RFL Sunbeamers, Roos With A Dream, Teams Level Up After Medieval Fun Faire

 

By Bixyl Shuftab

 

 

Saturday May 6 was the day of the Relay for Life's Team Sunbeamer's Medieval Fun Faire. At Caledon Downs, from 9AM to 5PM, people could take part in activities such as archery, axe tossing, kissing booths, racing horses over an obstacle course, and jousting. There was also a "jail and bail" with team captain Rita Mariner as the appointed sheriff. 

The event was organized by Cynthia Farshore, who only the week before had done the Sunbeamer and Roos Air Show.

 

There were more than a few jokes among those showing up. Of the hatching throwing contest, "Well, you 'axed' for it, Cuz." "Not a real problem. I have, a 'handle' on it." Also there were a few from team "Roos With A Dream," one commenting, "Yea we can get a little vulgar, but ya know,  when you live in a place where even the sun is trying to  kill you, you gotta learn to laugh at things."

There was a contest at the archery shoot, with the prize being a special bow. The winner was Nephilim Ventris.

 

 

Of the jousting tournament, several took part including Liska and Ginger. The winner of the jousting tournament was Jeff Keith (Redshirt Zepp), getting a 1000L prize. He also won the axe throwing competition, the latter which got him a special axe as a prize. Cynthia would also tell me, "Skysong (sgudeman Resident) won the horse jump competition prize of L$1000."

 

As for the Jail and Bail, everyone must have been on their best behavior as the stocks were empty that day.

 

Just a few minutes before 3PM, I saw a balloon floating over, It was DJ Kakya and more of the 'Roos team."We'd like to thank the Sunbeamers for letting us be part of another fun event!" one shouted after they landed. And before long, they were on stage dancing away, with those in the audience dancing as well.

 

The donations soon started, "Okay, everyone, here is our first challenge tonight. When the kiosk reaches 10,000, Roos will add 5,000." Someone mused, "10,000 Roos? How much is that in Lindens?" There were also a few comments about Australia being founded in part by penal colonies, one American commenting, "Our country wasn't founded by convicts, but the crooks are running it now." 

 

But the comments soon turned to the main issue, "The Roos' 'dream' is of a world where cancer has been ended as a concerning health issue. In this world: - the words "You have cancer" no longer strike FEAR in people's hearts... - the treatments for cancer cause no PAIN.. - care is not EXHAUSTING for loved ones...- and the GRIEF of losing our family and friends before their time is a thing of the past. We’d like to enlist your support in making this dream come true sooner rather than later so more people will be spared the agony of dealing with cancer."

People started chipping in. And at one point, a dragon showed up to hover. Cynthia warned him, "Uuuhh, just a warning, your butt is right on top of the fireworks launcher." So he landed nearby and joined in the dancing. 

At one point the talk turned to a planned music video of "Cheeseburgers in Paradise" that was never made. Kalya commented, "By the way Aussie  cheeseburger recipe!, get out your pens to make notes :  1 hotdog roll  sliced down the middle, enough tomato to cover lengthwise, a  slice of shaved ham,    some onion rings, again  lengthwise!  4 slices of  cheddar cheese,  lay that on top of the  rest, salt and petter to taste, then put the cover on, put in sandwich machine and cook! ... Anyway that's the cheese burger I know." "No burger in your cheeseburger?" someone asked. "That is how its done in Oz !" the DJ responded. "Ummm, that's called a Ham and Cheese Kayla."

The donations kept coming and coming, and at one point Cynthia looked at the total, and did a fainting gesture, "Dang been in so much IM and WHAT!!!!" Shockwave responded, "Okay which one of you keeps fainting my goat?!"

As the event got closer to the end, fireworks went off, better visible with one's viewer at Midnight.

Of the kiosks around the rest of the festival grounds, the money donated into them added up to 17,570 Lindens. But the lion's share was done at the concert kiosk. A whopping amount of over 150K ended up in the stage kiosks thanks in part to the remote donations. When word got out the teams were getting close to leveling, still more came and it was enough to send them over the edge. 

 

 

A total of 170,826 Linden dollars was raised between the Sunbeamers and Roos, the Sunnies making 94,198 L and the Roos getting 76,628 Lindens. This bumped the Sunbeamers to over 750K, and making Sapphire rank, and Roos With a Dream past a half million and into Jade.

 

Before leaving, one of the Roos would say, "We love doing these events with Sunbeamers and we love the support of you all just being here!"

Cynthia would later post on Discord an after-action report. 

 

Well as the Sunbeamer Medieval Fun Fair went, it was fun however the fair was a little weak in attendance but did just a tad better in donations. Together with the Roos it came out Roos gained L$76,628 and Sunbeamers got L$94,198 for a two team total of L$170,826. Thus the Roos made Jade and the Sunbeamers crossed the Sapphire line. oh well maybe we'll do better next year.

