Fantasy Banquet 2008

Subject: Fantasy Banquet 2008 Wed Oct 10, 2007 7:00 pm

Greetings!

FANTASY BANQUET 2008

Gathering dates: October 10 - 13, 2008

PA RenFaire??? AWESOME!!!

What a treat we have in store for us next year! This was by far our favorite Ren Faire site EVER!

Despite a VERY hot day, for October, we were absolutely delighted with everything we saw, tasted and purchased! There will be NO problem spending two full days here. Considering this was a "work" weekend for us, we spent about 6 hours at the Faire and didn't see nearly enough! We found it very, very clean, friendly and just "different" enough to allow it to stand apart from the others we have visited. Group rate tickets will run about $40 total for the two days.
http://parenfaire.com/

The entertainment was fabulous! Keep your fingers crossed that the sexy, kilted bands of Albannach and Coyote Run will be performing next year as well. Wow!
:: Albannach ::

We had success in finding a motel...tho not an easy task. Manheim, PA is in the middle of NOWHERE...with motels that are booked solid because of the Faire...and cornfields surrounding that! Several motels were not even interested in talking to us as they are booked from year to year with returning regulars.

The Rodeway Inn is holding 15 rooms for us until December 31 this year. This was very gracious of them as they too are booked annually for the Faire. It is clean, friendly, reasonable and within walking distance of the Faire! I'm sure if we need more rooms, it would be possible as long as we make the above cutoff date. It will be imperative that if you even THINK you might attend that you call and reserve a room before the deadline. Your credit card will NOT be charged until checkout next October. It is always possible to cancel a reservation should your plans change...but finding a room after this date will likely be impossible. The rate will be $68 per night for a room with 2 double beds. So...if you have a roommate, that's only $34 a nite! They also serve a continental breakfast which is important since the nearest restaurants/stores are about five miles away. This will allow us all to have something in our tummies before we head to the Faire which opens at 11 a.m.

When you make your reservation, please mention that you are with the Castle o' th' Moors group or give them my name....Karen Matson.
Manheim Pennsylvania hotels, Rodeway Inn hotel close to Hersheypark, Manheim PA 17545

It was equally difficult finding a venue for our two banquet nights. However, we have a fantastic site for our Formal Sunday Evening Court Night. What a delightful place...with tons of atmosphere and a private banquet room which we have reserved! Unfortunately they have a wedding booked for Saturday Night ALREADY...so we are still in the process of locating a venue for our "Tavern/RP Night" Stay tuned.
Bube's Brewery - Alios - The Catacombs - Bottling Works - Restaurants - Mount

Harrisburg International Airport would be the closest airport.
Home - Harrisburg International Airport - Domestic and International Travel

The cost of the Gathering to be paid by March 31st, 2008:

$110 which includes $40 for Ren Faire tickets
$65 for Saturday and Sunday evening banquet meals.
$5 decorations etc.

Lots more details to follow...but this will give you something to get excited about! We are!!!

Karen & Dave

If you wish to be removed from this mailstring, please let me know.

Subject: Re: Fantasy Banquet 2008 Sun Oct 21, 2007 11:34 am

Wow...the trip is cheap for 2008...or maybe it's because I'm so used to dropping at least twice the amount on my other trips. Smile

Subject: Re: Fantasy Banquet 2008 Thu Nov 01, 2007 1:19 pm

Here is the address and phone of the Rodeway we will be staying at.

Rodeway Inn Penn's Woods
2931 Lebanon Rd.
Manheim, PA, US, 17545

Phone: (717) 665-2755
Fax: (717) 664-2513

Here is the link to their site;

http://www.choicehotels.com/ires/en-US/html/HotelInfo?hotel=PA190&sid=_RV1g.XnqjdgoDJ.4&sarea=18414&sname=Manheim&sstate=PA&scountry=US&sradius=40.22&slat=40.163333892822266&slon=-76.39527893066406&schain=W&exp=&scity=Manheim&sort=&type=&map=y&nroom=1&nadult1=1&nchild1=0&nadult2=1&nchild2=0&nadult3=1&nchild3=0&nadult4=1&nchild4=0&nadult5=1&nchild5=0

Subject: Re: Fantasy Banquet 2008 Mon Nov 05, 2007 9:19 pm

Greetings!

