ALABAMA RENAISSANCE FAIRE

Minutes of Meeting, 9-18-08

Those present:  Carol Burhans, Anne Iaria, His Majesty King Gregory, David Fowler, A. J. Mashburn, Calvin Liles, Sharon Bradley, Darlene Freemon, Bonnie McIntyre, Sue Bevis, Donna Miles, Chris Solis, Lee Freeman, William Freeman, Patrick Adams, Beth Greenwood, Kathy McAdams, Rick McAdams, Vinamrata Gupta, Mandi Green, Noelle Smith, Mary Nicely, Andy Betterton, Aubrey Gaskins, Debbie Martin, Karen Ugrovics, Randall Ugrovics, Billy Warren, Jan Roblin, Jim Lake

1. The group applauded Andy Betterton on his winning the election as City Councilman for District 6 (the first time a former King of the Renaissance Faire has been elected to the City Council)!
   
   

2. The group applauded Aubrey Gaskins who was able to attend today’s meeting following his lengthy illness.
   
   

3. Bonnie McIntyre agreed to arrange for her brother to bring 50 bales of hay to the Faire site on Friday, October 24.
   
   

4. Vinamrata Gupta reported:

   1. That she has met with UNA students from China, Japan, India and Nepal to discuss their possible involvement in the Feast and Faire and that she has a follow-up meeting with them on Wednesday, September 24;

   2. That she plans for foreign students from the four countries mentioned above to participate in the Faire through such avenues as drama, dance, etc. that are representative of their respective country; and

   3. That as many as 18 students from India (and, perhaps, students from the other three countries as well) should be able to serve food at the Feast.
      
      

5. Donna Miles:

   1. Stated that a complete slate of entertainers has been scheduled for the Feast; and

   2. Reminded everyone to help circulate the fact that fabric that is brought to the costume-making workshop must be 60” wide.
      
      

6. Rick McAdams asked for volunteers to go with him in full costume to distribute copies of our 2008 poster to merchants and businesses in downtown Florence.  He will pick up the posters at Billy Warren’s office the morning of Tuesday, September 30.  At 10:30 a.m. that same morning, he will meet with Ashley Winkle, Director of Florence Main Street, and other Roundtable members at the Main Street office, 301 North Pine Street.  The following volunteered to assist in this great project:  Jan Roblin, Carol Burhans and Chris Solis.
   
   

7. Anne Iaria reminded everyone to wear their costumes and “invade” the Shoals Marriott during the daylight hours from Monday, October 20, through Friday, October 24.
   
   

8. Calvin Liles reported that he is progressing well on the construction of the cart of shame.  He assured King Gregory that it will be sturdy enough to carry him away following his dethroning on Sunday afternoon, October 26.
   
   

9. Mandi Green reminded Billy Warren that we will need the key to the storage building at the old fairgrounds ahead of the Feast.
   
   

10. Lee Freeman circulated copies of a very attractive full-color poster which he created to advertise the free film series at the public library on these three Sundays at 2:00 p.m.:  October 5, October 12 and October 19.  Andy Betterton suggested that Lee email the poster to Ashley Winkle at Florence Main Street and ask her to forward it to everyone on her email list.
    
    

11. Rick McAdams agreed to attach coins of the realm to a batch of the Renaissance Faire business cards so that, like last year, the Shoals Marriott can distribute them for us.
    
    

12. Billy Warren distributed copies of a blad advertising a new book entitled Swords by Ben Boos published by Candlewick Press.  Billy stated that the publisher has given us three autographed copies of the actual book and has suggested that we might raffle them as a fundraiser for the Faire.
    
    

13. In a drawing, Jan Roblin and Rick McAdams each won an egg that is hand-decorated in a Renaissance motif.
    
    

14. Billy Warren reported that a Huntsville media outlet is creating a feature story on the Renaissance Faire.  He is working with Lindsey Holt at the Florence-Lauderdale Tourism Bureau to provide printed and digital information for it.
    
    

15. William Freeman reported:

    1. That he is corresponding via email with Alison Stanfield at the Florence-Lauderdale Tourism Bureau to make arrangements for the Renaissance evening on Tuesday, October 21, aboard the “Pickwick Belle” and that he will share final plans with the Roundtable when they are completed; and

    2. That he is corresponding via email with Tonya Moore regarding her Muscle Shoals Middle School students’ proposed visit to the Coliseum on Friday, October 17, while preparations are being made for the Feast.
       
       

16. Sue Bevis:

    1. Reported that Mayor Bobby Irons is conducting a community gathering at the Coliseum on Thursday evening, October 16, so we will not be able to start preparations for the Feast on Friday, October 17, until 9:00 a.m.;

    2. (drum roll, please!) presented 200 numbered Feast tickets with the 2008 poster image on the reverse side so Roundtable members could purchase tickets ahead of their being offered to the general public; and

    3. Presented copies of computerized drawings of the proposed layout of the Coliseum for the upcoming Feast.
       
       

17. Darlene Freemon:

    1. Reminded people who come to Florence High School on Renaissance Day (Wednesday, October 22) that:

                                                              i.      They are to sign in at the main office, and

                                                            ii.      They may wear weaponry; and

2. Reported that five students have, thus far, agreed to serve at the Feast.
   
   

17. Billy Warren distributed copies of the schedule of events in October and noted that the schedule is updated as needed and posted on the Renaissance Faire’s website.
    
    

18. William Freeman announced that he has a role in the upcoming performance of the comedy, “Christmas Belles,” which is scheduled at the Ritz Theatre Thursday through Saturday, October 2-4.
    
    

19. Jim Lake announced that he is doing technical theatre work on the upcoming play, “The Battle of Shackleford,” at the Shoals Theater Thursday through Sunday, September 25-28.
    
    

20. Darlene Freemon announced (drum roll, please!) that Stephano’s will host the annual feast for the Roundtable on Thursday evening, October 23.  Tickets, which will be available at our next meeting on Thursday, October 3, are $20 each.
    
    

21. Billy Warren reminded everyone that the Roundtable will meet EVERY Thursday in October at noon.