![[personal profile]](https://www.dreamwidth.org/img/silk/identity/user.png){kind=small}
Thus begins the 2011 MN Ren Fest Season.
Aug. 23rd, 2011 11:49 pmWeather-wise, Saturday was just about perfect. Maybe a bit warmer and sunnier than the absolute ideal, but for mid-August? It doesn't get much better than this. My costume still fits (any weight gain seems to have gone into my shoulders and chest, so I'm filling out the top of the bodice more noticeably) and I didn't forget any of the accessories. I sounded pretty good on the street, and tip-wise, I had my best opening day ever, and best opening weekend. I was surprised by the number of people who came looking for me. Not a huge number, but not the point. They like me! My grid spots got changed a fair amount from last year, and it really affected how and when I set up elsewhere on site, and my grid could change again for next week.
Sunday wasn't quite as good. The weather wandered all over the place, from rainy and damp to sunny and warm. Their weren't has many people, and they were dang near impossible to engage - they just did not want to play. Still, it was a pleasant day, even if it was mostly over by 4, and I gave a sort of mentoring/master class to the grandkid of a crafter. I’m trying to get names and numbers of some recording people, so I can record a CD.
I also got many examples of the power of first impressions. This is the fifth year I've worn the currant dress. I was still asked if it is new, and by people who should know better. I wonder what will happen when I have to replace it within the next few years. I wonder if I should go for a completely different color again, although one that will match the fore-panel - there's a lot of beadwork on it.
So, while the performance and play aspects of this weekend were fantastic, anything touched by management was not. I have no doubt that the people in charge are doing the best they can with their limited resources and chaotic environment. That doesn't mean they are successful. Really, if they were dealing with us individually, it was fine, efficient, and pleasant. Anything that affected the cast or Fest as a whole, complete disaster. Parking and the buses were a mess. Communication concerning comp packages and passes was a mess. Last minute changes to parade and office hours, a mess. It feels like the whole operations is run on a frayed shoestring with understaffed, undertrained, and underpaid temp help. There are people who are clearly in charge of their own little departments, but no one seems to be talking to anyone else, and no one seems to be in charge of the whole mess. A fine example of getting what you pay for.
The wisdom of taking off Monday paid off. I woke with a migraine level headache (although not a migraine). My right hip was still hurting for reasons unknown. My feet still hurt - I'm going to have to start icing them daily after Fest. My left elbow is already starting to complain, so I'm going to have to keep up with the braces. My fingertips are only marginally tender, and the calluses have already noticeably thickened. So I spent the morning stationed on the couch with coffee, cat, and a weekend's worth of TiVo. Laundry got done, but that was about it for household chores.
Sunday wasn't quite as good. The weather wandered all over the place, from rainy and damp to sunny and warm. Their weren't has many people, and they were dang near impossible to engage - they just did not want to play. Still, it was a pleasant day, even if it was mostly over by 4, and I gave a sort of mentoring/master class to the grandkid of a crafter. I’m trying to get names and numbers of some recording people, so I can record a CD.
I also got many examples of the power of first impressions. This is the fifth year I've worn the currant dress. I was still asked if it is new, and by people who should know better. I wonder what will happen when I have to replace it within the next few years. I wonder if I should go for a completely different color again, although one that will match the fore-panel - there's a lot of beadwork on it.
So, while the performance and play aspects of this weekend were fantastic, anything touched by management was not. I have no doubt that the people in charge are doing the best they can with their limited resources and chaotic environment. That doesn't mean they are successful. Really, if they were dealing with us individually, it was fine, efficient, and pleasant. Anything that affected the cast or Fest as a whole, complete disaster. Parking and the buses were a mess. Communication concerning comp packages and passes was a mess. Last minute changes to parade and office hours, a mess. It feels like the whole operations is run on a frayed shoestring with understaffed, undertrained, and underpaid temp help. There are people who are clearly in charge of their own little departments, but no one seems to be talking to anyone else, and no one seems to be in charge of the whole mess. A fine example of getting what you pay for.
The wisdom of taking off Monday paid off. I woke with a migraine level headache (although not a migraine). My right hip was still hurting for reasons unknown. My feet still hurt - I'm going to have to start icing them daily after Fest. My left elbow is already starting to complain, so I'm going to have to keep up with the braces. My fingertips are only marginally tender, and the calluses have already noticeably thickened. So I spent the morning stationed on the couch with coffee, cat, and a weekend's worth of TiVo. Laundry got done, but that was about it for household chores.
