ALABAMA RENAISSANCE FAIRE

Minutes of Meeting, 10-27-05

 
Those present:  John Iaria, Her Highness Freya Igraine Greywolf (Ann Iaria), Chris Solis, Carol Burhans, William Freeman, Lee Freeman, Perri Scott-Hawthorne, Don Green, Billy Warren, Jim Lake, Aubrey Gaskins, Paul Daniel, Laura Daniel, Donna Miles, Mary Nicely, Darlene Freemon, Sue Bevis, Larry Kimbrough

 

  1. The Roundtable saluted Queen Freya Igraine Greywolf on her ascension to the throne!

     
  2. The Roundtable welcomed Laura Daniel as its newest member.  (Applause, please.)

     
  3. Billy Warren announced the Roundtable’s placement in the Florence-Lauderdale Public Library of the following books:
    1. The Great Masters – in memory of Jimmy Stanfield
    2. A History of Ancient Myths and Legends  - in memory of Marie Holland

       
  4. In the drawing, William Freeman won a book published in 1960:  A Tour of the Pitti Palace.

     
  5. Don Green:
    1. Unveiled (to rousing applause) two of the boats crafted by Norm LaRoy which he (Don) has recently refurbished;
    2. Stated that the entire fleet of 11 boats crafted by Norm will be ready for commissioning at out 2006 Faire; and
    3. Presented a collection of tablecloths to the Roundtable which were donated to us by one of the vendors at the 2005 Faire.

       
  6. Billy Warren circulated copies of the following articles from recent issues of the Times-Daily:
    1. “Permanent Faire: Is a Renaissance Village at Veterans Park a Possibility?” – October 23, 2005
    2. “Faire Maiden” – October 24, 2005
    3. “Alabama Renaissance Faire Art Contest Winners” – October 24, 2005
    4. “Viking Queen Crowned at Faire” – October 24, 2005
    5. “Winning Sonneteers” – October 26, 2005

 

Billy publicly thanked Teri Thomason at the Times-Daily for coordinating the considerable amount of coverage that the Feast and Faire enjoyed from her and other reporters at the newspaper.

 

  1. Billy Warren circulated a note from Eleanor LaRoy thanking the Roundtable for the book placed in the library in memory of Norm.

     
  2. Billy Warren distributed copies of an announcement sent to the Roundtable: the memorial service for our friend Norm LaRoy will take place on Sunday, November 6, 3:00 p.m., at the Florence Baha’i Center 2037 Huntsville Road, Florence.

     
  3. These were the positive statements made about this year’s Feast:
    1. William Freeman was superb as the Herald and as a vocal soloist.
    2. Having individual microphones for everyone with speaking parts was an excellent move.
    3. Having live music (oboe, harp, recorder, etc.) was a real plus.
    4. The play written by a local author was very good.
    5. The food was excellent.
    6. The servers from Northwest-Shoals Community College performed in grand fashion.
    7. Darlene and Rick Freemon were able to sit down for the meal!
    8. We have a great new monarch!
    9. The hall looked beautiful and was much easier to set up than in past years.
    10. Tickets were completely sold out.
    11. More people than in previous years attended in costume.
    12. The fellow from Phenix City who performed extemporaneously was excellent.
    13. The staff at the Coliseum accommodated those who were decorating the hall cheerfully.
    14. The entryway was beautiful.

       
  4. These improvements for the Feast were suggested:
    1. Rent a complete sound system (or purchase our own).
    2. Shorten the evening – this year’s program was too long.
    3. Address the “dead space” between acts – at least have taped music playing.
    4. If another dramatic production is scheduled, choose one that “flows” well.
    5. Have at least one rehearsal for all acts (perhaps at 5 p.m. on the day of the Feast) to work out any “kinks.”
    6. Schedule musicians and actors to rotate spontaneously among the tables.
    7. Create opportunities for more audience participation – perhaps poems and songs placed randomly on dining tables for diners to read or sing/play.
    8. Invest in tapestries at Hobby Lobby for us to use in decorating the hall.
    9. Illuminate the performing area better by improving the head table lighting system.

       
  5. These were the positive statements made about this year’s Faire:
    1. There were more people in costume and a greater diversity among the people in attendance.
    2. The new tent for the Roundtable was wonderful!
    3. The refurbished thrones look great.
    4. People attended the Faire and strolled downtown in costume.
    5. Set-up and tear-down went very quickly, thanks in large measure to the canvas-covered backdrops.
    6. The arrival of the north wind at almost the exact moment of the Viking Queen’s Sunday afternoon coronation was amazing!
    7. The student volunteers from Darlene Freemon’s high school classes were wonderful!
    8. Susan Key’s PVC square (for laying out the park) and the extra large layout chart were huge improvements.

       
  6. These improvements for the Faire were suggested:
    1. Add more historical authenticity through exhibits, etc. and make efforts to decrease the fantasy element.
    2. Improve the quality of merchandise offered by vendors to decrease the level of commercialism.
    3. Work with the City of Florence’s animal control officer to eliminate exotic animals/snakes from the Faire.
    4. Require that all weaponry be peace-tied.
    5. Add information to our website that will encourage more emphasis on historical and educational aspects of the Faire.
    6. Improve the information booth with appropriate signage.

       
  7. Billy Warren thanked everyone for their excellent work toward making the 2005 Feast and Faire huge successes!