We were looking for something to do and remembered the Renaissance Fair was starting up this weekend at the Castle of Muskogee. We had previously discussed going "some time" and finally took the kids yesterday. It was Student Day so entrance was only $5 so for $20 it sounded like a reasonable risk. I am glad that we went because it was an absolute blast to see the jousting, sword fighting, tour the torture chamber, and see all of the vendors; the artist Peter Bradley was also set up there with copies of Castles & Crusades available for purchase. I think we found a new annual event for years to come.
I got to thinking about my involvement with fandom and realized that I have not participated much at all. I have gamed and read comic books since 1980 and have only gone to a few gatherings in that time. I went to the first year of Conjuration - a gaming convention in Tulsa - that took place in the early 80s. I remember enjoying myself but I never went to another one or even a different gaming con. I believe both Conjuration and O-Con are no longer running. As far as comic books go, I have only been to 2 comic book conventions in the mid-90s; one was at a mall and one was at a conference room in a motel. I think the next time I get an opportunity I will try to attend a gaming con to make up for lost time.
I'm glad to hear you went to the renaissance fair, Charlie, and especially that you took the kids. I've been to a number of them and they are incredible. Conventions come and go and change over time if they last. The first gaming convention I went to was held in the great hall of an actual castle! Imagine being 12 years old and hugely interested in fantasy and medieval period and getting to go to a packed con with hundreds of gamers and play an adventure module using the castle itself as a setting and being surrounded by swords and suits of armour. I'll never forget that.
ReplyDeleteI will definitely be going back for years to come. That would have been an awesome way to play - surrounded by swords, armor, and the walls of the castle itself.
DeleteWe might be going to Comicpalooza in Houston.
ReplyDeleteI will be selling stuff at Comicpalooza
DeleteI just checked out the website for Comicpalooza - I may have to make the trip. It looks pretty awesome to me!
DeleteIf you kids are old enough - over 13 - they might be interested in doing Melee in Tulsa. I think it is at Memorial park every Saturday. They probably only have around 50 people, but when I did it in high school, there were probably 150+ out every weekend. It was awesome. Way better than Amtgard. The joys of running around and smacking the shit out of people with foam swords is awesome. Here is their website: http://themelee.homestead.com/Index.html FB might be better since I know they posted something up in July: https://www.facebook.com/meleeworld
ReplyDeleteAs for other evens in your area that you might want to go to:
Medieval Fair in April in Norman - much larger in terms of people, not sure about events. It is free to go, you just have to find a parking spot. http://medievalfair.org/
SoonerCon is in Midwest City in June.
North Texas RPG in April: http://ntrpgcon.com/
There are more, but I just realized I could send you to this site instead: http://www.upcomingcons.com/
LOL...I am sure they would get a kick out it but they are 5 and 6; definitely something to keep in reserve for later. I did check out their site and I think it definitely has potential.
DeleteI found the Medieval Fair earlier myself and we are going to check it out next year.
The other cons look interesting and should provide plenty for us to look at with the upcoming cons site also. Thanks!