Siouxland No. 6

[vakkotaur]

I mentioned a few things about the new site last year and some likely still apply. Site issues are site issues and big modern buildings just can't be hidden completely without great expense. This might seem to be a problem, but other faires have similar issues. What matters is attitude and Siouxland, and inspires, a good attitude. The only glitch that I recall was that the patron (for those who sprung for the patron package) parking area was not marked this year. This is easily remedied and most folks wouldn't have noticed.

The Biggest Site Issue Ever, mud, was present due to the rains but not anywhere near to the degree it was for the infamous mudfest a couple years ago. Some kids splashed in puddles, but they were puddles and not ponds threatening to become lakes. I have mud on my boots, but not even up the ankles -- rather than almost everywhere. Whatever anyone says about site issues, the move from Wild Water West to the fairgrounds was shown to be a Big Win this past weekend.

Zilch the torysteller had a small audience when it started to rain and as the sprinkle was turning into a downpour he invited commanded everyone to join him on the covered stage. The result was a slightly abbreviated, but quite good (and intimate) performance.

Jay and I figured something was up as earlier in the year we were told that we had to be at Siouxland this year. Considering Siouxland is our "We are going. And that is that." faire, getting told this made us wonder. We didn't pry, as we knew better and figured any surprise would be a pleasant one. I'm not sure, but it felt like something was supposed to have happened on Saturday and with the weather issue and perhaps a communication or scheduling glitch it didn't work out. Sunday it was suggested (highly recommended?) that we attend the first joust. We did. And we were inducted into the Siouxland Renaissance Association's Order of the Eagle. We had been supportive of the SRA since the very beginnings of it, and a couple years ago were able to aid a bit in the post-mudfest recovery. Evidently it had left a bigger impression than we had thought even if we had been told so before.

Mistress Bawd was back again this year, as were Smee & Blogg. Zilch was not just being a torysteller, but also performing as a musician and doing so quite well. Zilch also now has a DVD, complete with sign language interpreter and subtitles. I have yet to watch it, but expect to be laughing when I do watch it.

The jousters did well in the rain and mud and I would not have blamed them one bit had they skipped the main jousting bit on Saturday afternoon due to the mud. That area was the worst for mud of the entire site. Sunday they were able to set up indoors (Saturday there was a horse show going on in that building). The more controlled, calm conditions let them do more than usually did. I found out later that this was the first time they had performed indoors. They took full advantage of the opportunity.

It was a good weekend and a good faire. The weather wasn't as fully cooperative as many would have liked, but the site has shown that even a downpour won't turn things into another mudfest.

Comments

[melissasutton.livejournal.com]

*hugs*

YOu and Jay are the best hon, I really appreciate you both. Thank you for the review! I always value your opinion!

M

[kinkyturtle.livejournal.com]

"Zilch the torysteller had a small audience when it started to rain and as the sprinkle was turning into a downpour he invited commanded everyone to join him on the covered stage."

I'm picturing him saying "Everyone jum up and coin me!"