Alestands gone WILD!!!'s topics - tribe.net

They said the Alestands were obnoxious!!!!!

2008-05-20T03:10:35Z

http://www.fox6.com/mediacenter/local.aspx?videoId=445129@video.fox6.com&navCatId=1515

Let's hear it for Suzanne and Cynthia!

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 23 replies

Keeping the record straight

2008-05-18T22:53:19Z

From the original Beverage Babe

Keeping the record straight

For those who received the letter from 'Beverage Bitch' and may be a bit confused, we are NOT one and the same, nor am I Beverage Babe II. Though I do believe in free speech as you have seen, I do not condone the idea of threats or talk of boycotts and retaliation. My intent was only to pass on information to the faire community the awful things happening in hopes that we would come together as community and our voices heard.

I have expressed the anger, frustration and disgust that most of the faire community is feeling at this time, albeit too aggressively at times. The only arguments to my letters that I have received have been from the new people in beverage. I have received a stunning amount of support, with the exception of one letter asking that I not be so harsh and reflect on some of the positive. Thank you again for the attitude check.

I have done the attitude check and now it's time for everyone to do a reality check. Look around you, are you and your fellow faire family as happy to be there as you were in previous years? Are the things you see going on making you feel as though the faire is falling away from what it is supposed to be about?

It's true I don't care for the Selways or what they represent. It's not who or what they are but more importantly what the Selways are not, they are not faire folk. Just because you work at faire or own a booth at faire does not automatically make you faire folk. Being faire folk comes from within, your heart and sole, it's a way of being, and from that comes a community, a family. It is that love that keeps this faire going and it's that same love that we have in us that keep the people coming back to see us each year.

There is no anger in this letter, it's just time for people to start thinking about what they've heard and seen and decide if they are going to speak up or just let the faire, as it's been for 46 years, go by the way side.

We are the true spirit of the faire

####################################################

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 25 replies

Piratefest 2008?

2008-05-18T18:31:50Z

What's the scoop for Piratefest - I'm getting excited!

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 7 replies

Valhalla Volunteers Needed

2008-05-17T17:38:27Z

Hi,
The Queens Men, Renaissance Productions Volunteer team for Valhalla, is looking for volunteers for set up, tear down, weekends and school days mid week for this years Valhalla Renaissance Faire. Set up is starting on Wednesday 28th and goes through the 30th, the two school days are the Wednesday and Thursday mid week, and tear down is June 8th the Monday right after the 2nd weekend. We would love more help. We feed you for the days that you are working and you get a pass for the weekend/week that you are helping out. We try to give all our volunteers at least half the day to play.

If you're interested you can contact us by pm
or
queensmen@gmail.com

THANK YOU! If you know of anyone else that would like to come help feel free to pass our information along to them.

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 1 reply

Valhalla 2008

2008-05-07T19:46:57Z

And now for something a bit more pleasant..

It's time to start thinking about Valhalla! Yeah, it's still all snowy up there, but Camp Rich survived the fires last year, and we're all looking forward to a great year. The dates are May 31, June1, and June 6-7

If you worked for me last year, send me email to tahoealestands at gmail dot com.

If you didn't work last year, but would like to this year...please send me email and let me know who you are, if you have worked ale before, if so where, why you want to work ale at tahoe, what you favourite beer is, If you can make both weekend, and what the weight of an unladen swallow is. We still have a few of positions available, and always like to see new faces in the stands.

As well as familiar faces :)

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 35 replies

Update on my ride in the Tour De`Cure.

2008-05-05T16:18:44Z

Here is an update on my ride. With my online donations and what cash donations We (meaning all of you and myself) Raised just over $1,000. I just wanted to say thank you to you all.

I did much, much, better then I figured I would. It was a nice day for a ride, it was cool and overcast. This helped me greatly, since I don’t do well in the heat. Out of all of us riding in the 50 miler, I finished very high. I am not one for patting myself on the back. But, after 16 years of not riding and to do this well was a shock to me. I was just hoping to finish. But, it all came back to me and it was like I never left. Thanks again.

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 2 replies

Spirit of Faire

2008-04-30T01:52:29Z

Date: Thu, 3 Apr 2008 21:44:55 -0700
From: "Beverage Babe"
Subject: Re: Spirit of Faire

Please feel free to pass this on to those with a vested interest in this Faire.

Recently, Beverage Babe sent out an email to various parties regarding some issues that are happening currently with the new Director of the Beverage Department. While I agree with the points that Beverage Babe made, I think that it might have gotten a little personal (I understand it getting personal because of the way that people were treated).

I think the bigger issues are the changes and how they are being implemented. Though many of us have been accused in the past of being stuck in our ways, the Beverage Department has taken change in better stride that any other area of Faire. We pushed on through the changes moving from Agoura to Upper Devore to Lower Devore to Irwindale. We have dealt with ownership changes, Corporate Management changes, stand changes and many other changes and while we would worry briefly about the changes, we have been lucky to have Beverage Directors who worked with the Ale Stand Managers to explain, maneuver and make everyone feel these changes would work. Even though some failed, a strong leader will help you through change, not damage moral in the change. This is not the new leadership that we have seen.

One change which has been implemented by Kirsten is bringing in a large number of new crew members to supplant crew members who have worked faire for years. Why would experienced professionals be replaced by people who have never worked our floors? It has been said that many of the new crew have never worked in an Ale Stand, instead they have been in the front of a food booth, or back kitchen. While I do not disagree that this is hard work, it is not Beverage experience. Beverage has the highest customer expectation of any department outside of Entertainment. I have also worked at a food booth, as have others who are from the Beverage Department, we all know that heavy use of BFA is discouraged at food booths, acting with customers is limited and customers expect little besides getting their food from such a booth. But in the 46 years of the Southern California Faire customers have been entertained and amused while paying rather high prices for beverages. More times than I can count I have heard of customers going out of their way to a stand that they thought offered the best service. Does this acting come at a price to customer service and speed? Never! That is one of the first things a Beverage employee learns, how to entertain the crowds in a way that never slows the pace.

I understand it is important to save money and make the Beverage Department more profitable. Many of the changes that have been made were made under the auspices of "saving money". The problem is that none of these changes actually save money. Swapping out experienced crew with inexperienced crew does not save money (if fact it is more expensive since HR will be required to pay $7 on each of these new hires). The person making all of these changes, Kirsten, was hired with a full salary – replacing somebody who was performing the same task, as part of their other duties, for a mere pittance. The decision was also made to use poorly made logo cups, instead of the inexpensive cups which are available from the vendors (such as Pepsi and Budweiser). Another confounding change is the removal of all the Cashiers from the Ale Stands.

Cashiers have an important role, these people were never there as time savers or for anyone's ease they were there for the protection of the Faire's money. Physically they have protected the monies as well as offering accountability and a method of making sure that transactions were correctly handled. Removing these employees will in no way save the Faire any money. In fact, the servers must now share cash boxes with each other and must go in and out of the cashbox several hundred times a day. While I do not doubt the honesty of people, mistakes can be made – everybody is human. Cashiers, in the past, were the frontline against those mistakes. Kristen acknowledged that mistakes may be made but that a small amount of loss was "acceptable." To be honest, I was floored when I heard a new Director actually say that loss was acceptable; in all the years I have worked I have never heard that said.

Experienced crew members and Cashiers also offered another protection of watching the crowds. Almost every Cashier has at some point caught something that would have otherwise been impossible for a server to see. Many times these activities were illegal and if they had not been caught could have brought trouble to the Faire. Irwindale, as well as the County Parks, have been watching this Faire to make sure that we follow the rules. How does removing experienced and trained employees from their positions for those with minimal training make sure that they do not break the law? The Police and Sheriffs do not turn a blind eye to "mistakes" or "inexperience" when it comes to serving alcohol to minors, those who are intoxicated or drunk driving. Many of those who were replaced had State training in the laws and expectations of handling alcohol within the State, do the new employees? How are they going to handle the situation if they do mishandle a situation that leads them to being fined or even the Faire losing its alcohol license? This is the type of thing that makes experienced professionals so important to this department. We might make it look like fun and games but there is a seriousness behind the job that many will never see from the front.

I am not bitter about the situation I am saddened by it. I worry about the effects this will take on department as well as the Faire. I do have a job, I am willing to work with the changes but if I see them causing the inner destruction of the Faire I will not sit around and be quiet. I know that the changes will continue unabated no matter what I say but as I learned from the movements in the 60's "If you stand for nothing you will fall for anything" I stand for this Faire and the unique experience and family that it has created for myself, my friends and most importantly the customers who make all of it happen. If the changes work so be it, but if not I think it is going to be a hard schism to mend not only between the Faire and past employees but also the customers we will let down. This department has been there for the Faire for so long it is so sad to see the Faire not there for us when we need them.

