STERLING RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL OFFICIAL BLOG

The season is flying by...

2009-08-06T10:36:00.002-04:00

Good morning!

As per my title, it is obvious that is seems to be slipping away! Sad, but all the more reason for everyone to visit us before the 2009 season comes to a close!

This weekend is GYPSY REVEL! We will feature gypsy dancing and music, as well as a costume competition. Our regular Renaissance Festival activities will be going on as well.

We will close the weekend following with Wine Lovers' Bacchanal! Traditionally, we will be doing wine tasting! Get your feet ready for our annual Grape Stomping Competition, winner will be crowned the Lord/Lady of Wine.

A friendly reminder- We do not accept credit/debit cards inside the shire. Some artisans may but the majority do not. The majority includes food and drink booths as well.
We have an ATM in the Remembrance Shoppe, so make sure to retrieve money before entering. It will save you time, so you won't miss any of our wonderful shows!

Also, We do not accept 100 dollar bills at any food or drink booths but will give change at the ticket windows!

HUZZAH!

Peace&Love,
Alex

Arrrrgghhh, Pirates Invade!

2009-07-23T10:39:00.002-04:00

Good morning to you all!

Weather has been getting better and better! We feel as though summer is peaking through more and more each weekend. This past weekend, A Midsummer Fantasy, was a beautiful weekend. If you strolled in the Shire you were bound to see many fairies frolicking around as well as many other creatures. The music was playing and drinks were flowing as usual.

Our actors and artisans held Christmas in July this week which I was able to attend. On "Christmas Eve" they read through a modern play of the story of Mary and Joseph, had a feast, and sang Christmas carols. It was started more than 30 years ago and brought to this festival 14 years ago to bring together the 'family' we have here. Everyone may be in different places in December but in July they are able to celebrate that time to cherish each others company, which may not be feasible in other months.

This weekend is Pirates Invasion. Come prepared in your pirate garb for our competition!
Lines are always very long for this weekend. Save time and Buy tickets online!

You will receive immediate entrance in the festival!

Peace&Love,
Alex

Rain, Rain, go away?

2009-07-16T11:34:00.002-04:00

Good Morn to ye all!

Weekend number 2 (Romance Rendezvous) was lovely... The weather did not always cooperate but none the less patrons seemed to still be smiling! Our German Landsknechts performed in the pouring rain singing Wild Rover. Patrons under cover joined in and took pictures! A rainy joust is always interesting and exciting as well!

Congratulations to all who participated in our Renewal of Vows on Saturday and Sunday! It was nice to see lovers having picnics with wine and cheese around the shire.

During the week a few of our talented actors visited the Syracuse Chamber of Commerce's Business Beach event. Feedback was very positive and got business owners and their families excited to come. We love these events because they open peoples eyes and give them a taste of the Sterling Renaissance Festival. It may not pop in a persons mind for a summer attraction as fast as a water park.

This weekend is approaching fast, A Midsummer Fantasy. We will have Shakespeare's 'A Midsummer Night's Dream", stories, and a fantasy costume contest along with the rest of the exciting celebratory events.

Buy tickets today for immediate entrance into the festival!
www.sterlingfestival.com

Peace&Love,
Alex

The calm after the festival storm...

2009-07-09T09:34:00.003-04:00

Good morning!

It was a great "storm" as the title states. For all of you who attended the opening weekend, HUZZAH! My title doth lie though. Preparation for the next weekend starts right after the previous weekend ends, leaving a short amount of calm, if any.

The weather for opening weekend was spectacular. A little chilly Saturday, July 4th, leaving us wondering where our summer has gone? Sunday proved us a bit better with warmer weather. Little niperkins were running around with joy and there parents even happier because children were free!

This weekend is Romance Rendezvous! Couples can officially renew their vows in our outdoor chapel. It is a beautiful, intimate setting. All of the rest of the festivities will be going on as well!

If you would like to schedule a renewal of vows, please call our office at 1-800-879-4446

See you this weekend!

Peace&Love,
Alex

3 DAYS...

2009-07-01T09:11:00.003-04:00

HUZZAH!
We will be officially opening our gates in 3 DAYS!

In the office we have been busy programming registers for our booths which will withhold tasty treats. Adding new food, and reconstructing menus has been time consuming but will be worth it once we see smiling faces on opening day!

