Why so serious?

**Dixiecat** · 29th January 10, 04:30 PM

I seem to be in a lot of groups that have this sort of issue! I recall we had some folks from the Texas Renassiance Fest performance cast come to our local Sci-fi convention here in Houston to promote the faire. I thought it was nice, as I see a lot of cross-over of Sci-Fi with the 'fantasy' of faire, and many folks I know really get into both, but there were actually people there at the con who thought it was "inappropriate" to mix ren-faire with Sci-Fi! Nothing like a 40 year old man in a Harry Potter school uniform saying some faries, princesses and elves are inappropriate at a Sci-Fi con!

Kinda off topic, but this episode of The Big Bang Theory deals with historical inaccuracies. You must watch the beginning and the very end to see the best parts. Enjoy!

http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=f5ZDY7xA1Zk
http://www.youtube.com/watch?v=EhlOI...eature=related

**Zardoz** · 29th January 10, 04:31 PM

Originally Posted by Semiomniscient

Oh, no. I see what you mean. I guess I just don't think life ends at the weekend and that's "play time". It's all part of who I am and not some fiction I want to play out. Now, I love acting, and I guess it all has its place... but I prefer myself and enjoying things not pretending to be what I'm not. I think some of this might bleed over into the idea that some aren't comfortable in a kilt and play a character so that they cover their anxiety.

James, I think you and I are more like minded about this subject than our posts here indicate, but I'll say for the record, I wear the kilt almost full time, and while I'll garb up at renfaire, I don't play a "character" anywhere. At the games , faire or whatever I'm the same fat guy in a kilt! And while I understand your thoughts about life not 'ending at the weekend', and I hate to sound like my dad; but you're young, you'll get over it, don't wait till you're old to have fun like me!

**beloitpiper** · 29th January 10, 10:50 PM

I guess I'm just bitter because when I go to the local Oktoberfest I get a true representation (albeit smaller) of the Munich Oktoberfest, but when I go to the local Highland Games I get a thoroughly Brigadoon'd version.

**Panache** · 29th January 10, 10:58 PM

Originally Posted by beloitpiper

I guess I'm just bitter because when I go to the local Oktoberfest I get a true representation (albeit smaller) of the Munich Oktoberfest, but when I go to the local Highland Games I get a thoroughly Brigadoon'd version.

Greg,

When you go to your local Highland Games you get an American version of a Highland Games. You can either grit your teeth and condemn it for not being the same as across the pond or you can enjoy the parts you like and ignore the rest.

I don't expect any ethnic heritage festival to be the same here as it is the country of its origin. America is a big melting pot and we are proud and celebrate our heritages, but we do so in our own unique American way.

I'm proud of my heritage, but I am also a proud Californian and proud American.

Maybe that is why I can accept and reconcile these two sides.

Cheers

Jamie :ootd:

**B. Somm** · 30th January 10, 01:50 PM

Originally Posted by Zardoz

Listening to somebody who's last name happens to be MacDonald fume about everybody that walks by wearing a Campbell tartan is just sad to me, so indeed, why so serious!

I hear ya Zardoz...

Below is me & Riverkilt at the Games where I learned that I am a "Campbell" through the Burns side of my family. Mr. Macdonald had been 'bemoaning' the Campbells all day, so I didn't waste any time in letting him know that he's been consorting with "A Campbell" all these years!!

As for the original topic, the Phoenix area Highland Games are held during the same time that the Ren Faire is in town, so there are usually a plethora of 're-enactors' & assorted characters runnin' aboot!

Even though I do middle ages re-enactment, I leave my garb & swords at home...same goes w/ the Ren Faire, which I equate to a circus atmosphere and only go if someone wants me to tag along.

B.

**Riverkilt** · 30th January 10, 02:14 PM

Ahh, 'twas my grandfather Murdoch Macdonald that bemoaned the Campbells. Me - I had great affection for the seven Campbell girls up the street when I was a lad - all most beautiful.

Grandfather Murdoch wouldn't buy Campbell's Soup. I on the other hand worked for Campbell Ford in Kingsport, Tennessee back in the 70s. Gave him apoplexy but I needed work.

Since, I've found there is a very wonderful thing that Macdonald men and Campbell women can share in peace and harmony...

**CDNSushi** · 31st January 10, 01:19 AM

Originally Posted by beloitpiper

One thing I've noticed at Scottish events--why is it there's always that one guy who brings a big claymore just to carry around in a very serious manner? It happens at all the Highland Games, Burns Suppers, and Tartan Days that I attend, and it looks kinda silly. Are the Wisconsin events the only place that this happens, or do other places have these guys too?

If I'm just goin' crazy let me know, but sometimes it feels like these guys are just looking for any excuse to carry around a big sword in front of them--as if the English will storm the banquet hall!

Meh. Each to their own. Despite their serious expression, they're probably having fun (in their own little way) so I wouldn't begrudge them that.

Living in the crazy country I do, I can appreciate that people back home actually have hobbies & interests. The fact that they take the time to get themselves all decked out in period garb complete with claymore probably just means they're passionate about something.

**svc40bt** · 31st January 10, 08:43 AM

Originally Posted by Tobus

I don't know if other Ren fests are this way, but the Texas Renaissance Festival no longer allows exposed blades. They make you "safety tie" any blade (even a sgian dubh, I think) in its sheath.

My younger brother used to go every year dressed up in some kind of Medieval costume, carrying one of his huge swords. But due to this policy, he no longer has any desire to attend.

The Maryland Ren fest allows no blades at all, saftey tied or not.

**Riverkilt** · 31st January 10, 09:47 AM

Most curious. I wonder if there are actual cases on record of a knife/sword fight breaking out at Ren Faires or Highland Games? I wonder if there are cases on record of visitors to Ren Faires or Highland Games actually accidently cutting themselves, or someone else, with a knife or sword they brought or bought.

Don't recall any legal eagle's or hawks or lions or pigs running fishing ads on television shouting, "Have you been injured by a blade at a Ren Faire or Highland Games?? Call our legal team at ....."

**Panache** · 31st January 10, 09:57 AM

Ron and all,

The tie down policy is simply common sense.

98% of the attendees know better than to wave blades about in a crowd.

But 2% don't and so this rule is to prevent this minority from hurting someone.

Renaissance Faires have insurance fees to pay for and a responsibility to take care of the families that attend. It seems a fair compromise that the cast members can draw blades as part of the event but attendees can only carry them.

In the unlikely event I should find myself at a Renaissance Faire and find myself under attack from Orcs, I think that my little leatherman mini tool will free my sword in time for me to cry "and out swords and to work withal" and have at

Cheers

Jamie :ootd: