30 March 2008
This is the scene of much work to be done! When the day started, all the product had been unloaded and moved into the Pendragon Costumes booth, but none of it had been unpacked or displayed, yet. There were dozens of Rubbermaid tubs stacked in various places, and a jumble of boxes and hangers and such. And across the lane at East Wind Games, the scene was similar. Kyle had the help of Marcus and Rod, who both worked hard all day. And I was fortunate to have Donny and Mary helping me. We all worked pretty much non-stop from noon ’til just after eight! And then, it was determined that it was “Margarita time!”
The photo shows Donny and Mary–Donny is hanging a plant as booth decoration, and Mary is hanging bodices as she talks with patrons. Our work day was made more interesting by the afternoon arrival of the Friends of Faire group, patrons who love Scarborough Renaissance Festival enough to pay an extra fee for better parking and a few special perks. One of those perks is that they are invited into the faire on the Sunday before opening. The theory is that they will feel more of a bond to the faire because they’ve been a part of the “behind the scenes” world. They get to walk around the festival site when most booths are closed and nobody’s really ready for business. And, the benefit for the faire from this event, is that the performing company gets some live people on which they can hone their improv and acting skills. And then, the festival provides dinner for any cast members who wish to participate, and all of the Friends of Faire. There are mixed feelings about this event, from all parties—but I’m pretty sure that if Kyle and I had never taken the fork in the road that led us to working at faire, we’d be Friends of Faire members and we’d be loving that pre-show opportunity to visit “our” faire.
In the background of my photo (over the shoulder of the patron who looks like he’s trying to duck out of my photo) you can see Kyle chatting with Bill Fields, and the big mess in his front lawn, as well.
When the day wound down, though, we were done with the “must do” stuff. East Wind Games is now ready for opening, except for the new product that will arrive this week. Pendragon is mostly ready, too, although Donny and I will be back at faire during the week to dress mannequins, do some shop decorating, and organize our respective living spaces. I hope to be done with my sewing by Wednesday! We’ll see!
~MB
Other than those little slumps, I did great—I didn’t actually feel like I had missed sleep. It makes me wonder if perhaps I should do it more often just for fun!
