ALABAMA RENAISSANCE FAIRE

Minutes of Meeting, 5-15-08

Those present:  Rick McAdams, His Majesty Lord Gregory of Bowling, Donna Miles, Bonnie McIntyre, Leah Brewer, Anne Iaria, Calvin Liles, Sharon Bradley, Christy Garner, Mary Nicely, William Freeman, Karen Ugrovics, Randall Ugrovics, Aubrey Gaskins, Lee Freeman, Carol Burhans, Billy Warren, Mandi Green

1. Billy Warren welcomed Calvin Liles and Sharon Bradley to the Roundtable, and there was a round of applause from the whole group.
   
    
2. Billy Warren suggested that everyone visit the new River Heritage Park which adjoins the Shoals Marriott Conference Center to see if it has an open space within it that is larger than Wilson Park.
   
    
3. Lee Freeman shared with the group the tentative menu for this year’s Feast.  Since we have a Pirate King, the menu’s title is very appropriate:  “Raiders, Invaders and Privateers.”  It features such delicacies as salt pork soup, hard tack, salamagundy, black bean soup, corn pudding and roast turkey with avocado.   It includes foods known to have been kept in ships’ stores as well as those discovered in the New World and/or introduced by the Spanish and Portuguese.  There will be further discussion of the menu at future meetings.  The entire menu, including ingredients, may be found on Chef Jim Matterer’s website, www.godecookery.com.
   
    
4. Thomas Ray (in absentia) presented the Roundtable with a handsome round wooden tray from Denmark.  There was an applause of appreciation for this fine gift.  We will use it at the Feast and Faire.
   
    
5. In a drawing:
   1. His Majesty Lord Gregory won a copy of the Metropolitan Museum of Art Bulletin which was published in February, 1955.
   2. Anne Iaria won a historical novel (in hardback) set in Medieval England.
      
       
6. Mary Nicely reminded everyone to attend Arts Alive in Wilson Park this weekend.  Admission is free.  Billy Warren echoed her reminder and encouraged everyone to attend as a show of support to another non-profit organization’s festival.
   
    
7. Donna Miles elaborated on her idea for a treasure chest since we have a Pirate King.  She suggested that a story line be developed, perhaps with the chest being used by a tax collector who levies taxes on all kinds of everyday things.  It might be introduced at the Feast – with the chest disappearing mysteriously during the Feast and reappearing at the Faire.  His Majesty liked the idea!  Karen Ugrovics stated that she has a collection of plastic gold coins which may be used, and Christy Garner offered a wooden chest which she owns.  We will continue to develop this theme at future meetings.
   
    
8. William Freeman and Anne Iaria reported that attendance at the Ardmore Renaissance Faire was not as good as in past years.  They distributed brochures regarding our Faire, and they enjoyed the Faire even though it was small.
   
    
9. Mandi Green reported that she and Don enjoyed the Tennessee Renaissance Festival this past weekend.  She stated that the castle being built by Jackie and Mike Freeman (who also live in it) is practically finished.  She had nothing but huge compliments for the Freemans’ grand house!
   
    
10. There are six people either on or connected to the Roundtable who plan to attend the Tennessee Renaissance Festival this next weekend (May 17-18).  Billy Warren stated that he will send an email to all Roundtable members regarding the final weekend of that Festival:  Saturday and Sunday, May 24-25; Monday, May 26.  He will give a deadline for people to respond to the email; then he will forward a list to Mike Freeman containing the names of everyone who wishes to attend either of the final three days.  He expressed deep appreciation to Jackie and Mike for their generous provision of free tickets for Roundtable members.
    
     
11. Billy Warren reported that applications were mailed ten days ago to vendors for the 2008 Faire and stated that completed applications are already being received.
    
     
12. Billy Warren circulated a copy of the latest issue of Renaissance magazine.
    
     
13. Donna Miles led the group in judging the entries for the official 2008 Alabama Renaissance Faire poster.  The ultimate winner is Anna Tidwell.  Billy Warren will make contact with her so we will have a camera-ready copy in time to get 500 copies printed.