arontius | Hello Port Gamble, We Missed You.

.....Had an interesting talk with a representative of the Kitsap County Parks and Recreation Advisory Committee today. Our application to hold June Faire at the Kitsap County Fairgrounds was officially rejected. Although that is a harsh word. The reason it has taken so long to hear back from them is because they actually spent some time seeing if they could shuffle their schedules enough to accommodate us.

.....I had noted on our application that I was flexible with moving our weekend if necessary to secure the Fairgrounds. Unfortunately, the first couple of weekends of June are very popular there. The weekend prior to what we wanted is Memorial Day and there are a half dozen activities booked in different sections. I don't think the Barony would even have considered moving to Memorial Day anyway to be honest.

.....The first and second weekends of June are already full of graduations, sporting events and civic activities at several of the Halls at the Fairgrounds. It was suggested that we consider moving to the third or fourth weekend of June, but I was not willing to be quite that flexible.

.....The representative with whom I spoke was actually quite chatty. We were remembered from the time we last used the Fairgrounds for June Faire. We are remembered for being good tenants and leaving the Fairgrounds in good condition. Something that is actually a big concern for the Parks and Recreation Folks. Seems that the norm these days is for the Fairgrounds to get trashed on a pretty regular basis.

.....The funny thing though is how much the Barony is associated with the Gig Harbor Rennaissance Faire. We are considered to be members of the same group. It was expressed more than once how sad we must feel to have our festival forcibly moved out of the area like we were? I explained in length that we were two different entities, but it may be something we have to explain for a while.

.....I asked point blank if it was worth it to put in an application next year and was told that it was definitely a good idea to keep trying. Apparently the secret is to get your foot in the door. Once you've established a presence you are given more consideration with the Advisory Committee.

.....So, at least one more year at Port Gamble most likely. We'll make it work, and we're penciled in on their schedule. But it is time to get more serious, and more creative, about finding alternative venues. Or consider moving June Faire to another position on the Calendar (certainly not my favorite option).

.....More to follow.

.....Aaron / Arontius.