One of our favorite things to do in the summer is go to the Renaissance Festival. I never went growing up, and my mind was blown the first time we went 4 years ago. It was one of the most frequent things Miles asked about last summer that we couldn’t do because of quarantine. Luckily, we were able to go this summer! Huzzah! Here are a few of our favorite things about it, and—yes—how they relate to Ventura Graphic Design.
Dedication to the Cause
One of the most dedicated… and disturbing
I’d love to tell you that my whole family gets fully dressed up in Renaissance garb for the event, but alas we do not. Joe even got heckled at the entrance for looking like every other “white dad” who had come in that day. But I’d say more than half of the people do dress up, and of course all the people who work there are fully dedicated to the theme—from their costumes to the way they speak. They put their hearts into it, and they have fun with it. You could say the same about the work I do for you.
People-Powered
Grandpa, Miles and me on the King’s Swing
Did you know that the Renaissance Festival has rides? And that all these rides are people-powered? Not one engine in sight! Our favorite is the King’s Swing. It’s basically a giant swing that two people pull back ridiculously far (it’s pretty scary) and then let you go swinging amid the trees while also trying to knock your shoes off (Miles made sure none of us were wearing flip flops when we left the house). Ok, this doesn’t really relate to my business, but the King’s Swing is Miles and my favorite part of the whole Festival, so I had to mention it!
Experience and Training
Cy the Sword Swallower
In addition to food, games, and rides, the Renaissance Festival is known for its shows. Our favorite this year was the sword swallower. He showed us amateur collapsible swords and proved to us that he was swallowing the Real Thing. He even swallowed a curved sword by perfectly curving his body to fit to it—yikes! (Watch it here—not for the faint of heart!) Well, you don’t get to be a professional—and living—sword swallower without a lot of practice and consistent training. You can see where this is going! I’ve been running this business for 9 years and continue to learn new things all the time.
When Efficiency Goes Wrong
A sea of people
I blame this on having missed the festival last year—out of practice!—but we made a total rookie mistake this year. We didn’t bring cash! And the line to the ATM was past the privies and 2 turkey leg stands. This is an example of inefficiency due to being ill prepared. Luckily, my years of experience with graphic design mean that I never do this in my own work. I am all about finding the most efficient way to work with you—to benefit us both!
If you are fortunate enough to live near a Renaissance Festival, and have never been, get thee to the Faire!