I dream of a Phoenix rising from these ashes,

Phoenix Faire

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 113 replies

Please Help and Support My Ride...

2008-04-26T07:58:29Z

I am pulling my Bicycle out of mothballs and I have started to train again. It has been 16yrs since I Rode my bicycle in an event like this. Those of you who have known me for a long time remember when I used to race. Well here is a chance for me to get back on my bike and Raise money for a good cause, to help fight Diabetes. I have two family members with Diabetes and have lost a family member to diabetes. Two of my closest friends I grew up with Dan and Mark both are living with Diabetes. I presently work at Abbott Diabetes Care in R&D developing new and better devices to help make the lives of those living with Diabetes a little bit better. It is a job that I am proud of and it gives me a since of pride that I am making a difference in peoples lives. Please help me in my quest. Below is the official email and info for sponsoring me. Thank you all.

I recently accepted the challenge of cycling in the American Diabetes Association's Tour de Cure fund-raising event. The Tour de Cure is a series of cycling events held in over 80 cities nationwide. The Tour is a ride, not a race; it features different route lengths from a leisurely 10-mile course to a demanding 100-mile journey. I have joined thousands of others to pedal in support of the Association's mission: to prevent and cure diabetes and to improve the lives of all people affected by diabetes.

I am asking you to help by supporting my fund-raising efforts with a donation. Your tax-deductible gift will make a difference in the lives of more than 20 million Americans who suffer from diabetes and another 54 million people in the United States with pre-diabetes.

It's fast and easy to support this great cause - you can make your donation online by selecting the "Click to Support Me" link below.

Any amount, great or small, helps in the fight against this deadly disease. I greatly appreciate your support and will keep you posted on my progress. If you want to do even more to help, please consider joining me in this great event. Our efforts will help set the pace in the fight against diabetes.

More information on the American Diabetes Association, its programs and diabetes in general can be found at the Association's Web site: www.diabetes.org

For more information on Tour de Cure, please visit www.diabetes.org/tour.

Click here to visit my personal page.

If the text above does not appear as a clickable link, you can visit the web address:
http://main.diabetes.org/site/TR/TourdeCure/TDC557228030?px=4073470&pg=personal&fr_id=5065&et=t7igRfZJh2vnTbrbGFSoEA..&s_tafId=166302

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 2 replies

3 weekends down

2008-04-23T22:37:01Z

Greetings my faire family,

The past two weekends have been very interesting to say the least. One hell hot weekend that had the patrons going from one shady spot to another trying to stay cool and beautiful weather this weekend with just a touch of wind hither and yon. Doesn't our new front gate look phenomenal, great work guys and gals! I would like to give a hardy HUZZAH! to the newest stand manager and her crew at The End of the World for a job well done the Saturday of second weekend. They were rewarded by our esteemed General Manager with a delectable platter of yummies from the Black Hart for being the stand that came closest to balancing. Way to go! Keep up the good work and keep having fun!

We should all be given three hardy HUZZAHS! We have continued to do what we do best and do it well given the circumstances, however, its not working as well as it once did.

We all know these well-known phrases; Oh what tangled webs we weave when first we practice to deceive. You reap what you sew. What goes around, comes around. We reserve the right to refuse service to anyone. But it all comes down to, isn't KARMA a wonderful thing.

I don't know about anyone else, but I highly resent being considered nothing more than money generating 'Cattle'. Attempts are being made to control where we are allowed to partake in our Saturday morning meals. Herded towards the cattle troff so to speak, the coin operated troff. Years of guild family tradition are being destroyed out of sheer greed. Do I really have to say her name? I didn't think so. She thinks that by stopping anyone beside herself from providing food to his or her guild or crew that they will automatically go to her. Eh! Wrong! I for one will not be told where I may or may not eat and would just as soon share a troff with one of the beauties in the equine guild then to ever patronize any of her establishments no matter the time of day. Anyone for road apples?

But seriously, unlike Devore there are many eating establishments VERY close to site for your Saturday morning repast. Granted this is not the same as a home cooked family meal or as convenient but anything at this point is better than being made to think you have no choice but to conform to her will. Anyone having a BBQ, sandwich fixings or any kind of food for that matter that is meant to be shared with friends and family be warned, you're being watched and if you're not careful she may make a phone call to the authorities to report you as well.

As a parent this next subject disturbs me greatly and should be taken as a warning for anyone with teenage girls looking to work for her or are working for her, get them out now lest they be made into whores. Our children are being taken advantage of. Young teen girls are being told to pull their sleeves down off their shoulders, tighten their bodice for better cleavage, lean on the counters and beg for tips to line her own greedy pockets. These girls are at a tender age, some already have self esteem issues and she's teaching them that using their bodies and looks will bring not only attention but money as well. Tell me that is not the job of a pimp. Selling her greasy carnival food and begging for tips seems to yield less than $20 a weekend in tips for her counter girls after she counted and divided the tips from all of her booths. We have all seen those tip baskets on the counters at one time or another and they are always filled with bills and these girls are getting less than $20 for a weekend of work? It didn't occur to me till now why the loss of one of her 'Best' counter girls was so hard on her. She told me this girl would bring in $250 a day in tips, but what she didn't tell me was the girl only saw about 10% of it and she obviously took the rest. Does she not know that there are laws regarding tip pooling and that there are strict guidelines as to who can and cannot take part in the pooling? Anyone that has the ability of hiring or firing employees is NOT entitled to any portion of the tips! And the tips cannot be used to pay their wages unless they were told up front that they were working for tips only. Heaven forbid you tell her you want to quit less you receive a viperous verbal attack and threats of having your pass pulled and told you will never work anywhere in faire again.

Can anyone send me the montra that Venta used to end our morning meetings? I don't recall it in its entirety but I do know that it ended on a loud positive note that let everyone on site know why we were there. "We love our faire!" Unlike the end of her montra that I heard about last year that ended with, "Why are we here?" "To make YOU money!"

Correct me if I'm wrong but up until this season she could always be found hovering around her many food booths, like a buzzard circling a rotting carcass. This season she seems to be out and about examining all the vendor booths and the products there in. Is she now preparing to snake her way into taking over marketplace as well? Or will faire have yet another new owner added to the list next year?

The situation seems to now be going far beyond the boundaries of just the beverage department and encompasses the entire faire. Do we really want Barney the Giant Purple People Pooping Dragon back joined by roller coasters and ferris wheels?

Because this seems to be becoming so wide spread, I ask that anyone who knows someone in a guild, entertainment, booth owner, FOF or anyone else that has a vested interest in our faire be it emotional or monetary, please share this with them.

And to those that will scoff at this and state as they have before, 'I have a life outside faire, this is a business', all I can say is, leave and leave now. You don't get it, you never will get it and you just don't belong. I'll put it terms you may better understand, if you can't envelop the spirit, meaning and the way of the faire into your heart then maybe this isn't the place for you, go join a carnival.

We are the true spirit of the faire.

P.S. Kirsten, we appreciate you trying to step into our shoes but quite honestly you need to pick up the pace people are waiting.

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 9 replies

I heart the moderator!

2008-04-16T17:45:08Z

Thanks for tidying up, Lara.
Love the new boots, btw ; ) ; )

Cheers!
Nisey

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 13 replies

California proposing rasing Beer Tax...

2008-04-16T16:18:38Z

Now this sucks...
=============
http://www.mercurynews.com/ci_8888028?source=rss

SACRAMENTO - Joe Six-pack will have to pay a lot more to get his buzz on if Assemblyman Jim Beall has his way.

The San Jose Democrat on Thursday proposed raising the beer tax by $1.80 per six-pack, or 30 cents per can or bottle. The current tax is 2 cents per can. That's an increase of about 1,500 percent.

Beall said the tax would generate $2 billion a year to fund health care services, crime prevention and programs to prevent underage drinking and addiction.

"The people who use alcohol should pay for part of the cost to society, just like we've accepted that concept with tobacco," Beall said.

He added that the beer tax hasn't been touched since 1991, and the increase then was meager.

But the freshman lawmaker will have to lift the legislative equivalent of a full keg of beer over his head to get his tax enacted. That's because it would require a two-thirds vote in the Assembly and Senate - and then, because it's a constitutional amendment, it would have to be approved by voters. Republicans say it's a non-starter.

