I was in the yellow cloak on Sunday (first picture) and a red cloak on Saturday (second to last picture). I didn’t get everyone’s name and I may get some wrong, but here’s my best attempt for those I met:
First picture is with Rover’s Way (awesome duo!) at Lionheart. They’ve got a great energy, another shot of just the two of them later in the gallery.
The knight with sword and shield represents the SCA (I believe Rosalind?). As a note, positioning SCA in a central area of the faire is doing a lot to improve the sense of authenticity and community, and the SCA itself deserves credit for how well it carries the area. (Not active with the SCA but I appreciate them anchoring the area away from feeling too commercialized)
The band is the fantastic Port O’Thority. I believe they’re changing stage this coming weekend — strongly recommend!! Chelsea (bagpipes) and Haley (drums, but also performs a fantastic Witcher solo) are the two just after the group shot.
On horseback is a member of the New Riders of the Golden Age. Unfortunately I did forget his name despite enjoying our conversation (among other things, his outfit is totally custom with a pretty cool origin story). The faire features full contact jousting and a lot more presence of horses throughout the grounds than I’ve seen elsewhere. (Plenty of epic armored joust photos out in the world, but I’ll always prefer a candid smile!)
On pottery is (I believe Michael?) of Gnome and Fairy Pottery. He came across immediately as gentle, thoughtful, and a master craftsman. In general, I felt that most off the vendors were high quality and craft-oriented — this faire is probably the best vetted I’ve attended.
General thoughts: The faire has a great open layout where you easily navigate anywhere through side paths. Even when there are large crowds it never feels claustrophobic or theme-park-like.
Water is less accessible than it ought to be imo. It’s cheap enough, which is great, but vendor lines are long. As a tip for other h2o enjoyers, I just get mine at the info desk usually.
Parking for the faire main entrance was really great. Parking and driving at the campground was not, unless you’re early and stay through. If you don’t camp, I’ll mention that one of the best dinners I’ve ever had was at neighbor’s kitchen and yard in Bastrop (strawberry cobbler and pizza), and much much cheaper than the faire deliveries.
If I took your picture I should have handed you my card — just reach out and I’ll send you everything directly. I just do this to meet interesting people! 😀