FANTASY BANQUET 2008

Gathering dates: October 10 - 13, 2008

Success!

We have found a venue for our Saturday night festivities!

It will be at the Hampton Inn directly across from the Ren Faire!

Several of you have asked if we can extend the dates of the gathering. Dave and I will probably arrive on the 9th as we'll be shuttling back and forth to Harrisburg airport. You are welcome to arrive any day you want...but do remember that the Faire is only open on Saturdays and Sundays! An extra day or two will give us plenty of free time to spend with those we have come to know and love and those joining us for the first time!

On that note, please, please remember to make your room reservations as soon as possible. We have a deadline and before we know it, the Holidays will be upon it and it will be the LAST thing on our minds!

Rodeway Inn Penn's Woods (PA190)

2931 Lebanon Rd. , Manheim, PA, US, 17545 | Phone: (717) 665-2755 Fax: (717) 664-2513

I would also like to request that you email me once you have made your reservation. I will be in contact with Nick, the owner, to make sure we have a sufficient number of rooms available to us. (Just a note here: A double room at the Hampton Inn across the street is $129 a night...which is why we must move quickly on the low rate available to us at this motel.)

If you have any questions, please don't hesitate to contact us.

Karen & Dave

Subject: Re: Fantasy Banquet 2008 Mon Nov 05, 2007 9:30 pm

P.S. When you make your reservation, remember to give them my name...Karen Matson...or Castle o' th' Moors to get the special room rate!

Subject: Re: Fantasy Banquet 2008 Sun Dec 02, 2007 8:58 pm

Greetings!

FANTASY BANQUET 2008

Gathering dates: October 10 - 13, 2008

***************

This is the FINAL CALL for motel rooms!

It would appear we do not have as many interested people as first we thought for our 2008 Fanstasy Banquet. At the moment, we have a grand total of TEN people. While this will NOT inhibit our plans for a fantastic time next year, it will mean canceling the venues we have and looking for something smaller and more intimate.

No doubt this will be the end of an era of real life banquets. Dave and I, as well as Doug and Diane can testify to how much planning and work goes into one of these weekends. If the interest isn't there, we are spinning our wheels.

If you still have intentions of attending, please make your reservations immediately and contact me so that I have a final count of rooms needed and people planning to attend. I will be calling Rodeway Inn at the end of this week to release the other held rooms. Remember, you do NOT need to pay for the room when you reserve. It merely holds your reservation. Motel payment is not made until checkout NEXT October.

Rodeway Inn Penn's Woods (PA190)

2931 Lebanon Rd.

Manheim, PA, US, 17545 | Phone: (717) 665-2755 Fax: (717) 664-2513

If you have any questions, please let us know.

Karen and Dave

Subject: Re: Fantasy Banquet 2008 Tue Jan 15, 2008 5:55 pm

Greetings!

FANTASY BANQUET 2008

Gathering dates: October 10 - 13, 2008
***************

We have some wonderful news! We have found a perfect venue for our "Tavern Night" on Saturday evening!!

Welcome to Annie Bailey's, a Traditional Irish Pub & Restaurant located right in the heart of Lancaster!

And it's located on King's Street. LOL

With our choice of venue for Sunday evening, (our more Formal evening) at Bube's, we should have a wonderful weekend!!!

Bube's Brewery - Alios - The Catacombs - Bottling Works - Restaurants - Mount Joy, PA

Subject: Re: Fantasy Banquet 2008 Mon Mar 24, 2008 10:11 pm

*sneaks in, looking around all shifty eyed*

I've got my deposit in... do you?