"I predict the shelf life will be very short," said Assemblyman Roger Niello, R-Sacramento, vice chairman of the budget committee. "It's a piecemeal approach to the budget that completely avoids any discussion of spending discipline, which is fundamentally why we have the problem that we have."

Mike Fox Sr., chairman of San Jose-based beer distributor M.E. Fox & Co., said Beall's heart is in the right
Advertisement
place. "He's very dedicated in areas of health," Fox said. "But a tax of that nature is far too grievous. The beer industry produces so much for the economy. He won't get to first base with that."

Dan Gordon, co-founder of Gordon Biersch Brewing Co., calculated that the tax on a barrel of beer would go from $6.40 to $89. "We would all be looking for jobs," he said.

Beall said he's targeting beer because his research showed that California undertaxes brew relative to other states, which he said isn't the case with wine and spirits. But it's also true that taking on the beer lobby will be hard enough for Beall, without letting it team up with the wine and spirits industries.

Beall, a former Santa Clara County supervisor, has focused heavily on underage drinking during his time in Sacramento. He is pushing legislation that would require the sweet alcoholic malt beverages known as "alco-pops" to include warning labels clearly stating that they contain alcohol.

And last year, Beall lobbied successfully to persuade the state Franchise Tax Board to tax "alco-pops" at the rate assessed to hard liquor products instead of beer - a move that was expected to raise the price of a six pack by about $2. The increase is scheduled to go into effect later this year.

That effort, however, did not require a two-thirds vote in the Legislature.

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 10 replies

Re-Hire info for Beverage RPFS

2008-03-15T17:28:41Z

Below is the message sent to known email addresses from the new Beverage Director at Southern. If you worked Beverage at RPFS last year and did not receive the needed documentation, contact me directly and I will email that to you. - Maryellen

********************************************************

Hello to all and welcome back. Although I have spoken to most of you on the telephone this week I would like to briefly introduce myself. I am Kirsten, the new beverage director for R.E.P. I have been a part of Concessions at Renaissance Faire for 15 years and am looking forward working with all of you in beverage.

We will be holding Employee Hiring/Orientation Saturday, March 22nd at 12:00 at the Faire site in Irwindale. I have attached the necessary forms for re-hire. Please complete these prior to this date and bring them along as well as 2 forms of identification. If you have any questions while completing these please feel free to call me at 626-969-4750. If for any reason you are unable to attend you may fax (626)815-9495, e-mail or mail (P O Box 1550, Irwindale, 91706) these back. Please send them to my attention.

I have also attached the 2008 RAPA workshop schedule. I know many of you have been with us for years but it never hurts to "fine tune" your already fantastic skills. Consider taking a little extra time to attend.

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 0 replies

Ultimate Beer War at Ale III

2007-10-25T23:14:57Z

There were about 10 cameras snapping the excitement. I know that one of you has at least one or twenty pictures.
Venta? Jessie? Stef?

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 9 replies

Faire Rumor Tribe

2007-10-23T15:13:37Z

http://tribes.tribe.net/fairerumors

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 0 replies

Fires

2007-10-23T03:37:49Z

Since most of the state seems to be on fire I wanted to see if any of the Beverage Crew were in danger or proven safe. I just worry that way!

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 1 reply

Lounge Night at the Night Stand?

2007-09-18T19:03:12Z

Who's in? You know, smoking jackets, fezzes, cigarette holders, 20's jazz, martini glasses (and hell, martinis)...

3rd? Maybe 4th if there's already a theme for 3rd.

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 5 replies

Princess Walk

2007-09-14T16:15:50Z

The Princess Walk will be Sunday Oct. 7th. Meet at the Busty Rutlass (er, the Rusty Cutlass) at 9:30 am to primp.

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 40 replies

Music for Night Stand

2007-09-12T16:26:19Z

I'm bringing my laptop and speakers so we can listen to iTunes...

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 0 replies

Boombox for Night Stand

2007-09-07T00:48:47Z

Anyone have something we can play CDs on? I' m not bringing my nice stereo until 5th weekend...

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 2 replies

list for casa?

2007-09-06T22:46:15Z

Does anyone have a link for the list for Casa? Just trying to figure out where I'm supposed to go.

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 12 replies

Hiring for Casa De Fruta Beverage

2007-09-04T20:38:06Z

Here's the info:

http://www.ncrfbeverage.com/

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 30 replies

August Cocktail

2007-09-03T20:55:20Z

.
This one is yummy !

It is also the last cocktail recipe I will be posting here. Sorry kids but the response has been a little underwhelming. Interested drinkers can check my blog occasionally for new treats.

Orange Crush
1 oz Vodka (homemade Orange infused vodka makes this drink awesome, see my "friends only" blog for instructions)
1 oz Triple Sec
1 oz Orange Juice
- Shake ingredients and pour over ice in a Rocks glass
Fill with Lemon Lime Soda

Those of us that have imbibed together know that I think a formal toast is . . . well . . . too formal, so to all of you fabulous Ale people out there instead of "raise your glass" I say "up yours !!"

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 6 replies

Important Hiring Day Stuff

2007-08-27T20:31:21Z

Word on the street is if you don't get your paperwork and ID info in by this coming weekend you will not be working this year. So, it would be best to call the number on the website previously posted and try and work something out if you can't make it to hiring day. I am bringing some people's paperwork down on Saturday but you must get the copy of your ID to the faire yourself. Call them and find out how!

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 0 replies

Strawberry Daiquiri

2007-07-29T17:20:24Z

.
.
.
.
Strawberry Daiquiri

This Strawberry Daiquiri has no historical or regional authenticity; it is just the recipe that everyone seems to like. But unlike my other recipes this one has no measured quantities.

Equipment & Ingredients:
- Yes, you do need a blender
- Frozen Strawberries (whole or half berries – NOT the kind in syrup)
- White Rum (Bacardi or better)
- Strawberry drink (Kern’s Nectar Strawberry Fresa works)
- Limes
- Extra wide slushy/boba straws (Smart & Final usually has them)

How much of anything that you need of course depends on how many people you will be serving. If you are making Strawberry Daiquiris for a small group then definitely grab the 3 lb bag of frozen berries, 4 to 5 cans (12 oz) Strawberry drink, a half dozen limes, and a 1.75 liter bottle of Rum.

Instruction:
- Fill blender about ¾ with frozen Strawberries
- Pour in Rum about ½ to ¾ the height if Strawberries
- Add Strawberry drink to top level of frozen berries
- Squeeze in ½ lime
- Blend until smooth
- Serve in Highball glasses

Substitutions:
- Strawberry infused rum is GREAT in this recipe (Approx 1.5 oz container freeze-dried strawberries in 750 ml Rum, steep for 1 to 2 months. See “Fruit Infused Booze” in my ‘friends only’ blog for more details.)
- In a pinch, Apple juice can be used instead of or with Strawberry drink

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 0 replies

Red Ale

2007-07-13T07:01:18Z

Does anyone know offhand what the Red English Ale that was served at Valhalla was? (Or, quite possibly more importantly, where one could purchase said ale?)
Thanks!
-Jaime

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 15 replies

Pirate Fest Photos

2007-07-03T06:57:41Z

Yarrrrrr:

http://www.sgolddesign.com/PHOTOS/faire/pirate_2007/index.html

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 8 replies

I owe you folks a cocktail

2007-06-30T16:46:53Z

When I joined this tribe I said I would post drink recipes monthly, and I have them all over the place but geez where did June go? I haven't even started working on the Mai Tai yet . . . (and I am lazy today) and nothing is really better for 4th of July than Margaritas so I am reposting the party-sized Margarita recipe.

In case anyone is curious, I have a batch of Strawberry Vodka (one container of Trader Joe's freeze dried strawberries + 750ml Skyy - see "friends only" blog Fruit Infused Booze for complete instructions) infusing on my kitchen counter right now, it should be ready next week mmmmmmmmm with a little 7up.

***********************************************

Margarita

As promised, the favorite Party Margarita recipe. This recipe makes approximately 1 gallon, a Coleman jug works great.

The day before I need a gallon of Margaritas, I fill a small margarine tub about 3/4 and put that in the freezer, the ice chunk can be easily popped out when needed.

Now lets talk about Tequila . . . Please do not use Jose Cuevo gold in this recipe. Jose Cuevo has an intense smoky flavor and aroma that completely overwhelms the other flavors. I use Margaritaville Tequila Oro, but any medium quality (Trader Joe’s Zapopan Tequila Reposado is o.k.), mellow gold Tequila will do (if you are not a Tequila expert, look for a 750 ml bottle in the $12.00 to $20.00 range).

