Costume . Organizational . Education . Site Logistics . What to Expect

Costume

Q: I am having a medieval wedding. Where can I rent/buy medieval costumes in the Kitchener-Waterloo region?

A: The following are the costume shops in Kitchener-Waterloo that would outfit your guests:

Seams Like Magic 321 Weber Street North Waterloo, Ontario N2J 3H8 (519) 885-4700 Mavis Theatrical Supplies 321 Weber Street North Waterloo, Ontario N2J 3H8 (519) 746-1484 Alberta Jeans Costume Rentals 564 King Street East (close to Pandora Street) Kitchener, Ontario N2G 2M1 (519) 576-5340 Queen of Hearts Costumes 91 King Street North Waterloo, Ontario N2J 2X3 (519) 886-0014 Dreampower 1363 King Street St Jacobs, Ontario N0B 2N0 (519) 664-1313 Masquerade Manor Hespler, Ontario (519) 658-6260 If you are looking for a medieval wedding dress, try A Custom Affaire 326 King Street West Kitchener, Ontario (519) 576-2612 If you know someone else who sews, there are many Simplicity & McCall's medieval dress patterns available in the costume section of the pattern book. You can check the Simplicity one at http://www.simplicity.com

Q: Can I come dressed in costume?

A: Certainly, you may come dressed in costume. It adds to the fun!

Q: If I come dressed in costume, will I get in for free?

A: Please feel free to wear your costume, but we believe that since the admission fee is nominal that we still require you to pay the admission fee.

Q: Where can I rent a costume?

A: See answer to question “Where can I rent/buy medieval costumes in the Kitchener-Waterloo region?”.

Q: Can I wear a sword or dagger with my costume?

A: No. We have a strict no weapons policy. We want everyone to enjoy the festivities at the Faire and place the safety of all as paramount.

Organizational

Q: Does the Faire move to a rain venue if it rains?

A: The Faire goes on Rain or Shine! There is shelter in tents and at the covered pavilion area. Some performances may be delayed or cancelled if the rain is pouring and there is danger of performers being injured. Otherwise, the show continues as scheduled.

Q: Where do the proceeds of the Faire go?

A: The Faire is a volunteer not-for-profit organization. The gate admission that patrons pay offset the expenses incurred (e.g. park rental; sword repairs; costumes; storage; banner installation, programme, posters & flyer production; sound system rental to name a few) in putting on an event of this magnitude and the remaining funds go towards the next year’s Faire.

Q: Who organizes this event?

A: The Faire happens largely due to the generous time volunteered by individuals within our community. There is a group of work coordinators assigned to particular areas of the medieval faire which is then overseen by a board of directors. We are always looking for more help, so, if you'd like to assist with the year to year running of the medieval faire, please contact us. Current Board of Directors Christina Austin Director (2008-present) Ginevra Brown Artistic Director (2008-present) Dwayne Price Director of Operations (2008-present) Krystina Bednarowski Director (2008-present) Former Directors Ann-Marie Kong Director of Information (1999-2007) Karen Lucas Artistic Director (1998-2007) Nicholas Oddson Director of Operations (1998-2007) Tracy Biggar Director of Promotions (2001-2007) DJ Carroll Artistic Director (1998-2000) Janette Kruegel Director (1999-2002) Elaine Stewart Director (2002-2005)

Education

Q: My grade 4 class is studying the medieval period, do you do school presentations?

A: We do not do school presentations. The Royal Medieval Faire is made possible by many enthusiastic and dedicated volunteers. Given our limited resources, we have decided to focus on producing an affordable high quality event.

Site Logistics

Q: Can I bring my pet with me to the Faire?

A: The Faire is a public event with many wee ones and in the interest of safety of these wee ones, pets are not allowed.

Q: Is there parking close to the Faire?

A: Yes, there is free parking at The Waterloo Memorial Recreation Complex and at the Bauer parking lot on Fr. David Bauer Drive in Waterloo. There is also free parking on Seagram Drive in the parking lot outside the football field. Refer to the directions page for parking locations.

Q: Is the Faire accessible to the handicapped?

A: Yes, the handicap accessible entrance is the Westmount Gate off of Westmount Road. Our volunteers will be there to direct you. Handicapped individuals in wheelchairs are allowed in for free along with one assistant.

Q: Can I rent a wheelchair there?

A: No. We do not have wheelchairs available for rent or loan. If you will be requiring one, please contact your local medical supply store.

Q: Will I be able to get back into the Faire should I have to exit for any reason?

A: Yes! You will receive a stamp on your hand when you pay at the gate, this entitles you to come in and out of the park as often as you like.

Q: What do I do if I am separated from the party I came with?

A: We have t-shirted volunteers assisting throughout the day to ensure that your day is enjoyable. Please let one of these volunteers know of your situation or come to the Information Booth to report your situation and wait for your party.

What to Expect at the Faire

Q: What kind of entertainment is there at the Faire?

A: At the 2 festival stages, there is singing and dancing. At the tournament area, there is an intriguing story that unfolds throughout the day with knights in battle. The Royal Court, minstrels and jesters are sure to charm you. Medieval merchants are located throughout the marketplace interspersed with games.

Q: Do I have to pay extra to play the games? If so, are there tokens I have to purchase and where do I purchase them?

A: No, you do not have to pay extra to play the games at the Faire. Once you have paid your admission fee, this entitles you to play the games for free and to enjoy live entertainment at the 2 festival stages & the intriguing story that unfolds throughout the day at the tournament ring. When you fare well at a game, you will be given a token. You can trade your tokens for prizes at the Games Magistrate tent.

Q: Are there food and beverages available at the Faire?

A: Yes, there is an assortment of food fit for a King or Queen that is available for purchase.

Q: Is there seating available at the Faire?

A: The Faire is an outdoor event. There is limited seating at each of the festival stages, at the Tournament area, in the Tavern and interspersed in the park.

Q: Are there washrooms on-site?

A: Yes, there are washrooms in the Tavern area and portable washrooms are located throughout the park.

Q: Are there emergency services on-site in the event I fall ill while at the Faire?

A: We will have first aid services on-site to assist patrons who fall ill or may be injured while visiting with us. There is a mobile unit stationed at First Aid throughout the day.