I AM the Ren Faire : Costumes and behind the scenes at TWO Renaissance festivals as a cast member!

[@SnappyDragon]

Thank you Birch Living for sponsoring! Click here birchliving.com/SnappyDragon to get 20% off your Birch mattress (plus two free Eco-Rest pillows!) during their Fall Into Bed Sale. Offers are subject to change. #birchliving

[@saraquill]

Wishing you well this Rosh Hashannah, Yom Kippur, and Sukkot holiday season.

[@SnappyDragon]

Thank you!

[@clarekrmiller]

I LOVE that the rule is “adults in skirts must cover their hair” and not “women must cover their hair”! Inclusive every which way you look at it! ❤

[@SnappyDragon]

It's definitely an improvement! Unfortunately, Faire dress code rules don't really account for nonbinary folks very well-- you still have to pick a binary and dress to it, regardless of how it relates to your actual gender. The dance group itself tries pretty hard, like using "Odds" and "Evens" for role instead of men/women, but, there's room for improvement there as everywhere.

[@robehickmann]

@@SnappyDragon If it's trying to be historically accurate, what could be done about it though?

[@SnappyDragon]

The existence of people who didn't fit the gender binary IS historically accurate? Also, Ren Faires have far more glaring deviations from historical practice than affording nonbinary people the freedom to be comfortable and represent themselves.

[@robehickmann]

@@SnappyDragon Certainly, I meant though that society at large did not use to recognize nonbinary gender presentations and it's only very recently there seems to have been any change in that. I'd be interested in how you'd change the rules of the fair to be more inclusive. (recently discovered that I (male) like wearing skirts due to them causing less sensory annoyances re autism touch sensitivities, and I find it very frustrating how people tie gender to clothing as I don't want that to say anything about my gender).

[@AlatheD]

@@robehickmann Oh, I never thought about sensory issues with skirts vs trousers! Makes sense though. I remember many years ago there was a big todo about "men's skirts". I don't think it ever made it much past the fashion show stage, though. Which I found rather sad, one of those skirts was about the most "goth" thing I'd seen in a while.

[@amygray9978]

This next season will be my 10th year on cast at my local fair. And the last time I quit, the entire cast thought I just needed a vacation, so they sent me to Italy for a week. And now I can’t quit because they all sent me to Italy for a week and I don’t want to be ungrateful. I think I’m stuck here forever.

[@SnappyDragon]

That's really kind of them! And also, you deserve a break or to step back if that's what's right for you

[@matthodek]

Clothes in the sleeping bag is an essential tip I used to teach people leading backpacking trips. Sleeping arrangements, i honestly still haven't found an actual comfortable one... cots, air pads, foam pads... never really that good. Hay under a tarp under the tent in cold weather actually wasn't bad...🤷And as long as you respect the bears and take some simple precautions, they really aren't bad to deal with. They don't want to join your dance troupe any more than you want to sleep in there den. 😀I'm glad you had fun and are thinking of ways you can have even more enjoyable fun in the future. take care.

[@SnappyDragon]

Yeah, the bears were definitely more worrying due to unfamiliarity than anything else!

[@ColorJoyLynnH]

My best friend is from Ethiopia and they have these amazing hand spun, hand woven cotton blankets, which are four layers of thin, fluffy cotton. Even financially stable people (marble floor, servants) in Ethiopia don’t have a furnace to heat their house and they certainly don’t have a thermostat on the wall. They did have a space heater, but when I was there, there were at least four people trying to warm up with it. When we were there 20 years ago, we had expected weather in the 90s F and it was more like in the 60s at night. They gave me one of these blankets (called a gabi) and it’s kind of a miracle to wrap up in it and then slide into bed. Don’t think of it as a regular blanket and put it on top or bottom. Just roll up it And then get into bed. It’s really amazing. I suspect that four layers of good quality flannel would work. The way I would try to do it is go to a thrift store and look for flannel sheets. Just sew a seam down the middle of a stack of flannel and wrap up. Layers for the win!!!

[@neldahargo5933]

painter's tape! who knew? a real useful tip, no matter what you sew.

[@SnappyDragon]

It's so helpful!

[@ColorJoyLynnH]

@@SnappyDragon I often use washi tape for different sewing things, but it’s not quite strong enough for what you were doing. I need to find myself some painters tape.

[@numb3r5ev3n]

@@neldahargo5933 "you have blue painter's tape? GIIMME!"

[@jayneterry8701]

Tape is always handy!

[@teresagabriela5806]

Don’t discount the effects of the weather. It takes down perfectly hale and healthy folks. I’ve been to 30 years of Pennsic Wars, as well as other camping events in the SCA over the years. You are wise to make provisions and Always be gentle with yourself, which I can tell you will. You are a very smart Snappy Dragon! Thanks for this video!