Ingredients:

1 750 ml bottle of Margaritaville Tequila Oro (approx 25.5 oz)
1 750 ml bottle Triple Sec (approx 25.5 oz)
1 12 oz can frozen Limeade concentrate*
16 oz Fresh squeezed Lime juice **

- Dump all ingredients into a 1 gallon jug
- Add ½ the recommended water for the Limeade
- Drop in the chunk of ice
- Make sure the lid is tight and give the thing a good shake
- Serve over ice

* The frozen Limeade concentrate should be readily available, use either a store brand or MinuteMaid, I do not recommend the Bacardi frozen mixer in this recipe.

** After purchasing nearly every style of manual and electric juicer (I really have quite a collection), my local Wild Oats market now carries 16 oz bottles of organic not-from-concentrate lime juice (Santa Cruz organic), highly recommended.

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 0 replies

New NCRF Website is up and alive!

2007-06-23T20:14:20Z

Hey Everybody,

Our new website is finally up and running. We will still be adding and updating to it for some time so keep checking back for the registration forms and achedules and additions. The ticket sales page is active.
The Participation pages have all the info and dates for Participants.

Again, the site is www.NorCalRenFaire.com

Our gratitude to Stefanie Gold for her design work (Go Stefanie!!)
and
Derek Daniels, our new web master for tweeking it and all the technical work.

Thanks
Molly

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 0 replies

SLO Faire...

2007-06-21T00:40:29Z

So, I think I am going to the SLO Faire. Is there an alestand there, and how do I work it?

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 6 replies

Damn Pyratical good time!

2007-06-20T06:15:03Z

Damn that was fun kids. Especially the beer showers. Let's do that again soon!

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 17 replies

I have a mug that isn't mine!!! Let's get it home!!

2007-06-19T00:49:03Z

I have someone else's mug. It is solid pewter and has the following carved into it's bottom: "J. Collins BEV 93". I'm sure it would like to make it's way back home. If you know who this may belong to please let me know/ let them know I have their mug so we can get it where it belongs.

I have lost my cup. this one is pewter with an "Aquarius" emblem on it's side. also has a white cord tied to the handle with a noose on one end and a monkey's fist on the other.

-Saint-

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 10 replies

Mermaid

2007-06-18T23:14:57Z

so kids what did you think of the mermaid?
and can I get some help here, since I had my camera but was a silly goose and forgot to get pics, and I know some of you wonderful people took pics, can i ...may i ...pretty please get some pics of the mermaid
(me sillies lol)
thanks a bunch
MWAH

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 3 replies

Valhalla Rideshare

2007-06-08T17:11:21Z

So this is a little last minute, but my rider bailed for the trip to Valhalla this weekend (6/8). Anyone need a ride or looking for a rider? I'm in the Oakland area, have a reliable pick-up with plenty of room for stuff. Email me at tazz@backbeatpress.com.

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 0 replies

You guys ROCK!!

2007-06-05T20:25:22Z

Despite a rather chaotic opening, you all did a wonderful job. We were 10 people down, and we still managed to pull it off without anyone dying, and without y'all killing me.

We also got some major kudos from the Boss about your professionalism, and how well we all work together to create an atmosphere around the alestands. Gotta be the smoke and mirrors...

thank you.

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 13 replies

Missing sword and a request for assistance in locating - x-post

2007-06-04T12:10:56Z

This is from posts made on a group i belong to.
I am sending a shout out to everyone to keep a look out on e-bay, or any Faire's. As Jade was wrapping up at Southern faire this year, her beloved sword( whom her roommates purchased for her as a birthday Present) slipped out of her gig bag ad someone has picked it up during her frantic search. It's a Short Schulps Sword with a middled eastern flare to it. Black and green are it's colors with brass accents on the hilt and handle. If anyone has seen said item please contact My self or Jade at her_jadeness@yahoo.com.
My own addition to this was:
As an FYI in addition to Sherri’s statement – Jade has worked for Jon for more years than many have been doing faire – this blade was designed by Jon Schulps for Jade. See if we can get a picture to post so everyone is looking for this piece. If anyone you know or a friend of a friend thought this was the best ground score of their lives it will be recognized and it will not go well for anyone keeping it. Better to return it to Jade or any other blade smith on faire circuit for the gratitude and brownie points it will earn you. Just something to keep in mind – this is not a ground score to keep. Recognizable and well known. There are people associated with Schulps that would not be kind in retrieving the blade. Lets get the word out there and make Jade unbelievable happy in the process.
Picture posted on my tribe page - have a higher resolution one that can provide. Was larger than Tribe would allow to be posted.

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 0 replies

Oracle, where do we meet?

2007-06-01T19:31:13Z

Oh wise one, where do we meet up on Saturday? I believe it's 9:30 right?

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 3 replies

Valhalla - what you should know...

2007-05-29T09:10:39Z

Please distribute the following information to your guilds/staff and have them read it thoroughly, as it will make all of our lives much easier if we’re on the same page going into things. The general rules/guidelines will become the SOP for RenProd events going forward, though it’ll undoubtedly go through revisions as time goes on. The top portion of this document will include elements specific to Valhalla Itself – also in places in the document where they’re especially relevant, you’ll also see it so noted.

Vendors, you’ll find sections on booths and costuming near the end of the document.

Valhalla 2007 Notes & Information

· Theatrical Notes will be held each Friday evening at 9pm in the main hall of the Camp Richardson Lodge across the street from the site. Please have the guildmaster or at least one responsible representative who can at least take down notes of the discussions present at those meetings.

· Main Faire Notes will be held each Saturday and Sunday morning at 9am on the Queen’s Stage. Vendors are strongly encouraged to attend, and a representative of each guild, troupe, and stage act should also be in attendance.

· Village Notes (for those staying during the week) will be held at 10am on Monday morning at the Crossroads.

· Do not leave foodstuff unattended for any length of time. We had bears on site midday during setup last year, and two years ago they had a bear during the an event day, so just because it’s daylight, don’t assume that the food you leave one moment will be there the next.

· DO NOT tap into any of the on-site power drops unless clearing it first with the Operations department.

· NEVER disconnect any attached water lines/hoses for any reason. If you attach to a faucet, please detach once you are finished using it so it’s available for someone else.

· During check-in, tags for tents will also be available. Each tent should have a tag on its front similar to a parking pass, and should have the group/booth affiliation of the occupant(s) and their name.

· If you are not camping between weekends, we would request that you please drop your tent (you don’t have to remove the contents, just collapse the tent).

· There is no parking along Highway 89. Please unload your gear and move your vehicle to SnoPark. Maps will be available during check-in.

· If you are interested in being a camp host for your area of Actors Camp, please notify Security once you have set up your location.

Renaissance Productions 2007 Rules/Guidelines

General Rules

1. All booths/guild yards must have at least one, CA certified, current working fire extinguisher. 2-A:10-B:C IS THE MANDATORY SIZE REQUIRED. See addendum

2. Individual Faire Passes are required at all times on-site and to gain admission to the Faire site.

3. Modern tents are not allowed within the main fairesite.

4. Vehicles will not be allowed to remain over night on the Faire site except in designated parking areas. Cars left on site are subject to towing at the owners expense.

5. Parking is allowed only in designated parking areas.

6. All weapons are to be secured and peace tied at all times. Anyone brandishing a weapon including bull whips will be subject to immediate expulsion from the Faire.

7. Minors under 21 years of age are prohibited from consuming, handling, or purchasing alcoholic beverages.

8. Under no circumstance are controlled substances allowed on Faire site. Anyone with these substances in their possession on Faire site is subject to immediate expulsion and/or arrest.

9. Smoking Cigars & Cigarettes is prohibited except at designated smoking areas.

10. Drunkenness or unruly behavior will result in immediate expulsion from the Faire site – NO EXCEPTIONS!

11. No animals on Faire site. Animals required by hired acts and Medical help animals are the exception but only with prior approval. Animals left in the camping area must have food, water and shade, and they must be tied up. Otherwise Animal Control will be called.

12. Basic security will be provided during the event, but the Renaissance Productions and its officers or agents are not responsible for any lost or stolen items.

13. Please keep your area neat and cleaned or you will be charged a cleaning fee.

14. Participants consent to the use of their names, pictures, images, recorded voice or music, and those of employees and agents by the Faire, its assignments and licenses in connection with Faire.

