question on VTRF

[Laneya]

Anyone know if they've done anything about the bathroom situation for this coming season at VTRF? I've been asked to work there this year, but don't want to commit until I know fi they've made improvements. Last year they were BAD!! Thanks for any info!!

[mstarfire]

Wasn't last year just a very temporary situation while they are building the new site?
That was my understanding. However, I have no idea when the new site will be ready.

[Cassandra from VTRF]

-steps out of her tiny 'office' -

Hi everyone. I am the one in charge of costumes at VTRF. We will be at the same site this year. Jordan has been working very hard on our hard site, but we just can't do it this year. The facilities are going to be the same, as far as I know. Tomorrow morning I will be working with the General Manager and pass on your concerns. Are their any other comments that you would like me to bring up? You can PM me or email me if you want.

[Laneya]

Wasn't last year just a very temporary situation while they are building the new site?
That was my understanding. However, I have no idea when the new site will be ready.

My understanding was that they bought a site, but were having problems getting permits to build, or something like that, so they've been using a rented site until it gets worked out.

[Jordan from VT]

Greetings Esteemed Wenches,

Please forgive my trespass upon thy domain and allow me to field a few of your questions and concerns.

The Bathrooms of Doom
We were similarly appalled at the unholy odor that wafted from the outhouse. A new site poses new challenges, many of which need time to handle. Be assured that we now know 1) How to operate the ventilation fans and 2) Have an ample supply of "blue water" to quiet the dark stench beasts that live in the pit

The New and Permanent Site
Long have we aspired to found and permanent home for the festival, and indeed we have acquired 400 pristine acres of woodlands for the purpose. But know you, dear friends, that the state of Vermont has remained untouched for a reason. The laws are quite restrictive regarding development of commercial property. And although we would only be using the festival site actively for 8-10 days out of 365, the state requires that we design the facilities as if to handle peak attendance EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR. This has presented some challenges.... We cannot hurry the process and are in the midst of attempting to change the laws to be a more reasonable fit for the real world.

My Sincere Regards,
Jordan
Operations Manager for
The Vermont Renaissance Festival
www.vtrenfest.com

[Cassandra from VTRF]

-bows to her King-

Hiya! Thanks for answering. I'll let you go back the other stuff now.

[vanessa]

Greetings Esteemed Wenches,

Please forgive my trespass upon thy domain and allow me to field a few of your questions and concerns.


The New and Permanent Site
Long have we aspired to found and permanent home for the festival, and indeed we have acquired 400 pristine acres of woodlands for the purpose. But know you, dear friends, that the state of Vermont has remained untouched for a reason. The laws are quite restrictive regarding development of commercial property. And although we would only be using the festival site actively for 8-10 days out of 365, the state requires that we design the facilities as if to handle peak attendance EVERY DAY OF THE YEAR. This has presented some challenges.... We cannot hurry the process and are in the midst of attempting to change the laws to be a more reasonable fit for the real world.

My Sincere Regards,
Jordan
Operations Manager for
The Vermont Renaissance Festival
www.vtrenfest.com

No trespass at all. Thanks for adding your input to this topic. Since the festival would only be using the site actively for such a short period but you have to set up the facilities for year round peak attendance, have you/other management staff thought to set up a Winter Festival for around the holidays? These are far and few between, especially in the New England area. I'm sure the winter weather could throw in some kinks into some kind of plan like that, but could possibly create a new venue for performance during the "off season" and additional revenue as well.

Just a thought.... :)

[Jordan from VT]

Thanks for the welcomes.

Yes we have considered the possibility of other events during the year. It's a good thought, and one we'll follow up on in the fullness of time. But the real problem is the level of regulation associated with commercial development in Vermont.

One of the reasons why Vermont remains so pristine is that there are laws which preclude many reasonable concepts. It's a two edged sword with the ecological benefits being balanced against the economics of new businesses investing in facilities. Despite the fact that we are a very modest and ecologically careful project there are strange regulations that are getting in the way. Here's a for instance: Full flush toilet facilities are required rather than composting toilets. Yes, ecologically effective solutions are sacrificed because of antique notions of what is healthy and safe. It's either that or these regs. are artificial roadblocks intended to impede development overall. (many have told me this). Our site lacks the ability to handle a peak septic discharge as would be created by a peak attendance. So we're stuck right now.

We're not in a HUGE hurry to build. Every year that passes we gain in experience and will know even more about how to run a nice fair and what sorts of facilities we'll need to put one on. Our patronage grows every year, we meet more charming and delightful participants.... it all just gets better and better. We do not despair, we wait with eager anticipation for the time when we can grow a delightful organically grown English Tudor Village set in the southern Vermont.

And we'd LOVE to have the alluring guild of wenches join us in the fun.

Regards,
Jordan
Operations Manager for
The Vermont Renaissance Festival
www.vtrenfest.com

[Laneya]

The Bathrooms of Doom
We were similarly appalled at the unholy odor that wafted from the outhouse. A new site poses new challenges, many of which need time to handle. Be assured that we now know 1) How to operate the ventilation fans and 2) Have an ample supply of "blue water" to quiet the dark stench beasts that live in the pit

Huzzah!!

Thank you, Jordan. You have put my mind at ease. I look forward to working the faire now.

*giggle* Hope you guys are ready for us.......