[@SnappyDragon]

Everybody on the guild was definitely having a rough time with the heat! I just could have done without the day long headache on top of the rest 😅

[@alyssafitzgerald83]

Seeing the adaptations you’ve made for your chronic pain and fibromyalgia and hearing you be so candid about it is really useful as the roommate of a fibromyalgia and chronic pain girlie that desperately wants more people to go to Renn Faire with her.

[@SnappyDragon]

Eeee yes please show her this! Other things that might help her-- A parasol for sun, a carry-able chair or stool so she can sit anytime she needs, and keeping a close eye on the weather before deciding what weekend to go.

[@Pack353Katy]

Getting ready to put on 7 layers and be Catherine of Aragon at the Texas Renaissance Festival. This is a lovely reminder of why we do what we do. Should you ever wish to visit the country's largest festival, I would be honored to be your host.

[@SnappyDragon]

I can't even imagine having to dress as nobility in that weather! You have far greater fortitude than I.

[@Pack353Katy]

@@SnappyDragon I chalk it up to a special kind of insanity. I actually worked at TRF first as a teenager - the village virgin - and I miss those days of peasant wear when it is over 90 degrees. In the cast bathrooms, a peasant girl looked at me in my velvet finery and said "OH. I wish I could wear a court dress." "Be careful what you wish for . . ." I replied.*Survived, but it was rough. Hoping for a cold front soon!

[@lucyj8204]

"Adults in skirts must cover their hair" is such great phrasing. Funny that your colleague's remarks about side lacing turned out to be foreshadowing 😆 because I strongly agree. It looks like you have had a wonderful time, and were a brilliant addition to it.

[@SnappyDragon]

Phrasing mine, but I do appreciate that when the director gave me that instruction, gender was never brought into it. She'd already seen my costume and knew it was skirts, so, it was only about being a grownup.

[@theresaanndiaz3179]

Welcome to our crazy hobby! I do faire as a monger ( currently I'm a milkmaid) and working the line pre-faire is what we do best. Valhalla and Folsom are such lovely little faires, the patrons are amazing. I love it when it's cold at a faire. It snowed one year at Valhalla. I recommend a hood as a great addition to your garb in addition to a wool cloak. A wool cloak sheds rain.

[@SnappyDragon]

Wool cloaks are where it's at! Pretty much all of the chilly Saturday, I was wrapped up in mine anytime I wasn't dancing.

[@Bonnie-qj2it]

When I was doing English Country Dancing at a Ren Fair, I ended up singing the steps to help me remember the choreography. By the end of the run the whole troop was singing along with me, "And the girls go in and they clap, and the boys go in and they clap, and the girls go in and they don't clap and turn yourselves around."

[@janicegutshall653]

Thats Fine Companion, correct?

[@Bonnie-qj2it]

@@janicegutshall653 yes indeed, though I think there are a couple of other dances that are similar.

[@annlidslot8212]

Hi, I think that sounds like a fantastic way to do it. Are there any evidence of that wasn't how it was done back in the day? Plausible deniability, right. Yours, Ann

[@SnappyDragon]

Yup! The one that gets stuck in my head is how the guild teaches Rufty Tufty : "First you take your partner out, then you bring them back again, and everyone turn single. Then you take your neighbor out . . . "

[@Bonnie-qj2it]

I don't know about the English Renaissance era but in the 18th and 19th century they would have callers - like square dancing & contra dancing - who would call the steps for new dances

[@aimeemorgado8715]

I used to camp and was / am a dancer- RA has sidelined me for over 10 years.T his summer I finally found meds that allow me to have a life again. Knowing there are others with disabilities getting out there and making it work for themselves has been a huge inspiration. I know I will have to glamp and either rent an RV or larger tent with a cot. Regardless, it’s about getting out there, meeting people, and creating community. Thank you for the inspiration- wishing you good health, comfortable clothes, joy, and peace!!!

[@SnappyDragon]

Definitely wish I could get together a glamping setup! The borrowed gear I had was pretty nice for standard tent-camping, but my body is *demanding* about sleeping surfaces.

[@EmL-kg5gn]

Congrats on finding some meds that help!!!

[@ColorJoyLynnH]

Another retired dancer here. I had a repair surgery done to my hip. If I went back, I wouldn’t be doing ren fest anyway, but some of our team basically lived all year for the excitement of the fair.

[@catherinejustcatherine1778]

I keep thinking of this video & loving the memories of it!

[@annafox7474]

Hey Snappy Dragon! Im sending you some love. Youre adorable and smart! I enjoy your videos and f the trolls!

[@abigailbaldwin4224]

When I was little, my father was one of the vendors at a smaller fair in my state, so my siblings and I spent several summers running around in costumes at the fair. I spent so much time hanging out at one of the booths selling costumes the ladies that owned it made me a little pin saying "vixen in training" Over a decade later and i still have that pin, a little worse for wear but still legible. I think they're part of why I got into sewing in the first place

[@SnappyDragon]

That's an amazing pin! Love it.