15. Renaissance Productions shall not be held liable for any losses or damage caused by power or equipment failure, or acts of nature.

16. If for reasons beyond Renaissance Productions control, the Event must be canceled or the date is changed, Renaissance Productions is not liable for any costs incurred.

17. All facilities, materials, supplies and equipment used by the participants that belong to the Renaissance Productions or its agents must be left in a clean, safe, orderly condition upon completion of the event. Failure to do so will result in a maintenance fee of $50.00 per hour. Participants will be required to reimburse the operators for any and all repairs/damages to any facility which occur during the event which are caused by the direct action of any booth operator/owner and/or their agents. The participants are to notify the Renaissance Productions if there is a problem with the facility or equipment prior to use.

18. Any damage/messes created due to drunken or unruly behavior which requires Renaissance Productions staff to clean up is subject to a maintenance/cleanup fee of $50.00 per hour.

19. The booth operators/owners agree to comply with all State, County and Local Ordinance and/or regulations.

20. Event notes will be held each morning at 9am at the main stage. A representative for each guild, act, and troupe is required to attend, and vendors are strongly encouraged to attend, if practical.

21. Any afterhours special events (including but not limited to: parties, weddings, wakes) which involve significantly more than one group or 35 people must be cleared in advance of the event weekend by Operations. Behavior for the attendees for any approved special event are solely the responsibility of the hosting group.

Minor Guidelines

1. A minor is defined as under the age of 18.

2. During check-in each minor must have one legal guardian or a temporary guardian (with supporting documentation) present. Guardianship is not transferable during the weekend.

3. For the duration of the event the guardian is responsible for the actions and well being of their wards.

4. Any minor found holding or consuming alcohol or in any state of intoxication is subject to immediate expulsion along with their guardian.

5. From dusk until 7am, each minor must remain within the line of site of their guardian or within the same encampment as their guardian. If a minor is found without their guardian at any time they will be escorted back to their guardian by security and a warning will be issued. A second instance may result in the immediate expulsion of both the minor and the guardian.

Some example causes for Expulsion
Renaissance Productions management and security have final say in these matters. If expelled the booth must be closed immediately and removed after the Faire has closed. This list is neither absolute nor all-inclusive, and management will attempt to take the circumstances under consideration, but as examples:

1. Anyone who is obviously drunk or under the influence of drugs.

2. Anyone who is obviously handling or brandishing a weapon in a manner deemed dangerous by the Renaissance Productions management or security.

3. Anyone criticizing or deprecating patrons. This includes criticism of costuming. If you wish to engage a patron in conversation about his or her costume, make positive comments only and do not offer “helpful” suggestions unless directly requested to do so by the wearer.

4. Anyone selling, distributing or wearing illegal goods or drug related items or items that imply drug use. This is a zero tolerance policy.

5. According to the weapon laws, any vendor selling weapons to minors.

6. Anyone passing the hat without the appropriate approval.

7. Anyone stealing anything regardless of value.

8. Anyone caught entering or leaving a booth or campsite after hours without permission.

9. Anyone behaving improperly with a minor. Minors are not allowed in booth back areas, guild or entertainment encampments except accompanied by their guardian.

10. Anyone not complying with any booth or costuming criteria.

11. Anyone arguing with the management or security.

12. Anyone distributing passes or discounted tickets or wristbands to non-guild members.

Fire Department Regulations

1. All applicable codes and ordinances shall apply, including but not limited to, the Uniform Fire Code; California Code of Regulations, Title 19; and those portions of California Code of Regulations, Title 24, adopted by the State Fire Marshall.

2. All tents & canopies MUST be composed of, or treated with flame retardant treatments. Proof of this must be made available to the fire inspector at time of set up. (See regulations, article 32 section 3207, for further info)

3. A minimum 36” separation shall be provided between tents/canopies/pavilions.

4. Each vendor shall have a minimum of one CA certified, current 2-A:10-B:C fire extinguisher, mounted in a visible and accessible location and no higher than 5’. Each fire extinguisher shall have a current California State Fire Marshal service tag and not be over 12 years of age.

5. Fire Department approval will be required for open fires such as a fire ring, camping stove, candles, etc. If you intend on having one, be prepared to present your setup to the marshal during their walk around on Saturday morning. In actors camp NO fires will be allowed outside of the approved firepits.

6. Straw/hay used inside canopies/tents/pavilion shall be required to be treated with an approved fire retardant, subject to testing by the Fire Department.

7. The use of black powder or other pyrotechnic materials is expressly forbidden without advance approval from the Entertainment Coordinator.

8. No free range smoking will be permitted inside the event site. A designated smoking area, subject to Fire Department approval, shall be provided near each alestand. The smoking area shall be clearly identified. Non-combustible buckets, containing sand or water, shall be provided for the disposal of smoking materials.

If you have any questions, comments, or concerns please feel free to contact Marti Miernik at 408-505-0148

Costuming Criteria

· All booth personnel must be fully costumed in Renaissance garb during faire operating hours. Fully costumed means period skirt or breeches, period blouse or shirt, period bodice or jerkin preferred, period footwear.

· Hair should be covered by a hat or garland (muffin cap, snood, biggins, or flat cap)

· No modern clothing allowed in any booth during Faire i.e. non-prescription sunglasses, baseball caps, T-shirts, shorts, levis, etc.

Actors Camp (does not apply to Golden Gate Renaissance Faire)
At this time actors camps (other than Golden Gate Faire) are free of charge to participants, acts, and vendors. However camping is a privilege and if abused by leaving actors camp in poor condition a fee structure will be implemented for EVERYONE who wishes to camp.

Each tent should have a tag with the owners name/group affiliation attached to one of the forward flaps or poles.
Perimeter demarcation ropes (including flags/ropes/caution tape, etc) are forbidden and will be removed with or without notice.
Actor’s camp area is first come/first served. You may not lay a claim to any particular region of turf without requesting an area claim permit from Security or the Camp Host and then you may not claim adjacent areas beyond that which has been allocated..
Any group claims, the conduct thereof, it’s condition and cleanliness relates directly to the hosting group. Negative space impact or issues may result in preclusion from future participation or loss of camping rights.
RVs & Trailers are accommodated as space is available. Space is neither guaranteed nor implied. Staff will do what they can within reason to accommodate and place camping vehicles.
No electrical, water, drainage, or any other form of utility or venue infrastructure use is allowed without express permission by the Camp Host.
Use of awnings and setups external to an RV or trailer must be cleared PRIOR TO SETUP by the Camp Host. The only allotment of space implied as assigned when a camping vehicle is placed is that which is under the body of the vehicle.
Any dumping of grey or black water from a vehicle on faire grounds or into a porta-potty will be subject to a $1,000 fine, ticketing/citation from local law enforcement, and may be subject to immediate eviction.

Faire Set-up and Break-down

· Faire hours are 10 am to 6 pm Saturday and 10 am to 5pm on Sunday. All booths must remain open during these hours.

· Digging holes or tying things to trees must be pre-approved by Renaissance Productions staff and is not encouraged. In all cases, any holes must be refilled prior to departure.

· DO NOT remove any branches from trees. Any breakage may be subject to fine by venue officials.

· Do not drive spikes into the ground more than 6”

· Drive on access and Set-up is 8 am to midnight Friday, 6 am to 9:00 am, Saturday and Sunday, and also approximately one hour after close each day until midnight. Arrivals after midnight on Friday will have to wait until Saturday morning to set-up.

· Vehicles will be allowed on site during the above listed set-up hours. Vehicles still on-site after 9:30 am on are subject to towing and expulsion at the owner’s expense.

· Break-down is from closing on Sunday, until midnight, and from 7 am to 10 pm on Monday.

· Vehicles will be allowed on site during the above listed break-down hours.

· Renaissance Productions reserves the right to delay vehicle access if additional time is required to remove patrons. Under no circumstances should vehicles be brought to the front gate until word is given by staff.

· Straw bales must be returned to the area they were picked-up at.

· After breakdown all of your booth area and camping area must be cleared of all trash, litter and debris.

· Any booth or camping areas left littered will be subject to a penalty applied to their next application.

Vendor Booth & Display Criteria

Location

· Participants agree that once booth space is assigned by Renaissance Productions staff, NO changes are permitted without advance approval from BOTH the vendor coordinator and site manager.

Booth exteriors:

· Made from aged wood, wood lattice, shingles, canvas or woven natural-fiber fabrics, i.e. unbleached muslin, burlap, canvas, cotton, duck.

· New wood must be weathered or stained.

