Tales from a Re-Transplanted Flatlander

This weekend we did our annual Memorial Day Weekend trek to The Virginia Renaissance Faire at Lake Anna, VA.   Sure from the Baltimore/DC/95 corridor, it's a bit of a trek but we've found it's worth it all told.

• It's in some lovely woods with bright clearings if you're a sun worshipper.
• The pub always has a good selection of libations whether you want cider, stout, light beer, or something else.
• It's never *too* crowded.
• Therefore the privvy's rarely get disgusting.
• The pub has acts going constantly for whatever your pleasure.
• Greyhounds and horses run for your viewing pleasure.
• Her Majesty's Hounds.  A group of rescued greyhounds that not only provide information but are there for your petting pleasure.
• Alpacas.  While not always easily petted, again information.
• Friendly vendors.  We have vendors that remember us from year to year.
• A nice selection of vendors, be it garb, shiney pretties, shoes, or other sundries.
• Fun stuff for the kiddies.
• Prices are very reasonable from the tickets to the food to the hard - and soft - drinks.
• GATORADE.  A MUST when it's hot and humid as it can get in May/June in Virginia.
• With it being still fairly small, if the kids get away from you, they're pretty easy to find.  It's reasonably safe to let the teens just roam - I mean where are they going to go? 

The lovely Meredith has done a wonderful job with this faire.  I remember when the staff outnumbered the guests on a 2:1 ratio.  Now?  Again it's not ever horribly crowded and there is still room to expand but it's obvious that other people have found this hidden treasure tucked into the woods down in Virginia.


All in all a wonderful time.  We would go more often if the drive wasn't so hard on Jon.  However even once a year it's definitely worth it.

So the long awaited announcement was finally made: what price increases would we see at MDRF.

Per the MDRF Website:


Ticket Prices and Group Sales for 2011
At the Gate &

Also Available Online Beginning June 1

Groups (20-99) Groups (100+)
Adults (16-61) $19.00
2-Day Pass $28.00

Fairever Pass
$120.00

9 Day Subscription - $81.00
6 Day Subscription - $60.00

Wow - what a price jump. It actually works well for us doing the 6 day pass. I feel sorry for the people who were planning on going every day - I say planning because I know a few will look at the cost and think maybe not.

I wonder what the thought process is though. The economy is still not great, gas prices are really high, and to see a $40.00 jump in faireever passes is odd. Mayhaps Caroline is hoping to weed out the regulars and bring in fresh blood? Mayhaps it's a way to keep the attendance down? Or maybe prices have just went up that much.

I can't complain since we were planning on curtailing our faire attendance anyway. We're doing the 6 day. Without themed days, other than Labor Day weekend, it will probably be more to the end of faire. I am concerned about other prices jumping 50%. Then again, mayhaps they wish for more bang for their buck.

Still for us - from a purely cost/benefit analysis - I think faire is coming to a sad end. It's too hard to get around. Prices are becoming outside of our means. I'm not fond of the newer music (however, at least now I can hear Barleyjuice). And the main reason to go - to see friends - may be going by the same wayside. I've read more than a few that will now be cutting down to 6 days or 9 days - no not in protest of Hack and Slash or The Rogues but rather because they simply cannot afford it anymore.

Sad. But all things come to an end. All things change and evolve.