[@loonyrune]

The painters tape hack is genius! I already have painters tape in my sewing room to tape together patterns and to put notes on fabric, guess it will get even more use now! Love it!

[@nancyholcombe8030]

As someone who also suffers from fibromyalgia, I want to say thank you for this particular episode, where you show what a performer has to do and sometimes put up with, to put on a good show! Your new outfit is lovely and looks much more comfortable for performing! And how did you put up with sleeping in a campground? I had to give that up when I was in my teens because of the pain! They just didn't know what was causing it at the time, so nobody believed me when I said I hurt too much to move. (mid 1970s) It took until 1989 before people started to realize that it was no joke, you could look absolutely normal and still feel like you were dying! they have medicines and much more help out there now for folks like you and me. I'm glad you're able to do so much! Thanks again for the great video! Please take care now! 😊

[@SnappyDragon]

TBH, I put up with it *badly* and will need to figure out a different solution (or at least upgraded gear) next year!

[@almostawesomeali]

you're my favorite costume and dress historian to follow, your content is always interesting and relevant! thank you for the research and time that went into making this video, I hope you're having a sweet new year thus far 🥰🥰🥰🥰

[@robertsotelo4973]

You can expect many kinds of extreme high sierra weather at Lake Tahoe. I've snowed on, stormed on, and survived 50 mph winds coming off the lake. One day can be a major storm and the next sunny and dry. O degree sleeping bag is a good investment, and a reflective pad under the bag.

[@SnappyDragon]

The reflective floor surface my friend included with their camping gear was AMAZING! My sleeping bag is rated down to freezing, which is usually enough, but definitely not in this case. Thank goodness for the friend who had a spare so I could double up.

[@katwitanruna]

I knew a guy who came to a fighter practice one weekend, asked a lot of questions and then showed up the next week with full plate including sabatons, with no metal working experience. That same man, when we heard thunder and called fighter practice immediately, was standing in one point and when I turned around was nearly packing all his armor into his dragon.

[@SnappyDragon]

Into his DRAGON? Impressive!

[@threadsandpurrs]

@@SnappyDragon *chuckles* I'm not sure if it is still the case everywhere, but when I first started going to SCA events, they often referred to motor vehicles as "dragons" among other whimsical phrases to describe other modern things that end up remaining necessary. Either way, admiration for that man's dedication to both his hobby and his safety. And thank you for both the story and the response :)

[@margaretbates6010]

I love that your fibro has not limited you

[@SnappyDragon]

I wouldn't say it hasn't limited me-- there were definitely limits on what I could do at these events, and they were much harder on me than they would be if I didn't have fibro! But with proper accessibility and care, I am still able to participate some.

[@resourcedragon]

@@SnappyDragon: I am in admiration of your courage in taking on the challenge. I was worried for you the whole video.

[@kristinamanion2236]

Really like the green and showing the adjustments to make the clothing work for you was very informative. Also great advice I'll tuck away for any festival I attend. Frozen water bottles in the pockets. Genius.

[@SnappyDragon]

They're my favorite trick! A second perk, if you're a Patron of a faire, is that some don't want you to bring in water bottles so you'll buy from their vendors. But no one was going to check under my skirt, and then I could drink the water once they melted!

[@michellegauthier6596]

I've performed at Ren Faires on and off for the last (holy moly...) 20 years, first with the Royal Court and later as a servant to Italian ambassadors. It's a ton of fun, especially people watching and participating in shenanigans with other performers! For costuming, I like combining period appropriate silhouettes with different color and trim combinations that may or may not be "Accurate." :D

[@SnappyDragon]

It is really fun to play with the color palettes and materials! I met someone at an SCA event who had either a Turkish or Persian outfit all in neon highlighter colors, it was extremely cool looking.

[@GretchenWienersxo]

Super cool

[@amygray9978]

My favorite thing about my festival is the Mermaids! I don’t work in the mermaid show but sometimes I’ll take a family in there and get to see the children experience magic. The looks of wonder and delight on their lil faces makes me cry. (I’m a happy crier) I think it’s the most precious thing.

[@SnappyDragon]

I don't think I've ever been to a Ren Faire with mermaids! That sounds amazing

[@stephaniehight2771]

Why do mermaids wear seashells? Because B shells are too small and D shells are too big.

[@janetrabinowitz4564]

❤❤ thanks so much for bringing me a little Renfaire vibe!

[@janicegutshall653]

The Pryanksters are good people! They were my very first fair group. I hope to attend some practices so I feel like I am rehearsed and able to make us look good. I am not sure if we were introduced on Sunday afternoon or if you were doing self-care at that point. I am glad that you have found them. They can be a very loving and supportive group, plus they respect boundaries once verbalized.

[@SnappyDragon]

I'm not sure if we missed eachother-- by Sunday afternoon things have become a bit of a blur! I'll definitely look into the camping cots, I know a few people have them for SCA events and really like them.

[@janicegutshall653]

@@SnappyDragon If you would like to test before you buy, and are planning on being at winter bash, I can bring one just to try out.