· No neon colors. Use earth tones

· Acceptable patterns: herringbone, stripes, plaids or tapestry.

· Tables & chairs – all wood period preferred, all others need to be covered with cloth

· Shade covers must resemble fabric. No uncovered plastic shade covers or tarps, if it looks shiny it must be covered on top and underneath.

· No uncovered metal or pvc poles. EZ ups metal under the canopy also must be covered.

· Sidewalls are not required, however back walls are necessary to mask backstage areas

· No radios, TVs or amplified music allowed.

· Market Umbrellas: Natural fiber, appropriate color with wooden poles and struts will be allowed

· Plastic, printed, polyester fringe, metal poles and struts on umbrellas will not be allowed

Displays and Signage:

· No plastic

· Pegboard displays – pictures of all pegboards are required and must be pre-approved. Photos are mandatory.

· Wire racks are discouraged, but permitted as long as they do not detract from the overall presentation.

· Wood and glass jewelry cases are permitted, but no other glass shelves or displays are allowed. Mirrors are acceptable but full length mirrors should not be outside the front of your booth without prior approval.

· Clothiers may use metal display inside the booth (poles, racks, hangers). It is encouraged that over time you consider moving towards wooden rack setups.

· All displays visible from the street must be made of natural materials.

· All freestanding racks, umbrellas, shelves, and displays outside the booth must be included on the booth perimeter sizing or be subject to removal unless expressly approved by staff.

· Signs must be made from: wood, cloth, clay or other natural materials

· No paper signs except small price tags

Storage:

· Backstage storage space is not guaranteed. If it is not included in your booth perimeter plan, all cartons, containers, ice chests, and other paraphernalia may need to be stored in your booth and properly covered.

Power:

· No electricity will be available

· All generators must be pre-approved (food vendors please talk to vendor coordinator PRIOR to arrival)

Faire Vendor Fees (Valhalla Only)

· During check-in you will be given forms to use in filling out your end of weekend reports. If you lose it and need another one, please check in with Operations and you will be given a new one.

· Make the checks out to the USDA Forrest Service for an amount of 5% of your weekend’s total revenues.

· Prior to final drive off on the last weekend of the event, please deliver your report and check (cash will not be accepted) to Operations.

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 16 replies

Cocktail Recipe for the month of May

2007-05-28T15:05:12Z

I know May is nearly over and I am a couple weeks past when I said I would post the next Cocktail recipe but I have been a little busy (rpfs just closed a week ago). Enjoy !

Note: Commercially made orange-flavored Vodkas have sweeteners added, if you use one please understand that your drink will be much sweeter than a Cosmo should be.

Cosmopolitan

- makes two
4 oz Orange Vodka (see my blog “Infused Booze” 02/18/2007)
1 oz Grand Marnier
1 to 2 oz Cranberry Juice (how pink do you like your drink?)
1 tsp Lime Juice
Lime Wedges
- Shake with ice and strain into well-chilled cocktail glasses
- Garnish with lime wedges

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 1 reply

A GREAT BIG THANK YOU!!!

2007-05-24T00:20:45Z

THANK YOU to all my Ale Stand comrades! This season was AWESOME!!!

Can't wait to see you all soon, RIGHT????

Suzanne ~<{:o)
Ale 2

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 5 replies

valhalla 07

2007-05-15T17:02:57Z

For those who wanting to work in the alestands at tahoe, please email the following to tahoealestands at gmail dot com.

name
position you are looking for (server, tapster)
availability
past experience

We're mostly full, but there are still some positions available.

Feel free to repost this where neccessary..

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 61 replies

Lookin for your advice :)

2007-04-23T19:08:25Z

Grindlebone is finally getting ready to purchase land for it's community/arts space. One of the things we're planning is a bi-yearly small to medium renfaire on what (we hope) will be a 7-10 acre festival site, including merchant, demonstration, performance, and camping spaces, and we'd love your advice before we get in and actually start building stuff. What things would you like to see in a smallish regional faire site? What things haven't worked for you? If you're a merchant, what stuff do you wish the sites would have that they DoNT usualy have.

Do us a great favor, if you will. Pop over to www.grindlebone.org, get a bit of flavor of just what kind of weirdos we are, and then come back and give us some advice on how to build your dream faire site.

Mungo

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 0 replies

Dogs in Doublets + Friends Present: The Dan Briggity Shindiggity!

2007-04-19T18:48:37Z

"WHAT: The Dan Briggity Shindiggity
WHEN: Sunday, April 22nd
TIME: 7 p.m. to about 11:30 p.m.
WHERE: Edinburgh Castle, S.F.
COST: Donation at the door

WHY: Our friend Dan Briggs has been hit with serious medical bills and a stretch of bad luck finding work. We thought it'd be nice to put a show together as a fundraising event to help him out a bit with day-to-day expenses as he pounds the pavement and tries to make ends meet.

If you come to this show, you'll be fully entertained by the following groups, I guaranteeeeeeee it!

...Salty Walt
...Just Henry
...Single Entendre
...Dogs in Doublets
...Stark Ravens
...Stella
...Kelly and the Ukey Apocolypse
...Plasterkatz
...Hoboheimiens
...Brass Farthing
...Femme Frazetta

Salty Walt & the Ratlin Ratlins will be opening the show at 7pm downstairs."

Jessica Toth is also holding a raffle for some very nice Mondavi Wines.

1st prize: A Magnum of 2002 Stagsleap Cabernet. (Retail $150) 2nd prize: (750) 2003 Reserve Cabernet (Retail $125) 3rd prize: (750) Boomerang Syrah (Retail $45)

Raffle tickets are $10 each. Proceeds will go to helping Dan get back on his feet.
If you are unable to make the event but would like to participate in the raffle please contact
Jessica directly: duskyrose74@yahoo.com

******
For those people who can not attend the show but would still like to help brighten Dan’s Day.

Send him a card!
(message me for address)

Or send a donation!
Donations can be sent via PayPal account too, just send it to gamblegold1@aol.com.

Thanks everybody!
Hope to see you bright shining faces at the show.

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 0 replies

New Contact Info for New Web Site

2007-04-15T03:46:44Z

As you have seen in the previous post, the word is out about our new web site under construction currently by Stefani Gold Designs.

Please save our new address www.norcalrenfaire.com to your favorites and change any links you may have on personal sites.

All further contact and inquiries for this event should be directed to the new site as well.

General information inquiries should go to info@norcalrenfaire.com
Marketplace inquiries should go to Marketplace@norcalrenfaire.com
Entertainment inquiries should go to Entertainment@norcalrenfaire.com

A huge Thank You to Jim and Samantha Dowdell for the thousands of excellent photos they have taken for us for the last few years that will grace the pages of our new site.

A big Huzzah as well for our leading lady, Deirdre Sargent for chairing the web committee that helped us find Stefanie Gold designs.

Keep checking back as the site develops and content is added. Please pass the word on.

Molly Drew
Play Faire Productions

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 1 reply

New Northern California Renaissance Faire Website!

2007-04-14T02:01:45Z

Bookmark it! Updates and new content on the way!

http://www.norcalrenfaire.com/

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 10 replies

New TRF Tribe

2007-04-06T18:25:45Z

Hey guys. I started a new tribe I thought you all might be interested in: The Texas Ren Fests Tribe. It’s for all renaissance festivals in Texas, but focuses mainly on The Texas Renaissance Festival. So come check it out!

(If it’s out of bounds to post this here, please remove.)

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 1 reply

Even if you don't like brown liquor, you will probably like a Washington Apple

2007-03-30T17:39:02Z

Washington Apple
(it really does taste like red apple peel)
2 oz Seagram's 7
2 oz Sour Apple Pucker
2 oz Cranberry Juice
- Shake ingredients and pour over ice

Party Size Washington Apple
- break out the Coleman jug, this recipe makes just over ½ gallon
1 750 ml bottle Seagram’s 7
1 750 ml bottle Sour Apple Pucker
26 oz Cranberry Juice
- dump all ingredients into the jug, drop in an ice chunk and shake.

Wayno taught me this drink, the original recipe uses Crown Royal but why bother with the expensive stuff for mixing.