Still, the event did get both teams a lot of cash. As of the writing of this article, the Sunbeamers are ninth of 173 teams on the totals page (leaving out the Sci-Fi Expo, which isn't really a team). The Roos were bumped up to number fifteen. 

And this is far from the end of the Sunbeamer's efforts. There's still one more Bid Me event to donate to (more on that later), the team's participation at the Relaystock. And of course there's the Relay Weekend next month.

Go Sunbeamers! Go Roos! Go Relay!

Bixyl Shuftan

 

A Fairy Faire of Hope

By Kitacelia

I arrived at Fairelands Junction, sponsored by Oceania Breedables.  I was greeted by a series of trees with portals to different areas of the Faire.  I began in Ravenshard.  Amid the sparkling giant purple ferns and whimsical mushroom furniture, I found a variety of venders in and out of the enchanted trees.  Included in these was an Alice in Wonderland display, based on the classic novels. Fantasy-themed music from movies and shows and other sources was played. Dotting the landscape was a assortment of boards and kiosk, all to benefit the Relay for Life cause. This was sponsored by the Epic Toy Factory. An announcer/DJ gave amusing dialog to entertain shoppers.


 Next I went to Evensong Woods, Sponsored by Roawenwood. This had several gothic arch style buildings and platforms. Scrollwork and pale grey stone lended them a decidedly Elven grace. They also featured brocade drapes and banners, ivy strewn pillars and balconies with elegant railings. Similar boards and kiosks for RFL were here as well.

Next was on to Crimson Fields sponsored by Trident.  It was a huge field of red flowers as you might expect, contrasted by rocky cliffs and stone ruins.

Then I explored Titans Hollow Sponsored by Cerridwen's Cauldron. More graceful curving scrollwork  and what appeared to be chandler's or candelabras suspected in the mists or clouds delignted my vision.  Sunset-hued stained glass framed by scrollwork and matching rails make me wish I had the room and lindens to take another picture.  Platforms of crystal glass overlooked mystical mists.  After that I adventured around Lotus Valley Dream, sponsored by Looking Glass.. This had a definite East Asian quality with Japanese-style gates and Chinese Lanterns. The characteristic uptipped roof corners were met by circular doorways and bamboo decor.  Cherry blossoms and bonsai trees neatly pruned trimmed an orderly walk.  Yes, I found lotuses growing in a lake, guarded by a majestic and sinuous Eastern dragon.

On to the Dragonspire sponsored by The Arcanum. This locale contained a decidedly cavernous quality, with stalactites and stalagmites of huge size all over.  Flashes of scintillating crystals of every hue adorned the walls and cold-seeming underground rivers provided a icy refreshment to passersby . giant slabs of stone bore equal sized cracks, as if damaged by something enormous and powerful. Tunnels into pitch darkness as well as glowing scrollwork and crystal formations gave a feeling of both magic and trepidation.

I then teleported to the Valley of Ish'Nar, sponsored by the Key of Hope Hunt. This region was a place of ruins in the forest and lost treasures. Chests, boxes with ornate decor and golden pitches as well as precious coins and gems lie in every part.Strange sounds emanated from somewhere, lending it a mysterious and secret aspect.

Lumenaria sponsored by Solarium was a landscape of courtyards and magnificent fountains as well as buildings with a somewhat Germanic expression. Exotic gardens and oddly shaped balloons meet the onlooker. 

At last count the Lindens raised is over 7 million at the Faire.  However, more is still needed.  Many of us, our loved ones, our friends have been effected by the tragedy and plague that is Cancer.  So even if fantasy isn't your slice of Elven bread or your mug of Dwarven ale, please check out this Faire anyway, it is for a wonderful cause.  If I missed anything important please let me know.

For more pictures, check out the Relay for Life's Flickr page: http://www.flickr.com/groups/slrelayforlife/

Kitacelia

Renaissance Faire and Hunt

By Grey Lupindo

      The second Renaissance Faire and Hunt is going on through the month of December at Mieville Lovelace (21, 185, 23).  This hunt is great for anyone who likes medieval items or simply enjoys the thrill of a hunt.  You arrive on board a ship, and a foot bridge leads to the village.  The village is very creative and captures the mood and spirit of the hunt.    

      You will hear the sounds of village life—pigs grunting, chickens clucking and townspeople mingling about—as well as medieval music played on instruments like trumpets, harps, and bells.  

    Tents and vendor stalls circle around a center pond.  Paths lead off to the docks, a tree house, and a jousting area.  Many of the shops have freebies or reduced price specials.  Everything from small candles to huge sailing ships can be found here.  I especially like the vendor who posted the “Will Work for Chocolate” sign.   Me too!