[@dawnmoriarty9347]

Oh the dreaded bloat! It has to be experienced to be believed. My camping in a tent days are over, but I do fondly remember the sheer relief of knowing my clothes were prewarmed and easy to find inside my sleeping bag

[@SnappyDragon]

I strongly suspect my camping days are over as well, after how much recovery time I needed 🤣 I'll just have to put together a really cushy setup before next year.

[@dawnmoriarty9347]

@SnappyDragon I absolutely love my campervan now. No more getting up from the floor! I have ME and endometriosis so I get how difficult it is to try to continue doing the things I love

[@beatriceotter8718]

Sounds like you had a lot of fun! I have never been to a ren faire, but always wanted to go.

[@erinrising2799]

I feel like the tip to keep the base layers in the sleeping bag is a great tip for winter power loss as well

[@SnappyDragon]

Absolutely! If you haven't already seen @OpusElenae's video on using SCA skills to survive a major snowstorm, I highly recommend.

[@ushere5791]

yay--my favorite dance trifecta...contra, irish set dancing, and english country!

[@SnappyDragon]

Don't forget the Morris dancers, or they'll chase us menacingly with their bells!

[@ushere5791]

@@SnappyDragon lol!! i've never done morris dancing, but i love to watch!

[@penniecormier8770]

I enjoy going to Renaissance fairs in the area wearing outfits I’ve sewed. Nice to see the behind the scenes! I’ve always thought it’s more theater and way more fun than historical enactment. It’s inspired how you changed the costume to accommodate your needs and movements. Thank you! This will help us all make adjustments for support and comfort.

[@SnappyDragon]

It is definitely more like theater, and that's why I enjoy it! A different kind of fun than living history.

[@lyllydd]

Adding -- HEY! I recognize some of those dances! 26:50 mark - I haven't danced Jenny Pluck Pears in a dog's age.

[@SnappyDragon]

It's a good one! I learned it long before because it's easy enough the folks at Dickens would teach it to the Patrons.

[@juliejay5436]

I know you used to be a hairdresser, if you ever decide to make more videos about hair care and styling with a historical spin to it, please do! I had so much fun watching your previous videos on hair. Take care, oh mother of dragons!

[@chaotic-goodartistry3903]

I was prepping an early-16th-century Italian ensamble for an SCA war (at the last minute of course) during a time of year that's still real cold once the sun goes down, and man am I glad that I made a "fur"-lined partlet and some tie-on "fur"-lined sleeves instead of trimming my dress, because those two things kept me super cozy at night and were the MVPs of that event!! Second MVP was the pretty plant-misting bottle I got to get my linen sleeves and neckline wet when it got hot cause MAN is linen great for evaporative cooling! Even though my kirtles are boned, they have a high waistline so I might toy with making myself a pair of bodies to wear with my Italian stuff, cause after starting a job where I'm in a Victorian corset, and also suspecting that I've got EDS, having what amounts to a back brace has been SO nice for my spine during extended periods of standing.... Or I might make some later-16th-century Italian kirtles that have a longer waistline in the way you did it to have a built-in corset!

[@SnappyDragon]

I literally had a spray bottle in my pockets at the Folsom Ren Faire! I did, however reach a point where that wasn't enough. So, given that our stage was right in front of two of the site's enclosed bathrooms, and one of the faucets in them was stuck running, I would duck into that bathroom between dances and soak my sleeves and collar.

[@chaotic-goodartistry3903]

@@SnappyDragon huzzah to that MVP of a sink! 👏

[@penny-janeswift8525]

It was great to watch other people dancing my favourite dances. Newcastle is one of my particular favourites.

[@ecummins8650]

My mom used to be with the Pranksters about, oh, 40 years ago. It was fun seeing you with them now!

[@katherineraemcfadden4143]

Thank you for all your fantastic videos, Ms. Dragon!

[@sabrinal.nelson6714]

Super fun and informative. I worked Dickens backstage at Postcards 2017-2019, also telegraph office. I'm sure I saw you in passing, and we definitely have friends in common, particularly "British Mike". Been playing board games with him off and on for 20+ years. Anywho, thanks for the behind the scenes at Renn Faire, and the candid comments about health and comfort, particularly with costume. As a disabled person myself, I am deeply thankful for your insights. Best wishes for the holidays.

[@SnappyDragon]

Oh cool! I was officially with Carolers but got hijacked by the second Irish cast because those were the people I did ceili with every week. Doing that in a hoopskirt was *fun* . . .

[@TheGPFilmMaker]

That frozen water bottle hack is amazing! Love the content as always :) Also just purely from a pretty/vibes standpoint I LOVE the ivory linen tichel with the straw hat. Looks amazing!

[@rachelraimi19]

Absolutely loved this peek behind the scenes! It's so helpful to see how you modify your costume to accommodate chronic pain and a human body that changes over the course of a very active day. I'm so inspired, thank you!

