, like a Theme Park or a [Royal Show](http://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Category:Royal_shows_in_Australia). My suspicion is, however, that once you pay the general admission, there are countless other opportunities to empty your wallet. Of course there is plenty of food and drink to buy. But I believe the standard practice is to “tip” many of the various performers. I have heard the performers vary in terms of how blatantly they request for cash. One guy also told me he was disappointed at the number of times you were asked an extra buck or two for various exhibits - the dungeon or somesuch. I’ll let you know my experience after the weekend. I think admission to Bristol will be $13 a piece if we can convince my son to wear his scout uniform. ---
**Author:** ![Twinkie](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/t/d07c76/32.png) [@Twinkie](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Twinkie)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2006, 1:46pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-renaissance-faires/364565/122 "2006-07-19T13:46:12Z")
> [@Anaamika](#): > > Can someone tell me where to buy a bodice or something like that? This year I want to actually buy one. Or maybe make one! Where do I get a pattern? I’m sure I have one or two around here somewhere (really). I don’t know what size you need, but if the sizes match up, I’ll give you one. If not, you’re welcome to borrow one to use for a pattern. (I know nothing about building one’s own clothes. Will that work?) Just let me know! ---
**Author:** ![gotpasswords](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/g/c57346/32.png) [@gotpasswords](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/gotpasswords)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2006, 3:40pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-renaissance-faires/364565/123 "2006-07-19T15:40:00Z")
> [@Dinsdale](#): > > But I believe the standard practice is to “tip” many of the various performers. I have heard the performers vary in terms of how blatantly they request for cash. Sadly, that is true. The performers, by and large, are not paid by the faire, or at best, collect a tiny stipend of perhaps $20-40 per weekend. If they live narby, that’ll be enough for gas to get to the faire, but they’ll be hungry. We have hard choices to make - • Do we set an admission price that won’t scare people away outright? If so, performers will have their hats out to survive. • Do we set a price that lets us pay all of our performers even minimum wage, never mind “union scale” - if so, how many patrons will be willing to pay $50+ for a ticket? • Do we forgo the “big name” performers that are paid? If so, will we lose patrons that come just to see those acts? For years, the first option has been the one taken - get people into the faire, then hope they pay a little to whoever they like. It’s pretty democratic as well. If you’d rather watch Tobias the Adequate and give him five bucks than even look at the Bold and Stupid Men, that’s great. It’s your choice. We’re doing this because we like it. Love it, even. Not because we have any rational hope of making money at it. If we can have fun, get our patrons to have fun, and at least break even financially, we’re ecstatic. By the way, I’m not a performer, so I have no opportunity to hold my hat out. ---
**Author:** ![burundi](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/3ec8ea/32.png) [@burundi](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/burundi)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2006, 5:03pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-renaissance-faires/364565/124 "2006-07-19T17:03:46Z")
> [@](#): > > Originally posted by **Silver Tyger Girl** > > _Turkeys are the ones that try to dress up but fail miserably. The goths walking around in velvet dresses. The horrible mismatch of peasant and noble garb. The way-too-short kilts._ Well, that’s snotty. I’ve performed at Renaissance Fairs and I enjoy studying medieval and Renaissance history. Very little at a fair is truly historically accurate. They’re good, goofy fun, and that’s cool. Why get snippy about someone else’s attempt to get in on the good time? Especially since I bet you don’t forgo bathing or dentistry in order to be historically accurate. ---
**Author:** ![Bridget\_Burke](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/7cd45c/32.png) [@Bridget\_Burke](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Bridget_Burke)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2006, 5:19pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-renaissance-faires/364565/125 "2006-07-19T17:19:35Z")
> [@burundi](#): > > Well, that’s snotty. I’ve performed at Renaissance Fairs and I enjoy studying medieval and Renaissance history. Very little at a fair is truly historically accurate. They’re good, goofy fun, and that’s cool. Why get snippy about someone else’s attempt to get in on the good time? Especially since I bet you don’t forgo bathing or dentistry in order to be historically accurate. I agree. I applaud those who strive for historical accuracy. SCA means Society for _Creative Anachronism_. Does that mean the rest of us can’t be creative or anachronistic? Anything out of the ordinary should be encouraged. ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [July 19, 2006, 5:44pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-renaissance-faires/364565/126 "2006-07-19T17:44:19Z")
> [@Bridget Burke](#): > > …Does that mean the rest of us can’t be creative or anachronistic? Anything out of the ordinary should be encouraged. I know a young man who dresses as Link and goes to Faire. This should not be encouraged. ---
**Author:** ![Baldwin](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/baldwin/32/7264_2.png) [@Baldwin](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Baldwin)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2006, 11:42am UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-renaissance-faires/364565/127 "2006-07-20T11:42:07Z")
**Zweisamkeit** , you do indeed have lovely breasts, and I’m sorry another poster was rude enough to use the term “udders”. I hope I wasn’t rude as well. Listen, if you ever want a bodice made to your measurements by women who know all about big boobs, try my friends at Castle Garden Creations. Authentic designs and excellent quality for a reasonable price. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2006, 4:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-renaissance-faires/364565/128 "2006-07-20T16:29:33Z")
First of all, let me thank everyone who defended my poor home-sewn costumes. I really do feel tons better, thanks…people are so kind. 🙂 > [@Twinkie](#): > > I’m sure I have one or two around here somewhere (really). I don’t know what size you need, but if the sizes match up, I’ll give you one. If not, you’re welcome to borrow one to use for a pattern. (I know nothing about building one’s own clothes. Will that work?) Just let me know! And YES! YES! I will e-mail you post-haste, and I’ll pay for the shipping of course. WOOHOO! ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2006, 7:53pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-renaissance-faires/364565/129 "2006-07-20T19:53:10Z")