*skitters off again*

Subject: Re: Fantasy Banquet 2008 Mon Mar 31, 2008 10:19 pm

Greetings!

FANTASY BANQUET 2008

Gathering dates: October 10 - 13, 2008
****************

Six Months and Counting!!

Now that we have the essential part of the planning complete with venues chosen, accommodations made and money submitted, it's time for the FUN planning!

As most of you have complained in years past, the time goes toooo quickly and we never get to do all we had hoped. Therefore, we have added an extra day and an extra Moors Evening Event.

Thursday and Friday will be 'arrival' days. Please remember to get your flight itineraries to me once they are made. Dave and I will be shuttling people back and forth...and those with cars who would be willing to help out with a run or two to the Harrisburg Airport would be GREATLY appreciated.

The Faire opens daily at 11 a.m. Since we are within walking distance, everyone may choose their own time to arrive, depart or nap inbetween hours!
Costumes are optional for Faire attendance but I think you will find it helps to get into the spirit of things if you are dressed for the period. I would strongly recommend it.

(A note about costumes: It is not necessary for you to have a different costume for each event! Some of us have built up quite a collection over the years...some of you are just starting. It will be required, however, that you come in garb for the Moors Events on Saturday and Sunday evenings. If you have a s/o attending, a simple tabard over a pair of jeans will suffice. There will be more about costumes in future letters.)

Saturday evening will be our "Tavern Night" held at Annie Bailey's. We have a private room until 10 p.m. After that, we will move to the regular part of the Pub to enjoy the festivities offered. This will be the more 'informal' of nights.

Sunday evening will be at Bube's and be our Formal Night. In addition to feasting and courtly obligations performed by the King and Queen, we will have entertainment....provided by YOU!

In previous years we have had singing, dancing, skits, weapons demonstrations, musical instruments, stories/poetry and been taught period dancing. Though none of us are pro's....each and every bit of entertainment has been met with wild enthusiasm. What can YOU contribute this year? I would also like to ask for a volunteer to coordinate the Royal Entertainment.

Aly MacDraven will be our Royal Photographer. As you all will agree from her last missive, we have a fabulous treat in store with the portraits she has planned!!

I would also like to ask for a Royal Seamstress who will have a basket of necessary supplies for last minute repairs.

If anyone would like to volunteer for doing the programs for Sunday evening, please let me know.

I could go on and on but I'll save other details for future missives.

Are you as hyped as we are????!!!

Karen and Dave

Subject: Re: Fantasy Banquet 2008 Wed Apr 09, 2008 10:39 am

I am so PSYCHED! :: positively giddy ::

Subject: Re: Fantasy Banquet 2008 Wed Apr 09, 2008 11:39 am

Me to Q! I HATE waiting!

Subject: Re: Fantasy Banquet 2008 Wed Apr 09, 2008 8:40 pm

Aly MacDraven wrote:: Me to Q! I HATE waiting!

Mmmmmmmmmmeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeeee tooooooooooooooooooooooooooooo *groan*

Subject: Re: Fantasy Banquet 2008 Wed Apr 09, 2008 8:44 pm

Right with ya Ali, Kate and Q. I am soooooo ready to see you all once again.

Subject: Entertainment Preparations Sun Apr 13, 2008 3:38 pm

Okay, everyone. It's time to start thinking about what you will entertain us with on court night. Jess and myself (Vickie) will be lining up the entertainment for courtnight so we are ready to start hearing your ideas. As Karen stated earlier, some examples would be poetry, dances, songs, skits, storytelling, demonstrations, games, musical instruments, jester, etc... We are open to all ideas. If you feel a bit self-conscious but curious about trying something, please do come to us. For those who have never had the opportunity to come to the banquet, it is a blast and every person there is there because they want to be. It's okay if you are not a professional. Most of us aren't. We still want to see your stuff. It's not like American Idol. Nobody gets voted off. :-) I myself will be reading a couple of my poems and possibly getting a partner to do a skit with. I know we might be able to talk Kate into another wonderful dance for us and I have it from personal experience that we have some singers amongst us. So please, think about what you might contribute then write to either Jess (Issotta) or myself (LadySheehan or xvxKyriahxvx) and we will get back to you with details. I know we still have 5 months but believe me, the last months go by quickly so lets get a good headstart so things will run smoothly. Thanks everyone...let the fun begin.

