Proving that "Three times is a charm," White Hart ended their third faire year on a most successful note. While high gasoline prices kept many merchants and performers away, it did not discourage patrons from flocking to the site every weekend of their three-weekend-long season for all the music and merriment White Hart had to offer. The bottom line: the 2008 season ended with the faire very nearly in the black for the first time in its history!

While that might seem a dubious achievement to some, in reality it meant that White Hart is right on track as far as renaissance festivals go. Unfortunately, losing money the first couple of years of operation is a given for faire startups. But if the faire can survive its third season -- especially if it can break even or at least come close to meeting operating expenses -- it usually means that faire will continue, growing and thriving thru the years. So this was most welcome news for both White Hart players and patrons alike, since it means that undoubtedly there will be a Fourth Season after all.

For the younger generation of "The Ides," this is most important. Among other things, Erica and Aaron capped more than two years of dating by announcing their formal engagement with a handfasting ceremony at White Hart, with none other than Queen Elizabeth herself presiding (see "Galleries," below). In addition, Lady Rhiannon not only met her boyfriend, Matt, at White Hart, but went to celebrate their one-year anniversary in 2008 at faire. Considering that they live in different states so they only see each other occasionally at faire, that is quite an accomplishment (check out the videos and slideshow of Closing Weekend, below, to see them playing together). Needless to say, our youngsters have somewhat of a vested interest in White Hart's well-being.

Ryleh, of course, follows his own self-interest. As a playtron, he's right willing to encourage any faire that's within easy driving distance of home -- and especially if it offers free camping, to boot!

Admittedly, he was somewhat apalled when he first saw the grounds on Opening Weekend 2008. There were only two merchant tents for one thing, while many of the acts and performers from previous years were missing. Of course White Hart is a small faire located a bit out-of-the-way in Southwest Missouri, so with the high gasoline prices Ryleh could well understand exactly why some participants would choose to go elsewhere. Fortunately, the players and crew of White Hart rose to the challenge most admirably.

"Tom Foolery and his Merry Panksters" (AKA Nathan, Matt's brother, and "The Birds," his female entourage who all go by avian nicknames at faire) presented a hilarious Commedia del Arte sendup of "Little Red Riding Hood" for example. Taking suggestions from their audience, they presented "Little Green Riding Corset" with Nathan in the leading role -- and our own Sir Aaron and Lady Alexiel performing as "The two-headed Jabberwocky" right after their handfasting. The video of the entire performance is available under "Opening Weekend" in the Galleries, below.

Tom and The Birds also ventured into business this season. As merchant craftsmen they went on to create their own line of bofferswords, which made quite a hit with many of the kids at faire. It was hilarious watching the little ones whaling away at each other -- and amazing to see how ferocious some of the little girls became when they wrapped their hands around the hilt of a boffersword! It also proved good for their fledgling business: many of the wee warriors just had to go home with the sword they had used so effectively on others that day! Check out "Hot Boffersword Action" in the "Closing Weekend" section, below.

Another outstanding example was Sir Francis Drake (AKA Eric). Along with two other cast members, he put together a "singing pirate" threesome called "The Sea Dogs" which proved quite successful. Not only was their music awesome, but their stage performances were every bit as polished and professional as any other musical group Ryleh has seen at faire. They could easily stand shoulder-to-shoulder with the likes of "The Bilge Pumps" and "The Corsairs" without the least bit of embarassment, for instance. In fact, the response to their act was so positive that The Sea Dogs decided to go professional, cutting an album and seeking opportunites at other faires during the year.

These are only a few examples of the "can do" spirit which is such a integral part of the White Hart family. Everyone there pulled together as a team to make this season a roaring success, playing multiple roles as the occasion demanded. The beauty of it all was that virtually none of the mundane patrons who entered White Hart's gates were even slightly aware just how much of the faire was being down "on the fly," so's to speak. That alone speaks volumes about the talent and professionalism of the White Hart cast and crew!

As for Ryleh and "The Ides of March," we were greatly honored by being allowed to participate in several after-hours potluck dinners with the White Hart cast during the season. Not only was it a wonderful opportunity to meet the creative and talented folk who play so well at faire, but it was also our chance to introduce ourselves as playtrons to the White Hart community. It was a real pleasure to discover that the players who are so witty and amusing during the faire day are every bit as much fun after the patrons go home.

Next year, hopefully, the weather godz will prove more merciful than 2008. Among other things, Ryleh learned that White Hart's campground has a river running through it! Well, maybe not a river, exactly: more like a shallow trench -- but combined with the occasional torrential downpour, it was just enough to turn the campsite into a muddy mess. Next year, too, Ryleh hopes to be in better health. Having the summertime flu was absolutely no fun -- and it seriously tempered his enjoyment of White Hart this year, or at least the last two weekends of the season.

Still, "the worst day at faire is better than the best day at work" holds true!!!

Needless to say, Ryleh is looking forward eagerly to visiting White Hart next year. Not only will it prove most interesting to see where this faire goes -- and grows! -- over the coming year, but It will also be a great pleasure to see all the White Hart family again. Until then: HUZZAH! to "The Little Faire That Could!"

ERICA AND AARON'S HANDFASTING at the WHITE HART RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL 2008 -- Slideshow, videos and the full text of their formal engagement ceremony held onsite during Opening Weekend of White Hart.




THE IDES OF MARCH ON OPENING WEEKEND 2008 -- 47 pictures and four videos of Ryleh's "Family by Choice" having fun on the first weekend at White Hart.




RETURN TO WHITE HART, MIDWEEKEND 2008 -- 14 additional views, seven videos taken during the second weekend of White Hart.




THE IDES OF MARCH ON CLOSING WEEKEND 2008 -- 10 more pictures and ten more videos featuring Dr. John Dee and Karusie during the final weekend of White Hart.