The Experience June Faire Project!

[arontius]

.....Most people with any knowledge of the organization and execution of June Faire 2008 will agree that it was tough. There were a lot of unknowns during the planning. The piece of land we were given was truly a Dantean hell. Dragon's Laire made June Faire happen successfully. But it wore out a number of people and left a bitter taste on the tongues of many others.

.....There were a number of people who stated that June Faire itself exhibited its more seedier side last year because of the cramped quarters and dank conditions. The Pirate Crowds, the Party Crowds, the RVs that stuck out like a sore thumb, the lack of a true focus for the modern public as a demonstration of the SCA and the Medieval Ages. These things were pointed out a large number of times.

.....From my perspective, I had to agree with that assessment. I was in the middle of trying to make sure everyone had a space to camp. I had to deal with a number of issues of the Party Crowd harshing the mellow of those camped around them. I also had to deal with the delicate negotiations of those of differing perspectives having to deal with each other simply because they were camped practically on top of each other. So, like I said, when I was told that a number of people complained, or had a negative impression, of the SCA from last year's June Faire, I couldn't argue the point in my mind.

.....That was up until a couple of weeks ago. A lot of people where I work know about my weird hobby, and about January each year they start asking me questions about it. Invariably there are the comparisons with the Rennaissance Faire and the questions on why we don't do the fantasy stuff. And I carefully, but as completely as possible, go through the background of the SCA and the reason for its existence.

.....I had a conversation with Her Excellency in January where she mentioned that a number of the Poulsbo locals came into her office since June Faire 2008 and laid out their misgivings from June Faire. So when I spoke with people at my workplace I asked them about their thoughts and opinions from June Faire 2008, mainly because I was curious, but also to see if I could glean some thoughts and ideas that I could take back to the Barony with me.

.....I have been pleasantly surprised at the thoughts and opinions of those co-workers who actually made it to June Faire last year. Yes, there were a number of people who mentioned the pirates. There was also at least one who mentioned the glaring 'wrongness' of the RVs being right there in their face. But a lot of people had had a fantastic time with other aspects of June Faire. Most of them were fascinated with the fighting they witnessed. Some of them loved the merchants. Some people actually even made it back to the A&S Village and talked about what they saw there.

.....The one thing that a lot of people spoke to was the attitude of the majority of the people who played at June Faire. They really liked how we, for the most part, went to such great extremes to be chivalrous and courteous in our mannerisms and speech. People also loved the costuming and the 'feeling' of the village. The fact that there were a lot of modern tents was indeed noticed, but people loved the medieval pavilions and loved the look of them, almost to the point of their being able to block out the modern tents next to them.

.....I think that being in the middle of things in the SCA, we have a different perspective all together. Having been in the SCA for over twenty years now, I really have a difficult time seeing June Faire from the perspective of a fresh face. I think that it would be interesting to have a professional demographer come into June Faire one year and get a read on the public who attends. Where they reside. What kind of people they are. How many are repeat guest. I think that we, ourselves, would be surprised at the demographics.

.....The only reason I say this is for the benefit of those who think that June Faire is a dead relic. It's not. It isn't perfect, I will grant you that and then some. And I am all for trying out new ideas and getting new people involved into the shaping of future June Faires. But, you know, June Faire is a pretty cool event. Even still.

.....Just sayin'...

.....Aaron / Arontius.

Comments

[ayeshadream.livejournal.com]

I know there were huge headaches and challenges last year, but I had an awesome time, and I know I'm not the only one. :)

In the end snugging up close didn't really cause any heartache, we just scooched closer and made optimal use of all living spaces, and actually wound up adding to the experience.

What really made it for me was getting to play with the culinary guild as they did their cooking over fire demo. So long as June Faire has that I'm all over it like the quarterback on prom night. :)

[tradarcher.livejournal.com]

We decided to give June Fair one more chance. Hopefully things will be better this year. So Hroswitha's Bookstore will be there. Hopefully I can get some archery in. Depending on customer traffic, we might be able to do some A&S demos but we will see.

[aelianora.livejournal.com]

Well, I'm not professional, but anthropologists do that kind of thing...

Maybe next year when I supposedly have time at JF? Hehe.

I can still remember Renart's impressions (and mine) from our first JF. It was so magical to him that he joined up the next week! I took a bit longer, being busy as usual.