"Who's got my willy?--Kevin, it's you, isn't it." "Mmm, no! Okay, yes."
Saturday was simply beautiful weather. I almost wish I could post on Saturday night so I can remember everything that happened, since I remember it less than the things that happen on Sunday. But I'll do me best.
SATURDAY
- As we all know, Ron filled in for Greg as Robin Hood, which was unprecidented. When I thought about what Ron's plan would be, I never seriously thought it could be him actually filling the role, simply because he and Greg are so different. He did a great job though, of what I saw and heard. I remember seeing Leigh in the morning. She said she hadn't seen Robin Hood yet and I told her and her mom to not be surprised if he looked different. I explained her "cute" Robin was ill this weekend and so he had a good friend taking over his role, making sure the Evil Sheriff wouldn't take advantage of this opportunity. She was still disappointed though ("I was going to make him a bracelet!") Oh well. At any rate, I look forward to seeing Greg back in action next weekend. Stay strong, bro!
- With the fall of the tiny apples from the old apple tree, I revived Apple Smashing Day, a funny bit from last year. It lasted me a good hour or so. I even created a back story: 152 years ago to the day, the townspeople of Bristol smashed their oppressive Apple government that had overrun them. The Apple government had forced all the physicians out of town (hence the old saying, "An apple a day keeps the doctor away") and all of the citizens of Bristol were dying of plague (or was it plaque?) Kronk the Elder suggested "Why don we jost smash 'em, eh?" and the coup lasted for a fortnight until the current government was installed. Needless to say, kids just LOVED smashing apples. I was even offered a tip, which I couldn't believe because I was teaching kids to smash fruit. But I guess Gallagher got paid for it. Erin and Jenny B joined in the fun and we entertained-a-plenty along Farnham's Way.
- This is probably the only day this season I don't wear a mustache. I just wanted to try a day without it to see if it changed patron's interaction with me. I don't think it made much of a difference.
- Matt and I, as members of the town council, played croquet with Honorary Aldermen (aka children) and tought them how to be a proper politician and cheat in every opportunity you get. Oh how far we've fallen from Kids Kingdom.
- T. Stacy Hicks had his last day. I was never really close to him, although we grew to know each other since my arrival at Faire in 2002. Each year, he seemed to get cooler and cooler and less uptight than he had been the previous year. I don't mean that in a mean way, but when I first started at Faire, I don't remember him smiling too much. He seemed to be more easygoing and fun being the Earl of Leicester as he went on. His cast farewell was nice, which it mostly seemed to take place backstage after the gates closed, with the processional line of characters bidding him adieu ("God Save Stacy Hicks!") with tears in his eyes. The wardrobe director's final words to the cast were bittersweet: "Take off your clothes!" I wish him the best at Milwaukee Rep, which seems to be more welcoming to Bristol vets in recent years.
SUNDAY
- I remember sticking very close to grid this day, which was just instituted last week. I also was very sticky myself, since it was significantly hotter than Saturday. It wasn't as hot as last week, but I did get sunburned AGAIN.
- Queen Show was really good, which is nice because Susan was watching. Moderate patron response, but we kept them entertained and gave them a few chuckles. Beforehand, Randall Roarback informed the Constable that the Queen wanted to see him, to which I screamed with excitement. Matt was just trying to get me to the Globe, but we made it a bit. Grace Underfyre helped make sure I looked good for her and I went to the Globe. Meanwhile, Randall told her and the crowd, "Do you think I should tell him that she's very upset with Bristol's poor crime rate and wishes to severely punish him?" (Big laugh) Grace: "No, let him find out for himself." (Laugh.)
- Another good patron day. I think Sunday must be my special patron chat day. I'm making it a point to try to remember people's names. I met "Lady Laskey" and her friend Jean who came a long way to see the Earl of Leicester this season. Ahh, comedic timing. She was very shocked and disappointed, but she said she had his email anyway. I also met Keith, who was one of those patrons who approached ME and just started talking. Luckily, his conversation was interesting and not one-sided. :) I then handed him over to Jane the Phoole ("tag!") who came up Farnham's Way just as we were talking about her. I met a few other very nice patrons. One mother brought her daughter to the Faire after being away for twenty years. She said the spirit was still the same. :) I also met a group of three women (Denise, Mary Ann and I forgot the third!) who have made at least one trip to the Faire for twenty five years (aka since I was born) so I told them I'd let them be since they knew of Bristol more than I ever would. It was nice, because after closing gate and coming back into the Faire, I ran into the first two ladies again who I had seen at the start of the day wishing me goodbye, as well as Keith, who I had seen in the afternoon. Circle of life, man.
- Elizabeth, who I first mentioned in this entry last year, finally came to Faire this season after some family issues. It was good to see her! We chatted for a while.
- Joe Fernandez, spedwig, Brett, and Troppy all came to visit and I got to see them all, albeit the last three briefly. Joe said since his Spain tripped was unceremoniously cancelled, I should expect to see him performing at Bristol soon. What a great guy he is! I look forward to performing with him.
- I'm really looking forward to the shots Carl Jester got of me being a raptor.
It's August already. I think I'm actually going to cry when this season ends.