This is primarily focused at Scott, but anyone else who is knowledgable on the subject is more than welcome to answer!

I was listening to the radio and heard that the So Cal Ren Faire is coming so I went to their website and noticed that it falls on one of the weekends that I have to take some kids on a field trip. My questions are:
1) Will 12 year olds think it's fun?
2) Is there a program/schedule of events printed ahead of time so that I can plan the day if we go?
3) Are there "tour guides" or people who can lead around large groups?
4) What is the food/eating situation like?
5) If there isn't a schedule of events, how can I prevent the chaos of 25 kids each wanting to do something different? I guess a better question would be, what should I say we are going to do? What are highlights and what will bore them to death?
6) What should we stear clear of because it is too scandalous or bawdy for 6th and 7th graders to witness?

Ren Faire?

What about Stimpy????




I thought it was a cool idea at 12.

Most faires do have a schedule, often online. Most of the smaller shows repeat all day, the big events get announced by criers.

Yes, every one I've ever attended had some sort of guide system in place.

Mmmmm.... turkey legs. Sausage on a stick. Sometimes modern food in old wrappings.

They might like the magic, acrobatic, and comedy shows. Some might like the music.

Can't answer that one, as I don't know that particular faire

Hey-
I spent about a week a year at the ren fair from about age 3-8 and went many times after that as a youngun. My parents had a booth there and my mom's a big ren fair dork type. The ones I went to were all up in norcal, but my experience was:

1. 12 year olds will either think it's great fun, or they will think "I'm way too cool for this" But I think most of them have fun.

2. There are usually events on the hour every hour. I don't remember if there was a printed schedule, but I was too young for that anyway, I just knew if you went to the arena area at the top of the hour, there would be people hitting each other. There's other events too that I vaguely remember being scheduled. I think the queen was carried through the grounds at 3PM every day and everyone yelled god save the queen and stuff.

3. There were no tour guides for the norcal ren fairs, but maps and it was fairly easy to get around.

4. Food is a little pricey, but great. All kinds of different stuff and this was where I was first introduced to the churro. Not the crappy *** kind from taco bell, but the kind that makes your mouth water.

5. Taking 25 kids is going to be a little bit of a nightmare unless you have about 10-15 adults. Or if you trust them to say, "Go do stuff and meet back here in an hour" you'd be ok. I liked the shows, but in small doses as I got to be around the age of your students, I loved the games (they cost money, but you win stuff), and running around was the funnest.

6. There is an over-abundancy of cleavage and every once in a while you'll see a wench making out with someone a little more than you really like to see in public, but in my experience, there was little that was innapropriate for kids to see. One time 5 girls surrounded me and wouldn't let me out of their circle until I kissed all of them on the cheek or one of them on the mouth. All in good fun . . .

hey...you struck a chord with me :)...first of all...you know it's in San Bernedino.....Devore to be exact....near rancho cucamunga.....it's really far...but if that's cool....


1. The 12 year olds might get a kick out of it....depends on if they can open their minds and have fun.

2. as for a scheg of events...i don't think so...check out the website..but groups and troupes usually come in and out and it's never finalized untill last min.

3. i haven't seen any tour guides, but if you try to call Rennasaince Entertainment Corp....the company who puts it on...you might be able to work something out....i think they have a day devoted to schools...but that's on the weekday....and not many of the performers show up.....

4. The Food is GREAT!....Roasted Turkey legs, bangers and mash (sausage and mashpotatoes) roasted corn....and even greek food and mediteranian food in those sections of the faire.....but one thing...FOOD IS EXPENSIVE....we're talking 8-10 a meal.....prob about 8.....there are places that host sit down meals where a show is included, but those thend to be more on the 10 dollar side..but host a few courses, and show.. :)..
My suggestion...have them brown-bag it...and then they can get desert there.....tryffles, chocalate,
and great ice-cream! :) yum yum.

Plus there is PLENTY of placed to spend your moeny on....one of the reasons i stopped going to southern faire is that it turned into a swap meet.....it's nothing but stores......most of the stuff is expensive...so...spending money is a defenate YES :)...expect high prices on most things though..but if you shop around..you can get cool souveniers for about 5-8 bucks.


5. Things you should see if you get a chance...

Well...Defenately see the queen, she'll be paradeing around all day..it's hard to miss her....she'll stop by the nobles area, and usually when you walk by there, they will be dancing courtly dances....check out The middle class area, and the diffrent areas like the medditeranian area...and celt camp....there is a horse toruney as well..that will get them excited....keep your eyes open for any shows....there are 4 stages.....(one of them is bad..i'll tell you in a bit why) they host all sorts of shows from sword demonstrations, to celtic dancing, and morris dacing of scottish flair....just walk around....and scope out what is playing at what stage, and plan when you get there...the shows are posted just near the stage on a sign....Sometimes the nobles sing madrigals....it's all about where you are and such...i think you should make the call..and not give them much of a choice..just keep the day packed with stuff..and they will be happy.

As for that last stage....that's called Rogues Reef...and it's a rated R stage...good buddies of mine sing there...they are called the Poxy Boggards...and they swear, and sing about sex and beer....They are freakin' hysterical, and i totally reccomend it for anyone who is with the appropriate age....but not with 12 year olds....i'd stay away from that stage, because most of the content is bawdy.



SUGGESTIONS!.. :)

Make sure you make them all bring sun screen...and a HAT!....and water.....the temp on hot days can get up to 107 or so....it boils your brains.....it sucks...keep hydrated...

the admission is pretty steep...something like 18 bucks...just letting you know...see if you can get a group rate...

HAVE FUN! :)....encourage your kids to interact with the faire folk...they train in speaking the language, and love to interact...