[@SnappyDragon]

You're so welcome! I am absolutely here for modfying costumes, it frustrates me when the commitment to "accuracy" or some other external standard gets in the way of people being able to wear the fun clothes at all.

[@ameliaacker6246]

Thanks for the behind-the-scenes look! Also the painter's tape hack is definitely an accessibility and ease hack I will be using

[@SnappyDragon]

Painter's tape is fantastic stuff!

[@JasonReimink]

Eeeh! Love this. You released your "ren faires aren't historically accurate and that's a good thing" video just after I finished my first year on cast, it really helped me feel confident on my (already anachronistic being a pirate) garb and adjustments I've made throughout the seasons. At my festival all cast typically dances at morning dance, but health issues that flared earlier in the year wiped my stamina to a point where I was only able to do a single dance and do the rest of my day, but I recognized and missed many of the dances you did here. The one dance I did do was the Nonesuch, the dance we will invite patrons to participate in, but my absolute favorite is the Korobushka, but when Mother Superior is leading the band she can be relentless with the accelerando putting it just out of my grasp. Hopefully by next year I can reclaim stamina and be ready to dance just as much. Next weekend the collected Pirates of Michigan are invading Ohio, but we've been discussing going in different garb. I've ordered from the local kilt shop a new tartan, "Royal Pumpkin Spice", and the recent hood video by Morgan Donner has inspired me to try to make a green one with pumpkin leaf decoration at the bottom of the mantle section and the end of the pipe. The kilt was supposed to be available for pickup at the beginning of our festival, but supply chain issues have been hitting them from every side. If I do, indeed, have it by then I think this will be a fun little look that I can throw a somewhat dark shirt between, some of my various festival socks with orange included, and find a lantern to carry. And afterward the hood can come with me cross country skiing when I go out.

[@michellecelesteNW]

Your technique with the blue tape in genius! The light blue under skirt with the green is delightful on the eyes. I love Ren faire. I wasn't able to for so very long but I've recently made it part of my business model and can now not only go but make mula. I sell cordial, tea, and non-historically accurate fudge. It's well received. If you figure out a very comfortable Ren sleep thing, another fibro (me) would love to know.

[@this.is.kay.26]

Wanted to say I really appreciated your insight about how historical costumes made for performance have different needs than clothes for everyday activities ❤ Also really loved getting a behind the scenes look at Renfaires!

[@SnappyDragon]

It's so true! I think historical costumers end up looking down on stage costumes because they're not historically accurate in construction, but, like . . . imagine trying to do a quick-change in pointed-together Tudor clothes!

[@this.is.kay.26]

@@SnappyDragon Exactly! Even a lot of modern clothes would be uncomfortable to perform in unless altered somehow (like non-stretch jeans or most off-the-rack formal wear). I do like how you were able to take inspiration from different time periods to make a comfortable costume! That’s such a good way to use your historical knowledge to innovate and create something customized to your needs!

[@robehickmann]

@@this.is.kay.26 The points you raise are a major gripe I have with men's clothing, its all so horribly movement restrictive and mostly made from annoying scratchy materials.

[@christinaapplegate5281]

You make it all look fun even when things don’t always go as planned. ❤

[@marilynbunzo3648]

Love this video. Very informative. I like seeing your process of designing your clothing and your adaptations to make it work for the Renn Faire. Thank you.

[@hannahtikvah]

Two decades ago, my then boyfriend (now husband) and I used to perform English Country Dance at our local Ren Fair. It was over a long weekend and took place about 40 minutes from where we lived. Sometimes, we commuted from home, but sometimes we camped at the fair's grounds. It was so much fun! This video is making me happy with lots of nostalgia for those days.

[@Kayjayoh]

I don't know if it is within your financial or your packing space budget, but as a person who doesn't sleep well in many camping situations, I recommend the "Roamer" sleep pad from Nemo. I got the double one, for my husband and I sharing a tent at LARPs, but they also make a narrower version. It was not cheap and it does not pack super small, but it made a *world* of difference in how well I slept when we were tenting for a weekend event.

[@SnappyDragon]

I'll definitely keep it in mind! I'm taking note of everyone's suggestions for when I figure out gear for next year.

[@ladymcquillion]

Oh, that really evoked some of the best and worst parts of working faires. For managing the cold nights, I'd like to suggest seeing if a camping space heater might work with the size of your tent and luggage! And for surviving heat, I've found that pickles are a really helpful food for staying hydrated!

[@SnappyDragon]

The pickles are great! Our guild always sets out a big bowl of them before lunch and I was advized to eat as many as I could.

[@arealkiwilady]

This was a really cute video. We don't really have Ren Faires where I live, so it was nice to experience it through you :)

[@PwnageFury]

This looked like so much fun! FWIW - @MirandaGoesOutside is a backpacking youtuber with POTS as well as other health challenges. She has been very upfront with her audience about the way she helps care for herself on trips. If you were going to another faire that required camping it would be an interesting colab to see you figure out your setup with her experience.