Subject: Re: Fantasy Banquet 2008 Tue Jun 10, 2008 6:58 pm

Okay, it's been a month and I know you guys have been thinking about ways to entertain your royals and the court. And.......I know you have come up with some great ideas and for that, I am thankful. Now all you have to do is share it with me or Jess or both. Then...if we can help, we will be happy to. And if not, at least we will begin to put an agenda together.

So don't be so shy and let us hear from you. I want details people. :-)

Vickie

Subject: Re: Fantasy Banquet 2008 Wed Jul 30, 2008 7:54 pm

okay, ummm, with just a bit over two months away, I have several who have agreed to entertain but there is still room for more. We will be awed by fortune telling, blessed with angelic voices, amazed at some wonderful acting, and awed by poetry. Oh and dazzled by dancing. Any more takers, just give me a shout out. I'm waiting. :-)

The Vickster - Entertainment Coordinator Extraordinaire Very Happy

Subject: Re: Fantasy Banquet 2008 Fri Aug 01, 2008 5:50 pm

Hyped?? You bet! You have NO idea of the wonderful things in store for us!!! ::walks away giggling::

Subject: Re: Fantasy Banquet 2008 Sat Aug 16, 2008 7:53 pm

Greetings!

FANTASY BANQUET 2008

Gathering dates: October 10 - 13, 2008
***************

The time is drawing near! At last!!

With that, the fun part of the plans are beginning to take shape!

Some of you are planning to arrive on Thursday Oct 9th. Dave and I will be arriving at the motel on Wednesday in preparation from our runs to and from Harrisburg Airport for those of you needing transportation.

PLEASE give me your flight itineraries as soon as you have them so that we may coordinate our trips.

There will be a formal itinerary for each of you on arrival. The basics, as of now, are as follows:

Friday will be a "Get Acquainted Day" We have absolutely nothing planned other than spending quality time with everyone! Our motel is a series of little connected cabins with a little wooded picnic area on the premises.

As I have warned you before, Manheim is in the middle of NOWHERE, USA. Although we are within .3 miles of the Faire itself, all other amenities are 6 miles north. 2931 Lebanon Rd is the address of the motel. It is also Rt 72. If you follow Rt 72 North, there is a Little Caesars, a CVS, a KMart Pharmacy, McDonald's, Friendly's and a Foodland Grocery store. Whether we shop and have a picnic or have pizza's delivered, I trust we will not starve. There is a continental breakfast at the motel each morning but I would advise planning to bring snacks/beverages or purchasing them to hold you over if you have any special dietary needs.

Saturday will be our first day at the Faire. It opens at 11 a.m. I am sure there will be some cars going the short distance for those wishing a ride or you may walk and come and go as you please. How long you stay at the Faire is your decision. We will have a caravan leaving the motel at 5:30 for departure to Lancaster, PA and Annie Bailey's. In year's past, most have chosen to leave the Faire in time to nap, shower and change clothes for the evening events.
Welcome to Annie Bailey's, a Traditional Irish Pub & Restaurant located right
Our feasting and festivities will be in a private room until 10 p.m. After that, we will 'mingle" in the Pub proper until we go back to the motel. (Time to be determined)

Sunday is another full day at the Faire, again leaving around 5:30 or 6 for Mount Joy and our Formal Evening of Court at Bube's Brewery.
Bube's Brewery - Alios - The Catacombs - Bottling Works - Restaurants - Mount

Those of you who will be 'entertaining' us, please get your information to Vickie (LadySheehan). We will have a CD player if you have the need for musical accompaniment etc. Please let us know as soon as possible so we may start work on the programs.