     Perryn Peterson has done a great job organizing this hunt.  Perryn is known for the Historical Hunts, including my favorite, the steampunk ones.  A notecard states that there are over 100 shops participating.  I’ve only been able to visit a few so far, but they’ve been good ones.   I especially like the fact that there is a list of participating shops and LMs.  This allows you to continue the Hunt and return later to any spot where the item stubbornly refuses to be found.     
       In addition, Perryn has set up a mini-hunt in the village that is separate from the Renaissance Faire Hunt.  Fifteen acorns have been hidden very well around the village.  So far I’ve only found 3 of them, but I intend to keep looking.      

       There’s also a make-your-own pottery vendor in the village at Renaissance Faire Isle (70, 148, 21).   This is the first time I’ve seen this type of activity at a fair.  A couple of pottery wheels are set up where you can throw a pot for 25L.  If you don’t like your creation, you can re-set and try again.   You don’t pay until you make something you well like enough to buy.    

       There’s also a tree house that is reached by climbing a rope.  You have a choice of climbing speeds, too.  There’s a great view of the Faire from here.  Check out the inside, too.   

       A faire isn’t complete without food.   There’s a tavern in the round here with free food and drinks.   Lots of tables are available, too, for you and your friends to relax and rest up for the rest of the hunt.   

Grey Lupindo

The May Day Faire

Last weekend, the Relay for Life held it's May Day Faire for 2012. This was a smaller event than the Fantasy Faire last week, taking place on two sims instead of nine, Maypole and Mayday. But there was more of an emphasis on events and group participation. The event had a Medieval/ Renaissance theme to it, with many dressing the part. The two sims were divided into plots for groups, all lined up on both sides of a brick road that wound around the two sims, with a music stage in the middle.

One group's plot had two free outfits, one male, one female, for anyone to grab a copy. I went ahead and grabbed the mens'. Different groups had different things on their plots. One had a burlesque tent on their land, but to the disappointment of many males (and relief of the staff) entering the tent, there were no hints of anything but a show not exceeding the PG limits of the Relay event. One Brazilian group had a castle and smithy, with the letters H, O, P, E being worked on and red hot.

The Doctor Who team had a deserted-looking plot with a tradis tipped over with small fires licking at it. The Cure Chasers had a tavern with a kissing booth next to it, which wasn't too far from some barrels of ale of which the girls might have needed a double helping with a few certain avatars. One team was offering dragon rides, with a suggested donation of 50L each. Perhaps no up-front payment was demanded as no one was going to short-change a huge roaring dragon, at least no one who couldn't run away very fast. I took one, and it was quite a ride up there.

Among the areas that were manned which I ran into were the Giant Snail Racing staff's "Giant Snail Relay." RacerX Gullwing was there, explaining that he ran a few races each afternoon for both of the days, and anyone was invited to take part. All one had to do was wear one of the "tiny" giant snail avatars, which had three Medieval/Renaissance outfits, mage, damsel, and warrior. To make things interesting, there were occasional patches of mushrooms that sprouted around the track. Stepping on one would result in being sprung into the air. I took part in one such race. The two regular snail racers quickly took the lead, leaving me and RacerX competing for third place. As luck would have it, I ended up hitting an obstacle, and RacerX zoomed ahead. I was 4rth out of 5.

The Passionate Redheads, of which this reporter has been a member of, held their own booth. It was a variation of a "jail and bail." This was more like "stock and bail," of which those arrested on various charges, of which the accuser had to pay a fee, had to sit in the stocks until their fee was paid. To make things interesting, there was a free "tormentor's kit" with things like ticking feathers and throwing tomatoes to "entertain" those locked away. At one point I saw Sunweaver leader, and Redhead, Rita Mariner reaching behind one girl in the stocks to give her such a tickling while another worked on the feet with a feather.

Last but not least was the music stage. Trader1 Whiplash would DJ there occasionally, but more often there were other DJs as well as the occasional live musician. I dropped in on one event sponsored by the Flying Tigers, with Jessii2009 Warrhol among the dancers.

Dusk Griswold later announced the Redheads took in 14,000 Lindens from the Faire, "which was the highest total I could see of any kiosk there. Special thanks go out to Rita Mariner, who supplied the items in our booth, as well as set it up and spent a lot of time running it. It was a lot of fun, and we did very well."

I didn't hear the final total raised by the Relay for the event, but around 11AM Sunday Trader1 Whiplash stated almost 800,000 Lindens had been raised by then, and expected the event to net at least 1,200,000. Of the team totals, by now the Passionate Redheads passed the 90,000 Linden mark, closing in on Silver status. The Steelhead Salmons are 188,500, with few Silver teams over them. Six teams have passed the one million Linden mark, True Blusers for the Cure, Team OD, Goreans in Relay for Life, Amaretto Ranch Breedables, SL Music Races for a Cure, and one Purple rank, Friends Fighting Cancer, which has raised over 6,300,000 Lindens.

So far this year, the Relay has raised over 46,800,000 Lindens or over $187,000. And the season is not yet half over.

Bixyl Shuftan