society for creative anachronism. It's medieval recreation (fun & remaking definitions), but the good thing is, you can join if all you have is a tunic outfit, or you can make museum quality outfits. You can make outfits out of ducttape and plastic (at least 10 years ago, when I was active), or you could make a set of armor that belongs in an armory.
In other words, fun for everyone!
Mary
RenFaires aren't meant to be "historic and educational" -- they're pure entertainment and atmosphere. As has been mentioned, you might try the SCA if you're looking for authenticity... but be warned, in many areas it's been taken over by People Who Take Themselves Far Too Seriously. This is the main reason I haven't been active for about 10 years; I got sick and tired of (1) all the politics and group in-fighting, and (2) the Authenticity Police. It *used* to be that "making a reasonable effort" to look more-or-less in period was enough, but that doesn't seem to be the case any more. There was one person who kept hassling me about my jewelry -- not that it was all costume, but that the costume jewelry *had faceted stones in it*! This was Not Period[1], and (according to her) a serious no-no. Somehow I doubt anyone else really noticed.
But all this was a long way away from where you are, and I know nothing about the SCA groups up there. Things might be different.
[1] I've since discovered that there actually *was* some faceting done on gemstones as far back as the 11th century. Much rougher than modern-day work, of course, but Ms. Authenticity Police who kept insisting that only cabs were period was WRONG. Not to mention that she used to sing in arts competitions -- with a heavy vibrato, which *is* completely out-of-period. So there!Celine (still peeved)
Surprisingly enough, there are quite a few people who go to the same RenFest every day every weekend, every summer. I'd get bored. I know a few of these folks from the Chicago region who would go up to the Bristol RenFest and one I can think of in Wisconsin. I went once to the Bristol one, a few years back... we had a good time, but I think thats because we went as a large group.
authenticity... [snip] it's been taken over by People Who Take Themselves Far Too Seriously. There was one person who kept hassling me [snip] that the costume jewelry *had faceted stones in it*! This was Not Period, and (according to her) a serious no-no.
Of course there was faceting then. And, thereby, you get another problem in the SCA... Everybody Knows Everything... Just ask them. So, the other issue with the SCA is how to separate correct information from faulty. Not to say good information isn't to be found in the SCA... In addition, its not called the Society for Exact Reproductions, now is it? Oops. I just took part on the Arts Exhibition at the pennsic war
the SCA groups up there. Things might be different.
Well, in the Chicago area, I know the Grey Gargoyles group down at the University of Chicago region isn't big on POLITICS, but they also aren't all that big on arts classes either. They do a lot of fighting, and some middle eastern dance classes, from what I remember. The other groups around that are, I'm not so sure of.
Regards, Hannah
I remember going to those fairs. They rock! I loved it and can't wait until another one comes to our area.
groups differ--some get snarky about plastics. Sarajane
Sarajane's Polymer Clay Gallery
view my auctions at:
Really. Of all the half-assed things for someone to go off about! But at this distance in space and time, I can at least *tell* it in a funny way.
Celine
InspirePoint website is not affiliated with any of the manufacturers or service providers discussed here. All logos and trade names are the property of their respective owners.