ALABAMA RENAISSANCE FAIRE

Minutes of Meeting, 9-4-08

 

Those present:  Calvin Liles, Sharon Bradley, Darlene Freemon, Debbie Martin, David Mitchell, John Holcomb, His Majesty King Gregory of Bowling, Jim Lake, Lee Freeman, Donna Miles, Bonnie McIntyre, Darlene Freemon, Mandi Green, Don Green, Perri Scott-Hawthorne, Kathy McAdams, Rick McAdams, Noelle Smith, Jan Roblin, Karen Ugrovics, Randall Ugrovics, Christy Garner, Patrick Adams, Carol Burhans, Beth Greenwood, Vinamrata Gupta, Billy Warren

  1. Billy Warren introduced Vinamrata Gupta, an intern from UNA, and Beth Greenwood, a staff member – both from the Florence-Lauderdale Tourism Bureau.  Through her internship at the Bureau, Vinamrata will work toward involving students at UNA from these countries in the Faire:  India, Nepal, China and Japan.  (And there was much rejoicing!)  Involving foreign students at UNA in the Faire has been a goal for several years; it appears that it will happen this year!  It is also possible that these students might assist with serving diners at the Feast.

  2. Beth Greenwood, a staff member at the Florence Lauderdale Tourism Bureau, announced that “Pickwick Belle” will conduct a series of cruises from McFarland Park as a test to determine whether this paddle-wheeler might become a permanent part of local attractions.  On the evening of Tuesday, October 21 (7:00 p.m. – 9:00 p.m.), the theme of the cruise will be the Medieval/Renaissance period.  Beth asked that some Roundtable members appear in full costume as entertainers.  These members volunteered:  His Majesty King Gregory, Sharon Bradley, Carol Burhans, William Freeman, Darlene Freemon, Calvin Liles, Debbie Martin, Bonnie McIntyre, Donna Miles, David Mitchell, Jan Roblin, Randall Ugrovics.

  3. Rick McAdams presented a collection of coins of the realm to which he had attached clips that permit them to be pinned to clothing.  Marcia Austin, Billy Warren’s assistant, will print the word “staff” on narrow strips of paper or card stock.  Along with the coins/clips created by Rick, these will become our 2008 staff badges.

  4. Darlene Freemon reminded all Roundtable members that they are invited to come to Florence High School in costume on Wednesday, October 22.  Renaissance Day will take place in the school library from 7:30 a.m. until 3:00 p.m.  Roundtable members are encouraged to stay as long as possible.

  5. Calvin Liles thanked Jan Roblin for sharing some used lumber which he will be able to use in the projects that he is creating for the Faire.

  6. There was a discussion about possible sources for servers at this year’s Feast.  Suggestions offered were:  students from Florence High School, young men and women from local Boy/Girl Scout troops, foreign students from UNA.  This issue will continue to be considered.

  7. Donna Miles reported that, as she was packing the items (more than 500 separate items at a total weight of 70+ pounds) to mail to Roundtable member Dan Cruz who is currently working at the American Embassy in Baghdad, she received an email from Dan.  It gave her a new address to which to mail the package that will get the items directly where they are needed!

  8. Billy Warren reported that Ms. Tonya Moore, a teacher at Muscle Shoals Middle School, has requested that Roundtable members meet her students at Wilson Park as part of their local history field trip on Friday, October 17.  Since Roundtable members will be working that day preparing for the Feast the next day, Roundtable members will meet the students at the Coliseum so they can see the behind-the-scenes preparations.  The students will assemble in the bleachers, and William Freeman will address them.  Then other Roundtable members will participate as they are available in the midst of preparing the Coliseum for the Feast.

  9. Jan Roblin suggested that the castle used at the 2007 Faire to which children affixed buttons, sequins, etc. be brought forward to the 2008 Faire so that, once again, it may be decorated by children.  Everyone unanimously agreed with this suggestion!

  10. Jan Roblin displayed an original oil painting depicting His Majesty King Gregory, David Fowler and a third fellow pirate.  She proposed that the painting be duplicated, with prints sold at the Faire.  Since the proposal requires financial commitment on the part of the Faire, it was deferred to the Board of Directors for action.

  11. Billy Warren reminded everyone that the Roundtable has a second meeting in September:  THURSDAY, SEPTEMBER 18, 12:00 NOON.

  12. Lee Freeman announced that these Renaissance-related films will replace the Sunday afternoon lectures of past years at the public library:
    1. Sunday, October 5:  “Robin of Sherwood”
    2. Sunday, October 12:  “Lady Hawk”
    3. Sunday, October 19:  “Excalibur”

Each showing will begin at 2:00 p.m.

  1. Donna Miles stated that she will furnish the tent for the Roundtable members to sell their wares at the Faire.  She reminded everyone that one of the requirements for selling items is agreeing to tend the booth for a time during the two days of the Faire (schedule of serving times to be decided).

  2. Lee Freeman presented additional color photographs of pirates’ costumes from the Medievel/Renaissance era.

  3. In a drawing, Darlene Freemon won a book of historical fiction (based on the Medieval/Renaissance era) entitled A Company of Liars.  Vinamrata Gupta won a suede leather portfolio that holds legal-size pads.

  4. Billy Warren unveiled the 2008 poster and distributed copies to Roundtable members.