Are there any renfests held in the fall, or during cooler weather? I’d LOVE to go and in costume too, but unfortunately, the heat tends to make me sick-I stay strictly indoors during the times most of you describe. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2006, 7:54pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-renaissance-faires/364565/130 "2006-07-20T19:54:10Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Are there any renfests held in the fall, or during cooler weather? I’d LOVE to go and in costume too, but unfortunately, the heat tends to make me sick-I stay strictly indoors during the times most of you describe. Darling, there’s a great PA one that goes for a while! Hang on! ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2006, 7:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-renaissance-faires/364565/131 "2006-07-20T19:56:46Z")
I think it’s called the Pennslyvania Ren Faire. It’s huge and I have always wanted to go there only it’s five hours from me. Try this link: > **[PaRenFaire.com](http://www.parenfaire.com/)** > > Mount Hope Estate & Winery is your one stop, year-round entertainment destination! Enjoy Theater in the Mansion performances, outdoor festival favorites and, of course, the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire! The website is graphics heavy and makes my work computer go really slow. But it goes through October. ---
**Author:** ![Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/b/e47c2d/32.png) [@Biffy\_the\_Elephant\_Shrew](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Biffy_the_Elephant_Shrew)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2006, 8:00pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-renaissance-faires/364565/132 "2006-07-20T20:00:45Z")
> [@Anaamika](#): > > The website is graphics heavy and makes my work computer go really slow. But it goes through October. Damn, that’s some slow-loading website! ---
**Author:** ![Guinastasia](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/guinastasia/32/5751_2.png) [@Guinastasia](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Guinastasia)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2006, 8:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-renaissance-faires/364565/133 "2006-07-20T20:11:51Z")
> [@Anaamika](#): > > I think it’s called the Pennslyvania Ren Faire. It’s huge and I have always wanted to go there only it’s five hours from me. Try this link: > > [http://www.parenaissancefaire.com/](http://www.parenaissancefaire.com/) > > The website is graphics heavy and makes my work computer go really slow. But it goes through October. Oh thank you! You’re the best! Hmmm…I wonder how far it is from Pittsburgh. Maybe someday a Ren-Dope-Fest? ---
**Author:** ![iampunha](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/i/74df32/32.png) [@iampunha](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/iampunha)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2006, 8:26pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-renaissance-faires/364565/134 "2006-07-20T20:26:59Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Oh thank you! You’re the best! > > Hmmm…I wonder how far it is from Pittsburgh. Maybe someday a Ren-Dope-Fest? A Dopefaire?😉 's been done before. ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2006, 8:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-renaissance-faires/364565/135 "2006-07-20T20:29:28Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Oh thank you! You’re the best! > > Hmmm…I wonder how far it is from Pittsburgh. Maybe someday a Ren-Dope-Fest? I dunno. But we are having a Ren-Dopefest in September, in the one in Tuxedo NY. I’ll find you a link. > **[New York Renaissance Faire - Home - Tuxedo Park, NY](https://recfair.com/ny/)** > > Welcome to the New York Renaissance Faire! Buy tickets, download the schedule, get directions, check the weather, and party like it's 1599! Our date is September 9th. It’s prolly too far from you but you’re welcome if you’d like. ---
**Author:** ![Khadaji](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/k/9e8a1a/32.png) [@Khadaji](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Khadaji)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2006, 9:11pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-renaissance-faires/364565/136 "2006-07-20T21:11:07Z")
> [@Guinastasia](#): > > Oh thank you! You’re the best! > > Hmmm…I wonder how far it is from Pittsburgh. Maybe someday a Ren-Dope-Fest? Mount Hope is roughly in the Harrisburg area. From York it takes me about 40ish minutes (actually I’m west of York and rt 30 is a bear). ---
**Author:** ![jayjay](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/jayjay/32/6765_2.png) [@jayjay](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/jayjay)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2006, 9:18pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-renaissance-faires/364565/137 "2006-07-20T21:18:59Z")
Actually, we did a mini-Dopefaire at that very PennRennFaire last year. Me, **supervenusfreak, danceswithcats, AntaresJB, ScubaDave** and **Helen of Troy** (I think) had a fabulous time. It’s about the time to start thinking about this year, too… ---
**Author:** ![Anaamika](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/a/5f9b8f/32.png) [@Anaamika](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Anaamika)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2006, 9:56pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-renaissance-faires/364565/138 "2006-07-20T21:56:48Z")
> [@jayjay](#): > > Actually, we did a mini-Dopefaire at that very PennRennFaire last year. Me, **supervenusfreak, danceswithcats, AntaresJB, ScubaDave** and **Helen of Troy** (I think) had a fabulous time. It’s about the time to start thinking about this year, too… I really wanted to come, and a few Doopers even offered me a place to stay. Nicest people. Unfortunately at that time I ended up not even having a way to get down there (car broke down). ---
**Author:** ![garygnu](https://sea3.discourse-cdn.com/straightdope/user_avatar/boards.straightdope.com/garygnu/32/2924_2.png) [@garygnu](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/garygnu)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2006, 10:06pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-renaissance-faires/364565/139 "2006-07-20T22:06:03Z")
I’d be interested in a DopeFaire at Casa de Fruta… ---
**Author:** ![Cowgirl\_Jules](https://avatars.discourse-cdn.com/v4/letter/c/4af34b/32.png) [@Cowgirl\_Jules](https://boards.straightdope.com/u/Cowgirl_Jules)\ **Post date:** [July 20, 2006, 10:29pm UTC](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-renaissance-faires/364565/140 "2006-07-20T22:29:23Z")
So would I, gary. [Previous page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-renaissance-faires/364565.md?page=6) [Next page](https://boards.straightdope.com/t/can-someone-explain-renaissance-faires/364565.md?page=8)