If anyone is willing to teach a medieval dance, we are all fleet-a-foot as evidenced in year's past. LOL

Monday is departure day and Dave and I will again be making runs to the Airport. If time permits, we will have a group breakfast at Friendly's or a place called Quentin's Monday morning. Details to follow.

Menus for our two evening dinners will be available soon.

If you have any questions, please do not hesitate to ask.

Costumes are optional at the Faire tho most of us will be costumed to the hilt. Costumes are REQUIRED for Saturday and Sunday evenings.

It is NOT too late to bring a guest or find additional people wishing to join us! The more, the merrier!

Karen and Dave

Subject: Re: Fantasy Banquet 2008 Mon Aug 18, 2008 2:15 pm

Greetings!

FANTASY BANQUET 2008

Gathering dates: October 10 - 13, 2008
***************

I am going to make your day!!!

I got a call from Nick who runs Rodeway Inn in Manheim.

He sold the motel and is moving on to a new place in Lancaster. Our reservations are secure with a bonus:

He is giving us the pre-renovation rate.
A two bed room will be $68.00 per night and
a one bed room will be $58.00 per night!!

Woohooo!

(I still have a couple of rooms available for last minute additions though these will need to be cancelled as soon as possible out of courtesy.)

Subject: Re: Fantasy Banquet 2008 Mon Sep 08, 2008 1:58 pm

Greetings!

FANTASY BANQUET 2008

Gathering dates: October 10 - 13, 2008
***************

Time to get down to the fun choices for our weekend!

Our dinner selection on Saturday evening at Annie Bailey's will be a Buffet:

Carved House-Smoked Prime Rib
Herb Stuffed Chicken Breast
Roasted Red Potatoes
Seasonal Vegetable Medley
Salad
Fresh-Baked Rolls
Chocolate Truffles
***********

Dinner on Sunday Evening at Bube's Brewery is a dinner selection.

Dinner includes:
Fruit Cup
Mixed Greens with a homemade dressing
Homemade Rolls and butter
Entree
Vegetable, potato, rice or pasta
Dessert
Coffee, tea and iced Tea.

I have narrowed the entree choices to those within our price range; however, each of you may choose what you would like to order.

You must email me back with your entree choice.

There are several choices that require 8 or more requests in order for them to be offered. If you choose one of the items with a *, please give me an alternative choice in case I do not get 8 orders for that particular choice.

Seafood
Broiled Tilapia served with rice

Poultry

1. Alfredo Stuffed Chicken Breast - breaded and stuffed with blue, swiss and cream cheeses; served with a potato dish

2. Chicken Kiev - breaded and stuffed with garlic butter; served with a potato dish

3. Chicken Florentine - breaded and stuffed with ham, spinach and garlic butter; served with a potato dish.

4. Stuffed Chicken Breast - Ham and cheese- breaded and stuffed with ham and cheese; served with a potato dish

5. Cheddar Cheese and Bacon - stuffed with Cheddar cheese and bacon, wrapped in bacon; served with a potato dish

6. Chicken Dijon - sauteed chicken breast, mushrooms and onion, in a Dijon cream sauce; served with rice

Beef

1. Roast Beef* - with gravy, served with a potato dish (* must have 8 orders)

2. Tips Savannah - sauteed tenderloin tips and onions in a Bourbon, grain mustard and brown sugar cream sauce; served with a potato dish.

Pork*
(All choices must have
1. *Roast Port with lemon and thyme; served with a potato dish

2. *Marinated Roast Pork - in a citrus glaze; served with a potato dish

3. *Baked Ham - with honey mustard glaze; served with a potato dish

Vegetarian

Mediterranean Broccoli Saute - broccoli, onions, peppers, garlic, pinenuts and raisins sauteed in olive oil; served on angel hair pasta.

Please let me know your choice as soon as possible!

Karen

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