Cheryl

Hi everyone,

I'm Cheryl. I am married with a grown son and a 5yo son. I joined
the list a week or so ago. I was hoping you all could give me some
advice on something. We've been working hard the last two months on
ds' Halloween costume. It started with dh making a sword for ds and
then ds just had to have armor. So I looked into how to make maille
armor and have made him a coif (hood) and hauberk (shirt). Dh made a
shield and is just finishing up whatever that is that looks like a
sun dress with slits and goes over the maille. Anyway, ds will
definitely wear the outfit for Halloween, and we are thinking about
him wearing it for the Renaissance festival coming up. We have never
been to one, so I was wondering if anyone dresses up for these
things, and if so, would it look strange if he were dressed for it
and the parents weren't. Have any of you ever been to one? Can you
tell me what it's like? I would love to hear the stories and could
use any advice. Thanks in advance.

Cheryl
Nicholas Academy Homeschooling Resources
http://nicholasacademy.homestead.com

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In a message dated 00-10-21 16:35:33 EDT, NicholasAcademy@... writes:

<< would it look strange if he were dressed for it
and the parents weren't. Have any of you ever been to one? Can you
tell me what it's like? I would love to hear the stories and could
use any advice. Thanks in advance. >>

It would not be weird for the kid to dress up and not the parent.

I've been to some. They're like big fantasy/medieval/Renaissance-style malls
(outdoors) with lots of stuff for sale and street performers. There will
probably be activities (booths involving skill maybe, or things to climb or
ride) and such. Most attendees don't wear costumes but all the participants
do.

Sandra

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Cheryl,
I have been to the Ren. Fes at Viz Caya, in Miami for the past two years.
Hundreds of people dress up for this one. I haven't been to any others, but
this one is truly elegant. There is even a living chess game, and they
always incorporate dance and sword play to show the period. Schools come by
the bus load and all the kids and even the teachers are dressed in costume,
but, as many people are as are not! Let me see if I can send the addy. <A
HREF="http://members.aol.com/italyfest/festival.html">Italian Renaissance
Festival at Vizcaya</A> I don't know if this will work for you, but if not,
just try www. Vizcaya, or some such combination of Ren , Fes and Viz Caya.
Anyway, you will love it, it is in March I think, about when they all are
around here! LOL
Teresa

Olivia

We went to a festival in Massachusetts last month. I was not dressed in
costume, however some other homeschoolers were. My son (age 7) didn't have
on a costume, but then wished he did once we got there because his two
friends, although not in full costume, had homemade shields and swords. As
long he feels comfortable in his costume, then I would think a 5 yo would
enjoy going in his outfit. The actors walk around in character and they
addressed our children, who had swords and shields, as "young knights" and
involved them in the drama once they saw that the kids were in costume. I
think the people working there like having young kids with whom to interact
because they still have a sense of wonder. The day we went, there were
busloads of older school kids who were heard to be rude and offensive to
the actors. My only suggestion would be to avoid going on a weekday when
there might be lots of kids who are there but are not interested in being
there. It makes the performances more enjoyable when you don't have to sit
in front of people saying "this is lame" or "this stinks"! Fortunately, our
children didn't receive any negative comments regarding their swords and
shields from other "guests". I don't know if other fairs and festivals have
different atmospheres, but I hope your visit is lots of fun!


Olivia





> Date: Sat, 21 Oct 2000 20:33:02 -0000
> From: "Cheryl " <NicholasAcademy@...>
>Subject: Renaissance Festival
>
>Anyway, ds will
>definitely wear the outfit for Halloween, and we are thinking about
>him wearing it for the Renaissance festival coming up. We have never
>been to one, so I was wondering if anyone dresses up for these
>things, and if so, would it look strange if he were dressed for it
>and the parents weren't. Have any of you ever been to one? Can you
>tell me what it's like? I would love to hear the stories and could
>use any advice. Thanks in advance.
>
>Cheryl

[email protected]

Thank you to everyone for your replies to my questions about the fair. After
reading all the responses, we've decided he will wear the light stuff and
we'll leave the rest at home, including the sword. I found a web site for
the fair here with information on all the performers and offerings. We are
so looking forward to this experience! Thanks again.

Cheryl
Nicholas Academy Homeschooling Resources
http://nicholasacademy.homestead.com

[email protected]

I'd take the sword and see what they say. (Each Renaissance Festival is
different, and I don't know whether the advice was from that same
town/company.)

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In a message dated 10/23/00 6:16:14 AM Pacific Daylight Time,
SandraDodd@... writes:

> I'd take the sword and see what they say. (Each Renaissance Festival is
> different, and I don't know whether the advice was from that same
> town/company.)


Thank you. We'll take it and leave it in the truck if they don't allow it.
It's not a toy, but it's not sharp, either, so I guess we'll see what they
think.


Cheryl
Nicholas Academy Homeschooling Resources
http://nicholasacademy.homestead.com