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 7 replies

Nor Cal Pirate Fest

2007-03-27T01:18:00Z

I just got the word that Patrick and his food booth will be there. Will there be ale as well?
I of course will go whether or no - but I'd love to serve if there's a stand.

http://www.norcalpiratefestival.com/NorCalMoreInfoTemp.htm\

"Why is the rum gone? Because I'm here, that's why."
;)

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 8 replies

Application day for beverage crew and all interested parties

2007-03-20T12:19:00Z

Many have asked and here it is:
Application day is 3/24/07 from 9 – noon.
Hiring day is 3/31/07 from 9 – noon.
Workshops started last weekend and are ongoing. Looks like some really good ones this year.
Must have a current TB test. They are good for two years. Anyone that got one for the first year at the Dam will need to get another.
Lisa is still our ringleader and I am sure will have people checking and answering e-mails to rec_bev@hotmail(dot)com. Just hoping that keeps down some of the spam!
If you have concerns or questions get them to her so it can be covered at the meeting. Last I heard there was no phone or reliable office space etc for beverage so e-mail will probably be the easiest was to get a hold of them.
There will be online paperwork and I am sure they will get the website to all and sundry so go for it!
Make sure that anyone that is interested shows up and has the costume and the TB tests ready to go. Last year they were scanning right into the computer at the meeting.
Hope that helps
Mayhem
Hoping that she gets to play with James and Company at Ale 1 again.

Pass the news along to all that might be interested.

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 3 replies

Another Passing

2007-03-10T01:41:51Z

Posting this in case some of you knew him:

I forward this with a heavy heart:

Ladies and Gentlemen,

>>It is with a sad heart that I inform you of the passing of one of my closest friends. Perry Doty died this morning from a blood clot related to the illness he has been fighting for several years. Please raise your next cup in toast (and considering it is for Perry, it had better be a really big cup)to a fond farewell to Perry, son of the Earl of Talbot.

Giova<<

He was one of my first friends when I started working faire and a man that when he complimented you meant every word he said. Sincere and truly a generous soul. He will be sorely missed.
Mayhem

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 0 replies

Teena Thornbrough asked me to post

2007-03-09T20:21:01Z

Hey everyone....

I am posting this in a couple of places so I am sorry to be redundant.

Teena Thornbrough was the victim of a hit and run on Wednesday night. I just spoke with her and while she is in a lot of pain she is in good spirits.

She apparently has a broken pelvis, lacerated liver, extreme road rash and a lot of swelling to her head. They did an MRI yesterday that was negative for swelling to her brain though, so that is good news.

She will be at the UC Davis medical center for a few more days, at the least, and then will hopefully be realeased home. I have her home address if anyone would like to send well wishes please feel free to contact me individually and I'll be happy to give it to you.

In any case, please keep her in your thoughts and send her lots of white light and positive energy.

Smooches,
Dawn

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 2 replies

Southern Faire information

2007-03-04T02:11:14Z

We went out to site today and they were working on stake out – we spoke to Lisa and contracts have been signed and the website is in the process of being updated. At that time there will be instructions for everything related to Beverage. They do not have phones out at site and it may be a questionable avenue for getting in touch with people. That has been true for beverage ever since I started working faire. Lisa mentioned they will have an e-mail posted for questions. Makes it easier to get the information out to everyone. Not sure how many places there will be available, but I imagine Lisa would appreciate getting everything from interested parties as early as possible. There are enough headaches ahead without wondering if people will want to return.
I know that in the past she said that unless she had personally told someone not to return that they are encouraged to come out and work or play. Didn’t ask for dates, but know that workshops start next week. Would be a good idea to get classes in as needed. TB tests will need to be updated if anyone has been more than two years from their tests. It does take a simple scratch test, but you have to go back and get the test read a few days later. After which a card or negative report needs to be kept on hand by the beverage office and by all caterers. Steve found this useful when he was temping and they needed someone that knew computers with a negative TB test for working at Kaiser – See – faire really can apply in real life!
Hope that helps and make sure that if you have questions you get them submitted so we can all be on the same page.

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 0 replies

Utah Ren Faire 2 weeks before Burning Man

2007-03-03T01:03:37Z

Aug. 13th to the 18th
So send this link to any one that might be interested in participating.

http://web.mac.com/ibevan/iWeb/Site/Home.html

Hear is a quote from the sight.

"Merging the class and elegance of a Renaissance Faire with
the freshness of a Fairy Festival and the chaos of a Burning Man event, into one..."

“I realize the word ‘change’ is terrifying to the old school faire folk, but this production company is going to let the market decide what direction the faire goes in.
If the consumer wants a mob of cheerleaders that appear to be off the set of a “Road Warrior” movie, running through the faire dancing up a storm, creating the illusion that a mob of patrons have taken over the faire. Followed by a similarly attired marching band playing a very hip march with a back beat that you can’t help but want to swing to... then that’s what we’ll give them..!”

Bevan

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 2 replies

Margarita Recipe

2007-02-17T05:40:29Z

My plan was to regularly post drink recipes in my blog. And even though I did not set my blog for "friends" only it seems to be doing that (thanks Lara for letting me know).

Here's the deal, I'll post drink recipes as topics in this tribe every few weeks and anyone that wants to get extra goodies from my blog can be my friend.

Margarita

As promised, the favorite Party Margarita recipe. This recipe makes approximately 1 gallon, a Coleman jug works great.

The day before I need a gallon of Margaritas, I fill a small margarine tub about 3/4 and put that in the freezer, the ice chunk can be easily popped out when needed.

Now lets talk about Tequila . . . Please do not use Jose Cuevo gold in this recipe. Jose Cuevo has an intense smoky flavor and aroma that completely overwhelms the other flavors. I use Margaritaville Tequila Oro, but any medium quality (Trader Joe’s Zapopan Tequila Reposado is o.k.), mellow gold Tequila will do (if you are not a Tequila expert, look for a 750 ml bottle in the $12.00 to $20.00 range).

Ingredients:

1 750 ml bottle of Margaritaville Tequila Oro (approx 25.5 oz)
1 750 ml bottle Triple Sec (approx 25.5 oz)
1 12 oz can frozen Limeade concentrate*
16 oz Fresh squeezed Lime juice **

- Dump all ingredients into a 1 gallon jug
- Add ½ the recommended water for the Limeade
- Drop in the chunk of ice
- Make sure the lid is tight and give the thing a good shake
- Serve over ice

* The frozen Limeade concentrate should be readily available, use either a store brand or MinuteMaid, I do not recommend the Bacardi frozen mixer in this recipe.

** After purchasing nearly every style of manual and electric juicer (I really have quite a collection), my local Wild Oats market now carries 16 oz bottles of organic not-from-concentrate lime juice (Santa Cruz organic), highly recommended.

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 2 replies

Galina

2007-02-07T19:40:43Z

From Venta:

I’m deeply sad to report that Galina Kaufman, mother of Konstantin, and co-founder of the Piroshki booth at the faire, passed away last week at the age of 90. She had recently lost her eyesight, making her life in the last year a real struggle, leading to what was probably a stroke. She leaves behind her son Walter, daughter Judy, and granddaughter Karina.

She was a classy lady, a real hostess, a very civilized human being, with a very interesting life. Galina was Russian, of course, but born and raised in China. Many don’t know she was a painter, and a good one. I will treasure her friendship, her strength of character, her wide-eyed world view...

There’s a memorial service at Hollywood Forever Cemetery this Saturday Feb 10 at 1PM. To send a card, the address is Kaufman Family 5352 Loma Linda Ave

Hollywood, CA 90027 tel. 323-468-8878

Venta

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 2 replies

REC Bev website

2007-02-05T20:35:26Z

Would someone be so kind as to posting the beverage website link? It seems to have vanished from my Favorites links.

Thanking you ever so much!
~<{:o)

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 4 replies

Let's lift a toast to Drew!

2007-02-02T02:42:45Z

While his body is no longer with us, his spirit will always be! To a great man!

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 7 replies

JOBS available at RPFS

2007-01-21T07:09:57Z

I have been asked to pass the word. For all those out there who know people who are looking to WORK at faire. Toad in the Hole has openings for people looking to work 4 hours a day or more. Whether you would like to do it yourself, or know someone intersted in making some money at faire. Please have them contact me. We would love for some new people to join our family. Toad is one of the jewels of the dynasty knows as Morris Enterprises: the power behind Archery, Stromboli, Gelato and many other booths at many other faires. From personal experience, I can tell you that it is one of the greatest familes to work for. We are responsible for CSGN And YES, the Rumors ARE TRUE.

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 1 reply

Drinking horoscopes

2007-01-12T06:24:43Z

ARIES (Mar 21- Apr 19)
Drinking style: Impulsive Aries people like to party and sometimes don't know when to call it a night. Their competitive streak makes them prone to closing-time shot contests. They're sloppy, fun drunks, and they get mighty flirty after a couple tipples. Getting Aries people drunk is a good way to get what you want out of them, should other methods fail. Aries can become bellicose when blotto, but they will assume that whatever happened should be forgiven (if not forgotten) by sunrise. They can be counted on to do the same for you - so long as you haven't gone and done anything really horrible to them last night, you sneaky Gemini.