[@SnappyDragon]

Oooh I'll check her stuff out!

[@historical.isolde7918]

I am glad you didn't put your coffee in that lovely horn mug! Hot drinks and real horn is a lesson you only learn once.

[@SnappyDragon]

I strongly suspect I may have done it some damage anyways, but since it was a $7 thrift store find I'm not extremely concerned.

[@historical.isolde7918]

@@SnappyDragon Thrift stores are the BEST places to get cups, crockery etc. for ren faire/SCA. I have a drink dispenser (you know those large containers with a spout at the bottom so you can help yourself to a single glass worth?) only it is made of pottery with a metal spout- something I have never seen before. I paid just AU$20, and it is now the main drinking water source within our camp. We refill it with large cartons of water, but when placed in the shade the pottery acts as a natural cooler, especially if you add a handful of ice cubes in the summer.

[@SnappyDragon]

Nice! Our guild has a screened-off backstage area, where we keep a 5gal cooler of water and on hot days, a 5gal cooler of ice. Plus jars of powdered lemonade to help keep the electrolytes up, and if the site's water tastes weird.

[@catherinerw1]

Interesting to see how you had to go for a more theatrical-focussed costume build for dancing comfort! (And lots of overlap with other traditional British dancing... movements that are familiar from Scottish dancing, but yes I also need a caller!). PS I LOOOOOVE that the TARDIS has randomly landed at a Ren Faire.

[@SnappyDragon]

I definitely have to stop myself from lapsing into Irish footwork at moments too!

[@datafoxy]

Thank you for showing what it was like at Ren Faires with your work. I wish i knew about Folsom having one so I could attend one.

[@SnappyDragon]

It's only the one weekend a year, but it's really fun!

[@theresaanndiaz3179]

Folsom sells out pretty quickly, they are limited to 4000 tickets and only available online. It's usually the last weekend of September. Though it's been the penultimate weekend before. It's a great faire and benefits the Folsom library. So there is a used book sale too!

[@christajennings3828]

​@@theresaanndiaz3179Valhalla is going to 2 weekends next year, I wonder if Folsom will, too (since they're put on by the same folks).

[@robertsotelo4973]

Participating at RenFaire is arduous because of the sunrise to sundown work days, the exposure to the outdoor elements, the amount of marching, walking, dancing, performing. Monday needs to be a recovery day.

[@SnappyDragon]

Monday was absolutely a recovery day after Valhalla! Honestly the whole week.

[@ReneePowell]

I haven’t gatelisted with a guild since college, but it was so much fun! Also *waves* at my convention friends who are apparently in your guild.

[@lynndragon2536]

your new green kirtle was lovely id love one like that ... getting the energy to make a full proper kirtle though

[@SnappyDragon]

As historical dresses go, I find them actually less difficult than some other eras I like! The bodice is usually patterned as a cone with just the bust and waist measurements, the sleeves are not set in so nothing complicated there, and the skirt is just two rectangles pleaded to the bodice waist. Lots of options for how much support to put in the bodice and how you want to get that support, too.

[@lynndragon2536]

@@SnappyDragonyeah it’s the eyelets and finding good fabric out in the middle of Midwest that’s the challenge I can make the proper shapes and am even working on it but eyelets are not happening yet at least not hand sewing ones I am also looking at cotton as I can find that

[@ushere5791]

i'm an actor in a friend's halloween haunt--it's edgar allan poe-themed, so we wear historical costumes. but i can't go this year because it's far from my house and i don't have a place to stay close by this year! i am so bummed. so enjoying your ren fest experience vicariously helps a lot!

[@SnappyDragon]

Oh no! I'm sorry you're missing it this year.

[@ushere5791]

@@SnappyDragon me too! i started it because i wanted to see if a 50+-yr-old, 5',

[@kendramcnally1280]

What a treat, your enjoyment and exploration are shared so well.

[@sarahlefton]

You are the one who made me feel ready to go to Faire a few years ago. THANK YOU for these videos!

[@jeansando6849]

What a fun video! I love how you modify your outfits to better suit your needs!

[@Nyx_musmus]

This looks like it was an awesome experience! I love seeing how different (and similar!) everyone's Ren Faires are around the world. And I also appreciate the discussion of altering costumes for comfort - I learned the hard way that a costume that is fine to wear for a 2-hour play might get super uncomfortable after 6+ hours out and about at a faire!

[@SnappyDragon]

I also learned this the hard way the first time I did any kind of Faire performing! The heavy skirts that were fine for 2 hours in my house were decidedly NOT fine for ten-hour days walking and standing on concrete!

[@shadowofthecandle]

I need to remember the painters tape trick for pleats, I hate using pins for that!

[@nickyclarer]

That looked like so much fun! definitely missing performing at the moment. I also love the train stitching - I love travelling by train for that (though these days I have to tag-team with my other half to make sure someone is entertaining our chaos gremlin)

[@SnappyDragon]

I definitely enjoy a good train ride, although they're so inefficient in the US it's rarely the thing that makes sense.