The gray skies and rainy days have not halted prep. progression but has made things a bit muddy. Mock Faire Day is tomorrow. The actors will converse and perform to make sure all of the kinks are smoothed out before the patrons, you, come visit Warwick shire, England.

Reminder: Children's Weekend JULY 4th, and 5th (this weekend)...Children ages 6-12 FREE.

Check out an online version of the brochure and schedule!
http://empireattractions.com/media/sterling-renaissance-festival/general-downloads

See you all soon!

Peace&Love,
Alex

10 days until opening...

2009-06-24T09:03:00.004-04:00

Good morning!

Everyone at the festival is very excited for next Saturday, July 4th. (Opening day if you're not aware!) The wonderful horses and jousters have arrived. They have been busy getting ready for opening day. The actors have as well. As we look out the window of the office there is a good chance we may see them running, doing the crabwalk or participating in improv exercises, such as enjoying conversation with a tree. Everyone is training physically, as well as mentally.
The orientation for general employees was very exciting as we all took a trip back in time. The workshop occurred last weekend.

The preparation for the festival is in full force now. We have also been preparing on the Sterling Celtic Festival which occurs on August 22-23rd and Screamers' Hollow, which starts in October. More information will be posted at a later date. Please visit our websites for them as well!

http://www.sterlingceltic.com/

http://www.screamershollow.com/

Peace&Love,

Alex
Online Operations Manager

Money & time Saving Tips:

BUY NOW- Buy tickets now to receive immediate entrance into the festival. Pass the long lines of people who decided to wait!

AAA MEMBERS- Call your AAA office to acquire a promotional code to receive a dollar off!

BUY TICKETS EARLY NEXT YEAR- catch our early bird special next year to receive a larger discount.

19 days until opening day...

2009-06-16T08:43:00.004-04:00

Good Morning!
I feel like we are counting down for Christmas! To many of our patrons it may feel the same way.

Orientation will be held this weekend. Our employees will be attending an authentic old English speaking workshop during this time. Once set foot into the gates of the Renaissance Festival our employees, along with the setting, will bring you back to 1585.

Last weekend was costume fittings and Judy, our costume director, did a wonderful job. Everyone will be looking very dapper in their Renaissance "garb".

*Reminder- If you are a AAA member you can receive a dollar off your ticket price.*

*Also, if you buy tickets online or by phone you will have immediate entrance into the festival!*

See you all soon!

Peace&Love,
Alex

www.sterlingfestival.com

25 days...

2009-06-09T08:41:00.003-04:00

25 days until the Festival opens its gates for the 2009 season!

We have been busy mailing out corporate brochure packages and getting the grounds in working order for a busy season. New employees and returning employees will be arriving in the next couple weeks for orientation and language workshops.

All of the Bless the Mark players (our acting group) have arrived and have been working hard preparing their outstanding acts.

We encourage our potential patrons to purchase tickets now. You will save yourself a lot of time and will receive immediate entrance with a pre-purchased ticket. NO LINES!!!!
http://www.sterlingfestival.com/ for tickets

A little more about the Sterling Celtic Rock Festival...

This is a new addition this year and is separate from the Ren Fest. It will take place on the grounds. Some of the excitement includes 4 stages of live music, new & different food, and an array of different artisans. Let's not forget a selection of hearty beverages!

Tickets are limited because its only two days! August 22nd-23rd
For more information and tickets for the Celtic Fest. visit.... http://www.sterlingceltic.com/

Questions or comments?
Leave a comment or email us at office@sterlingfestival.com

HUZZAH!

2009-06-01T13:44:00.001-04:00

Hello,
This is the official blog for the Sterling Renaissance Festival. We look forward to networking with new and returning patrons, as well as many others! The interviewing process for food and drink booth operators has been going on for three weeks and ended last Friday. Processing and placing applicants is occurring this week.
The Bless the Mark Players, which is our acting group, have started to arrive today. We are very excited to have them! They will be preparing their performances for our 2009 season.
This year we will be open seven weekends, including new themes and performances!

The weekend right after the Renaissance Festival ends we will be holding our first Sterling Celtic Rock Festival. The rock festival will include 4 stages of music which an array of bands playing each day, different food for the weekend, and new artisans. The dates for this will be August 22-23rd.

More information:

http://www.sterlingfestival.com/

http://www.sterlingceltic.com/

Peace&Love,
Alex
Online Operations Manager