From the onset of the Sherwood dream, faire was about
community—about the clans, the gatherings, the shared vision. It was about the fire circles, the potluck
dinners, the communion at the Seven Sisters.
It was about much more than the business of Faire. And over time, it incorporated Summer Camp
and the Celtic Music Festival and Highland Games. But still, the experience was about
attempting to create a place, experiences, and an atmosphere that encompassed a
sense of belonging and comradery. Sherwood was to be a place similar to an
artist’s blank canvas where everyone who wanted to be a part of COMMUNITY would
have their own paint brush to add to the collective collage that would evolve
over time.
It seems appropriate to put our recent Covid 19 Safety Plan in the context of the origins of Sherwood.
When we were preparing to open Sherwood in 2021, after all of us having endured the ravages of the pandemic, we drew a panel of volunteers to the table—consisting of patrons, clan leaders, merchants, entertainers, and management. Our goal was to examine what would be the best plan that all of us around a table could get behind and support … one that would forward the objectives of operating an outdoor venue safely and in accordance with the CDC recommendations. It was not going to be a political decision. It was not going to be a financial decision. It was to be a safety plan that would focus on the health and well-being of our patrons, our participants, and our staff—and still be an event that folk could enjoy and celebrate.
After weeks of zoom meetings and listening to all who participated, we arrived at a plan that we thought was reasonable and would meet the overall safety and health concerns.
I must digress a bit to discuss community.
Since our species moved from hunters and gatherers into communities, we set forth what the thinkers of the enlightenment coined “Social Contracts”—the agreements we would work under to live together. Different tribes formed different terms—different laws. But in general, there was a common thread—what would be in the most functional, best interest of the majority—what would work for the common good while allowing society AND the individual to grow and prosper.
Society from its origins set rules and expectations.
Eventually, those were encoded into laws.
It was a “give and take” scenario…again based upon what was best for us living in a community. Some would not agree and go their separate ways…either to live outside of community, or to form or join societies that better met their own beliefs and mores.
Tribes formed. City-states arose. Eventually, national identities took shape around various philosophies or perspectives of groups of common minded people.
But in all circumstances where society and community prospered, there were written and unwritten social contracts that outlined what values the community held—defining where the individual’s desires and wants would give way to the overall good of the group.
So as others have done in times of danger or emergency or public crisis, we gathered to determine what we could and should do in amidst the Covid pandemic.
When faced with a crisis—war, terrorism, smallpox, polio outbreak, and the like—we have come together to decide on a course of action that will best protect our society, our community. And at times, we sacrifice freedoms, we forego plans, we defer gratification, for the benefit our family and friends and fellow citizens.
Again, our decision in implementing the Covid-19 Safety Plan was not politically motivated or swayed by anything except what we as a group thought would be in the best health and safety interest of our community.
And the plan Sherwood presented was a consensus.
Then we approached the clan leaders because the Prime Directive (mask mandate and social distancing) would have some changes to previous year camping experience. The reaction of the clan leaders was heart-felt and touching. The support to the Safety Plan was accepted. The overall attitude was vocalized so beautifully by one clan leader, “We will embrace this plan and agree to follow its edicts for the good of our community; but in 2022, we plan to party like there is no tomorrow out here.”
So, there it is in its origins, its purpose and goal—temporary requirement to mandate masks and socially distance. And we believe Faire can still be exciting, meaningful and a profound statement that while Covid may cause us to restrict a few of our otherwise normal activities, for the good Sherwood, for the good of the Sherwood community, for all our brothers and sisters who might not have the vaccine in time, for all who might be immunocompromised, we will follow the Prime Directive—believing each other’s health is worthy of the minimal inconvenience. We will lay aside our political persuasions for the greater good (and actual survival) of each other for this one season.
Isn’t that what the symbols of the Seven Sisters, the Fire Circle, the Clans, have all been about? Bringing our best to each other!!!
We understand some who will stay away out of protest. We understand some will stay away for criticism we have not done enough. We understand the inconvenience. But we believe it is the most moral and responsible action we can take to protect our community.
We ask each of you to offer some understanding that we made this decision collectively and in hopes we could pull off a masked event that would be meaningful, responsible, and fun.
Join in the story line of Robin Hood!!! Join us this season in revelry, music and fun—think of it as a Sherwood Forest Faire masquerade.
Rengypsy
FOR
IMMEDIATE RELEASE
Sherwood Forest Faire Announces Temporary Closure
Popular Festival Ceases Operation in Response To Emergency Declaration
McDade, Texas (March 16, 2020) – Sherwood Forest Faire, the popular medieval entertainment event outside of Austin, Texas, has announced it will cease operation in response to the Emergency Declaration issued by Bastrop County Judge Paul Pope.
“The health and welfare of our patrons and participants is always our foremost concern,” said George Appling, founding partner of Sherwood Forest Faire, LLC. “We will comply and cooperate with all local, state, and federal directives and try to do everything we can to support our community during this unprecedented health event.”
The Faire is suspending operations during the fourth week of its eight-weekend season. It has not been determined at this point whether the event will be cancelled outright. “Since there is no solid determination of how long this emergency declaration will last, we have not made the decision to outright cancel the event,” said Appling
Patrons who have purchased tickets for upcoming weekends should contact the Sherwood Forest Faire offices by email at info@SherwoodForestFaire.com or by calling their offices at 512-222-6680.
About Sherwood Forest Faire
Named one of the “Best Renaissance Fairs In The U.S.” by TravelAwaits.com , Sherwood Forest Faire, LLC offers a wide variety of medieval and Celtic themed events year-round. Established in 2008, Sherwood Forest Faire, the company’s signature event, now attracts over 100,000 visitors each year to its 162-acre village and campground in McDade, Texas. In addition, Sherwood Forest also provides unique summer camp experiences for both children and adults. The annual Sherwood Forest Celtic Music Festival is held every September and offers the best in world and Celtic music. For more information, please visit the website- www.SherwoodForestFaire.com.
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Sherwood Forest Faire has become a favorite spring event for the people of central Texas, who have visited our 160-acre enchanted realm. Our foremost concern is always the health and safety of our guests, participants, and staff. Like others around the country and the world, we are following ongoing developments regarding the 2019 Novel Coronavirus.
We have implemented preventive measures in line with recommendations from local, state, and federal health authorities and the input of our medical teams. We have health and safety protocols in place, including:
- Training for our staff, entertainers, merchants, and food and beverage servers on the most effective preventive health practices.
- Defined procedures and protocols for the frequent cleaning and disinfecting of public areas.
- Easy access for guests and participants to handwashing and sanitizing stations.
- Positioning hand sanitizer dispensers in all restroom facilities and counters of food and beverage shops.
We will continue to collaborate with health officials, monitor the situation, and act accordingly. We strongly encourage everyone to familiarize themselves with the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention’s Prevention and Treatment Guidelines which include:
- Staying home when sick
- Washing hands often with soap and water for at least 20 seconds
- Following proper respiratory cough etiquette
- Avoiding close contact with people who are sick
- Avoiding touching eyes, nose and mouth with unwashed hands
A complete list of prevention and treatment guidelines can be found here: https://www.cdc.gov/coronavirus/2019-ncov/about/prevention-treatment.html
“We understand that for many people these are uncertain times,” said George Appling, co-founder and Marketing Director, “but we think the kind of first-rate, immersive entertainment offered by Sherwood Forest Faire can be just what the public needs to escape for a while. We encourage everyone to use their best judgement to decide what is best for themselves and their families, but if they want to get away from it all, Sherwood Forest Faire will be open to welcome them to step back in time and forget their cares.”