[@nickyclarer]

​@@SnappyDragonYes, Australia is similar sadly.

[@ladyjusticesusan]

One nice thing about the SCA is that, because so many of us have chronic illnesses, so everyone understands. I mean, I sure wish we all didn’t have them, but it’s nice to be around so many who “get it”. Polymyalgia Rheumatica here with an underlying Rheumatoid Arthritis. A weekend event completely wipes me out but it’s so worth it for the fun. And of course a week at Gulf Wars does me in for several weeks after but I wouldn’t miss it for anything. I might have to try a Ren Faire, since I have the garb anyway. Sure looks like a ton of fun.

[@SnappyDragon]

Yeah, the SCA does seem to have a great enthusiasm for finding ways to keep everyone comfortable while enjoying the historical aesthetic! I like it.

[@robehickmann]

Hey snappydragon, I'm surprised KZbin doesn't seem to be treating your videos well as of late, surprised you've only got 4.5k on this so far and others recently appear to be down too. Enjoyed seeing your experience and the dancing.

[@vickymc9695]

Oh fun. Haven't done that since may day at school. It was always really fun. Did country dancing and maypole dancing

[@SnappyDragon]

Nice! ECD is pretty new to me, but having done other dances is helping me pick it up

[@neldahargo5933]

I.ve never been to a Ren Faire. you make it look like fun. more so for those watching than those dancing. seems a great spot for people watching. the crafts and eating stations are attracting me. I would just follow the story tellers around all day. getting a little chilly in Wisconsin for outdoor events that aren't football. but I made a note to check back in spring.

[@SnappyDragon]

I've heard really good things about the Ren Faires near you, which I think are summer?

[@brianwilliams6986]

It was fun dancing with you this season, and is neat to see the resulting video. I look forward to doing this all again next season.

[@SnappyDragon]

To next season! . . . With an air mattress this time.

[@brianwilliams6986]

@@SnappyDragon air mattresses are definitely an improvement. If you stay doing this long-term, a cot with an air mattress/other padding on top is even better. It gives you under-cot storage space in the tent, somewhere to sit while changing, and doesn’t leave you on the cold ground when the air bed springs a leak.

[@carneliancorax]

I've not finished the video yet, but I just have to comment to thank you for sharing the painter's tape pleating tip, it is genius and I will be using it next time I need to pleat things.

[@fixxundfertig]

I wish my country had ren faires. They look so fun! Great video.

[@charischannah]

I have made it to exactly one Ren Faire, maybe 12 years ago? I had a good time, but sadly, that one closed down either that season or the next, and the nearest one now is several hours' drive and an international border away, and I haven't been able to talk my spouse into going yet.

[@EmL-kg5gn]

About the cold! I have chronic fatigue and a general inability to keep warm and hot water bottles are a life saver!!! Most people use one but I use two. Houses where I live are often colder than it is outside so I think I’ve put them to the test even though I haven’t taken them camping (yet)

[@SnappyDragon]

I'll definitely try that next time! If I can find someplace to fill them with hot enough water

[@EmL-kg5gn]

@@SnappyDragon Just make sure it’s not water from a hot tap! It needs to be water from a cold tap that’s then heated otherwise they can get damaged

[@sArnoldsdotter]

The new kirtle is gorgeous, and the cap is really cute. I wear headscarves reasonably often, and find that depending on how I tie/pin them, they can be extremely comfortable (helping me with some sensory issues), but tied the wrong way for my head, I have to hold myself in a manner that's tiring and painful over time. Unfortunately, my folk costume has a style of headkerchief that does not really agree with me... 😬

[@SnappyDragon]

I feel the frustration! A lot of methods of tying tichels can get really tight around the forehead to try and stay secure. I just use lots of pins.

[@sArnoldsdotter]

@@SnappyDragon My head may be shaped weirdly, but I find tying them loosely can sometimes be more secure - but it depends on the style, the fabric, how I'm wearing my hair under them, etc. Pins are sometimes necessary.

[@mx.noname4710]

This was really neat!

[@WatchedPlot]

I swear this video acted like a magic charm! I found out that there is going to be a living history event near me this weekend when normally we don't get anything like that!

[@SnappyDragon]

Ooohhh I hope you're able to go and have an amazing time!

[@MoonBratStudio]

Thank you for being here. 💖

[@kindofcl]

Very cool to see behind the scenes! I've only gotten the chance to go to one Ren Faire so far but it's definitely something I want to do more in the future

[@loraleitourtillottwiehr2473]

This is looked so fun! Made me miss contra dancing. And the green kirtle came out so wells, it looks great on you!

[@SlipperyLiz]

now I really want to go to the faire!

[@sr9122500]

i love how joy filled ur videos are!

