Empirical goes to Ren Faire...

I have never been to "Ren Faire" until a week ago.
I needed this week for my thoughts on it to solidify before blogging it here...
I was in GATE as a child, and I remember vividly, spending a year focusing on the Middle Ages, Renaissance, and fantasy literature. The instructor was an intimidating and eccentric woman who had hoped to take us to Ren Faire (or Medieval Times) but for whatever reason, never organized the field trip. Years later I'd begun associating with a few gothy-types (I think I was their preppy friend?) and they would always disappear for several weeks in the spring. Hey, where are those dudes? The answer always "Ren Faire."

A week before it began, they would head over to the site to construct the tents and booths. Hard labor during the day followed by drug and sex-filled evenings in tents. It was essentially a campground where the most debaucherous events would take place at nightfall, or anyway, that's the story I was told. And every day of the year leading up to those weeks away: character development, battle practice, and costume-making.

This was my understanding of what Ren Faire is, without ever having gone to it myself.

***

Last Friday, I got an early morning text from aipohaku asking if I wanted to go with her and tag along with some L.A. Flickr meetup people on Saturday. We have a few friends in that group though she and I are mostly cellphone camera people these days. Oh well. Hell yeah! I thought of the line from Weird Al Yankovic's song "White and Nerdy," Spend every weekend at the Renaissance Faire/Got my name on my underwear. I changed my Facebook status to "I'm off to Ren Faire LOLfest." We headed out to Irwindale.

My initial impressions

• Way more people than I was expecting. And more cars. At $10/car to park? Jebus!
• More people in costume than I was expecting.
• Larger than I was expecting.
• Hot. Dusty. Glad I wore shorts and a light top. And the hat (absolutely essential, a veteran faire-goer advised).
• WAY NERDIER THAN I EXPECTED.
• LOLfest, indeed.

Yes,  I realize making a Weird Al reference with that much ease is in itself nerdy, but this is a whole other level of nerdiness. And I say that as someone who has seen San Diego Comic-Con with my own eyes for several consecutive years. And WonderCon. And I have been to Fry's on a number of occasions for random electronic parts and other supplies. I understand jokes about the returns line at Fry's. I'm telling you, this is whole other levels above that. Over the top. Passionate.

The girl's face in this photo. This is the face I made the entire time.

These people, in full costume and character, would approach you, speaking with their old-timey panache. You just want to LOL right then and there. Or run away. Imagine hundreds of people doing that to you. They will not break character. They do, but they try damn hard not to. There are some things for which there are no Renaissance-speak. I saw at least 2 people in full elaborate costume riding around on Rascal scooters. I saw a knight in full armor talking on a cellphone. This was insane.

The friends I was rolling with tapped out pretty early; only about two and half hours after the gates opened. I could have done at least another hour but was totally fine to leave. I'd go again next year, they will not. Because well, nerdy yes, but amazing for photography—in the event that I go back to looking at photography seriously again. It is a challenge due to the harsh midday light. Lot of photogs, bring your DSLR and make a friend there.

 

Other observations

• People of every age. Every race. Every size. Equal opportunity nerding. 
• Makes sense to look at the website to plan if you want to see certain events or shows. I didn't do that.
• The booths are more interesting than they seem at first glance.
• Still somewhat educational despite some recent shifts to appeal to a more mainstream audience.
• Everyone has a sense of humor. Especially the food people.

Empirical's advice

• Bring a hat, even though that's dorky. Don't worry, it'll be tough to stand out as the dorkiest.
• SUNBLOCK. SPF 10,000!
• Bring CASH. There are ATMs scattered here and there and there are booths that will take credit, but most will not. About $50 to be safe (more if you intend on drinking and more still if merchandise interests you), not including ticket price. 
• Admission is also cash-only. Buy ahead of time online or through Groupon and you will be stuck in the horribly long barcode scanning line. I breezed in on my half-price (w/coupon) ticket bought minutes before gates opened. I had time to eat free cookies and sip cider—This year Ren Faire is celebrating its Golden Jubilee.
• Food is good. Go hungry. Have a beer. Or several.
• Enjoy people watching and try to get involved wherever possible.  

See my photoset: Flickr: Ren Faire

The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire

Santa Fe Dam Recreation Center

Weekends through May 20. 

For more info: renfair.com/socal/