TAURUS (Apr 20 - May 20)
Drinking style: Taurus prefers to drink at a leisurely pace, aiming for a mellow glow rather than a full-on zonk. Since a truly intoxicated Taurus is a one-person stampede, the kind of bull-in-a-china- shop inebriate who spills red wine on white carpets and tells fart jokes to employers, the preference for wining and dining (or Bud and buddies) to body shots and barfing is quite fortunate for the rest of us. This is not to say that the Bull is by any means a teetotaler -- god, no. A squiffy Taurus will get, er, gregarious (full of loudmouth soup, some would say) and is extremely amusing to drag to a karaoke bar when intoxicated.

GEMINI (May 21 - Jun 21)
Drinking style: Gemini's can drink without changing their behavior much-- they're so naturally chatty and short-attention- spanned that it's just hard to tell sometimes. They can amaze you by conversing with finesse and allusion, then doing something unbelievable in an extremely advanced state of intoxication, like puking in your shoe. Gemini's possess the magic ability to flirt successfully (and uninfuriatingly, which is very tricky) with several people at once. They like to order different cocktails every round -- repetition is boring -- and may create a theme (like yellow drinks: beer, sauvignon blanc and limoncello) for their own amusement.

CANCER (Jun 22 - Jul 22)
Drinking style: Cancer is a comfort drinker -- and an extra wine with dinner or an after-work beer or six can be extra comforting, can't it, Cancer darling? Like fellow water signs Scorpio and Pisces, Crabs must guard against lushery. Cancers are brilliant at ferreting out secret parties and insinuating themselves on VIP lists -- and, in true Hollywood style, Cancers are never really drunk; instead, they get "tired and emotional" (read: weepy when lubricated). But there's nothing better than swapping stories (and spit) over a few bottles of inky red wine with your favorite Cancer. Even your second-favorite Cancer will do. The sign also rules the flavor vanilla, and you'd be adored if you served up a vanilla vodka and soda.

LEO (Jul 23 - Aug 22)
Drinking style: Leo likes to drink and dance -- they're often fabulous dancers, and usually pretty good drinkers as well, losing their commanding dignity and turning kittenish. Of course, they're quite aware they're darling - Leos will be Leos, after all. They generally know their limit, probably because they loathe losing self-control. When they get over- refreshed, expect flirting to ensue -- and perhaps not with the one who brought them. But Leo's not the type to break rules even when drunk, so just try to ignore it (try harder, Cancer) and expect a sheepish (and hung over) Lion to make it up to you the next day.

VIRGO (Aug 23 - Sept 22)
Drinking style: Cerebral Virgos are compelled to impose order onto their bender. Their famously fussy quest for purity could lead to drinking less than other signs, sure -- but it could also lead to drinking booze neat, to sucking down organic wine or just to brand loyalty. They rarely get fully shellacked -- but, oh, when they do! Virgos are controlled by the intellect, but there's an unbridled beast lurking within, and they let it loose when walloped. It's dead sexy (and surprisingly unsloppy). As one Virgo friend used to declare, "I'm going to drink myself into a low level of intelligence tonight." A toast to the subgenius IQ!

LIBRA (Sept 23 - Oct 23)
Drinking style: "I'm just a social drinker," slurs Libra, "it's just that I'm so damn social." Libra loves nothing more than to party, mingle and relate to everyone. Whether dipped in favor of Good Libra (with Insta-Friend device set to "on") or heavier on the Evil Libra side (they are little instigators when bored), the Scales can really work a room. Charming as they are, Libras are notoriously lacking in self-control, however, which can get them into all sorts of trouble -- including wearing their wobbly boots waaaay too early in the evening, flirting with their best friend's beau or even blacking out the night's events entirely. Oops!

SCORPIO (Oct 24 - Nov 21)
Drinking style: Don't ever tell Scorpios they've had enough, for they'll smirk at you and quietly but intentionally keep tippling till they're hog- whimpering drunk, out of 100-proof spite. Scorpios like to drink, and screw you if you have a problem with that. Most of them see the sauce as something to savor in itself, and not as a personality- altering tool - though if depressed, self-loathing Scorps seek total obliteration. But generally, they're fascinating drinking pals, brilliant conversationalists and dizzying flirts. They also remember everything -- especially what you did when you were blitzed. Only drink with a Scorpio who likes you.

SAGITTARIUS (Nov 22 - Dec 21)
Drinking style: In vino veritas -- and, for Sagittarius, in booze blurtiness: When buttered, they'll spill all your secrets and many of their own. Tactlessness aside, Sagittarius is just plain fun to drink with. This is a sign of serious partying (what else would you expect from the sign of Sinatra, Keith Richards, the Bush twins and Anna Nicole Smith?). They're the people who chat up everyone in the room, then persuade the entire crowd to travel somewhere else -- like a nightclub, or a playground, or Cancun. Good-natured hi-jinks are sure to ensue (including a high possibility of loopy groping; spontaneous Sag is a brilliant booty call).

CAPRICORN (Dec 22 - Jan 19)
Drinking style: Capricorn is usually described as practical, steadfast, money-hungry and status-thirsty -- no wonder they get left off the astrological cocktail-party list. But this is the sign of David Bowie and Annie Lennox, not to mention Elvis. Capricorn is the true rock star: independent, powerful and seriously charismatic, not too eager to please. And if they make money being themselves, who are you to quibble? But just like most rock stars, they're either totally on or totally off, and they generally need a little social lubricant to loosen up and enjoy the after party, especially if they can hook up with a cute groupie.

AQUARIUS (Jan 20 - Feb 18)
Drinking style: Aquarius and drinking don't go together that well (except for water, that is). They have an innate tendency toward know-it-allism, and if they get an idea while sizzled, they're more stubborn than a stain or a stone. If they're throwing a party or organizing an outing, however, they're too preoccupied with their duties to get combative and they make perfectly charming drunks in that case. Fortunately, they're usually capital drink-nursers. They also make the best designated drivers (if you can get them before they start raising their wrist) Aquarius is fascinated by drunk people and capable of holding interesting conversations with soused strangers while sober.

PISCES (Feb 19 - Mar 20)
Drinking style: If you're a Pisces, you've probably already heard that you share a sign and an addictive personality -- with Liz Taylor, Liza Minelli and Kurt Cobain. Not only do Pisces like to lose themselves in the dreamy, out-there feeling that only hooch can give, but they build up a mighty tolerance fast. Who needs an expensive date like that? On the other hand, they're fabulously enchanting partners, whether in the conversation or in crime. With the right Pisces, you can start out sharing a pitcher of margaritas and wind up in bed together for days. The phrase "addictive personality" can be read two ways you know.

Suzanne ~<{:o)

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 33 replies

Manny of Quail Inn

2007-01-09T04:39:28Z

Passing this on from another list:

With the deepest, deepest sadness, I must tell you that Manny Suarez, our “Cuban National Treasure”, left the planet this afternoon, carried off by a heart attack.

Fernando is handling things. I will pass along more information as soon as I have it.

Venta

He will be deeply missed

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 4 replies

Berkeley Ed's number

2007-01-07T12:45:40Z

Does anyone have Ed's cell number so I can call him and retrieve my lost duffle?

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 8 replies

Left behind.....

2007-01-04T08:45:39Z

Ok so I left my tip char behind.....

Mad Sals Bar! It had some quarters in it and candy!

If anyone finds it, safekeep it for me!

Thanks!

Oh and what a fantastic year.....soooooooo FUN!

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 4 replies

Dickens

2006-12-23T06:44:45Z

Is gonna kick so serious boooo-tay.

Kelli and the rest of the deco queens did a FABulous job deco-ing the alestands.

Carol and I left the Cow Palace just after midnight with the alestands in a very good place to make opening a less stressful event than usual. We'll see how they look to less exhausted eyes tomorrow morning :)

I am looking forward to seeing all of y'all...

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 254 replies

Lost! Red Glass Goblet with pewter fairy design

2006-12-12T18:24:43Z

Last seen at the Mad Sals Ale House.

If anyone has found this little gem.. Please return it to the lost and found or someone that works the front gate. The person who lost it is: Pamela Lane.

Thank you!
Shannon

posted in Alestands gone WILD!!! - 0 replies