[@lyllydd]

Used t9 camp a LOG in the Swiss Alps. You need layers (yes, LAYERS plural) under you. An air maittress may change size with a change in temperature as air expands/contracts. Try a couple of egg crate mattresses and layers of blankets underneath. If this is going to be a regular thing, do what the SCAdians do - get yourself a pavilion tent and a cot. That will give you enough room to stand up and get changed.

[@SnappyDragon]

I wish I had storage space for an SCA style glamping setup! Several of my friends have, and they look amazingly cushy.

[@JoannaVolavka]

Ahhhhhh that's so exciting that you're going to be performing!!!

[@MarnieLuna]

I wish Ren Faires was more of a thing in the UK

[@GymGirl88]

Definitely having a good sleeping mat to keep you warm at night is the best. I wish you luck. I don't have any muscle issues but switching from basically a thick yoga mat to the egg create style mats kept me so much warmer and my hips didn't hurt!

[@SnappyDragon]

I had multiple sleeping pads stacked up with yoga mats in between, but something squishier like that might have been better! Things to think about for next year.

[@GymGirl88]

@SnappyDragon the more air pockets the warmer you are!

[@teresagabriela5806]

‘’Don’t die. Don’t break the stage” Apparently someone didn’t heed that 2nd directive.

[@SnappyDragon]

From what I've heard, the fact that our stage at Valhalla made it through the weekend and only wiggled was rather impressive. Most of the performing acts are either stationery like storytellers and musicians, or one or two people doing feats of athleticism like jugglers or performers with whips. Having four to 12 people rhythmically jumping up and down places rather different demands on a stage than either of those . . .

[@happytofu5]

Fascinating. As far as I know we don't have ren faires in germany, but we do have the "Mittelaltermarkt" (middle ages market) in summer and also sometimes as a christmas market.

[@SnappyDragon]

I've heard of those and they sound so much fun! I'd love to visit someday.

[@Kirachan3]

Thanks for showing us the backstage view of ren fair! Love all your videos!

[@SnappyDragon]

Thank you! 💚

[@MissMeganBeckett]

Mountain nights even in the summertime are absolutely freezing, I remember on one particular childhood camping road trip when we went all the way to Alberta in the Rocky Mountains and even though we were supposed to be saving money by camping in the national park campgrounds so that we could afford to have a really long holiday we had to give up on camping in the mountains after having my mom my sister and myself all squished together in two sleeping bags that were zipped together into a single large sleeping bag with the third sleeping bag as a blanket over all of us to share heat and we were all wearing our hats too but we were still too cold to sleep well and kept waking up shivering despite those precautions so the next night we splurged on a little cozy cabin rental with a wood fireplace in it and stayed in cheaper indoor accommodations like hostels and the like after that until we were finished touring around the mountains and got back to a lower elevation where we could go back to camping where there was consistently safe temperatures overnight.

[@SnappyDragon]

Yeah, I might have to look into whether the cabin accommodations at the site are open to participants. I know they exist!

[@MamamanaDoDo]

Oh I wish you would have come to the Colorado Ren Faire!! I would have Fan Girl’d!

[@SnappyDragon]

That's sweet, but I actually find it really uncomfortable to be fangirled at!

[@hollisterdoty-griner1683]

I am also a sufferer of fibro and some other chronic conditions but I have been experimenting with making camping more accessible! If anyone is interested I would be happy to share my recommendations❤

[@gozer87]

Cool, been a Renfaire geek since the 80s.

[@PNASTYFORK]

Costume looks great!!!! Crushed it!

[@AnnaWillo]

This video was so perfectly timed, as I'm about to go to the Ohio Ren Faire! thanks for getting me in a magical headspace!

[@SnappyDragon]

Have so much fun! :D

[@et12345]

I’ve always wanted to go to a Ren Faire and have never had the chance. Thanks for sharing your perspective as a performer!

[@SnappyDragon]

I hope you're able to! They're so much fun

[@greatprophetmurphy6461]

Im so glad you had a good time performing at the faires this season- heres hoping you get more adventures next year too❤

[@SnappyDragon]

Me also!

[@teaweaselstudios]

I miss performing at Ren Faires. Very different animal than SCA events. I recently got myself a lutkulele (a lute structured like a ukulele and plays like one) and am learning ren songs and dance music. I have hypermobile EDS so it has been difficult to figure out how to modify so I can still participate. It us possible, I just need to find a group that can accomodate if I need to sit down or drop a few musical embelishments for a song.

[@teaweaselstudios]

I previously perfomred with a mandolin and pennywhistle, both of which I can no longer do.

[@SnappyDragon]

I hope you find that! It's so important for groups to understand accessibility needs.

[@mbuhtz]

We went to our local faire last weekend (Carter, MA), and I'm starting to create a Ranger/Druid costume because my "wench" bodice from 30+ years ago no longer fits me very well (and I want to wear pants). I'll buy a leather bodice and boots, make pants, shirt, and staff, and start collecting accessories.

[@SnappyDragon]

That's going to look so cool!