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I started in 2004 and so far I have only worked for CKC... One day I will hopefully get over myself and try out to be a street character, but until then you would most likely find me in a booth or walking around causing trouble.
[submitted 4/27/2006]

jadedraven19@yahoo.com

Sarah Neil, Shop Worker ~ Origami Cart

neilx003@umn.edu

I started festival in 1990 as an unskilled street newbie (shy, quiet, retiring) who knew the newly formed En Garde troupe. First thing I did as a gig was hawking for the new Robin Hood show ("gorgeous  men in wet tights" -- hey, it worked...). The other skill I learned that year that I have found useful in all areas of my life has been how to pout. Thank You Mother Superior. The next year I tagged along as my boyfriend was recruited into Court and I volunteered to be maid to the as yet unnamed new Queen. I have been attending the Queen ever since. Same queen, same character although both Sophie and I have moved up in the world together. We married our loves and both got better clothes.

NeitzC@moss-barnett.com

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1984-85 sword ring (I was a U of M fencer at the time).
1986 Academy, played Fortunato Panini at the bakery.
1987: Queen Mum's entourage, 1987 to present: Court Revellers Occasional chess game fighter since 1990.
1991-present: Royal Court (95-96: Herald; 97-98: Lord Chamberlain.)
1992: Awarded the "Late Bloomer" cup, 1996: Unicorn Award. Visit and participate in several RenFaires throughout the country. Study history voraciously, and own several hundred books on 16th century England, court ceremonial, and heraldry (I know my character's job!).

neitz@dm.net
http://dm.net/~neitz

I started at MRF in 1998, when I was inducted into the Royal Guard. I play the often frazzled, and nearly consistently peeved Sergeant of the guard. His personal outlook on life is best described by this statement. "From God to the King. From the King to the Captain. From the Captain to me. I now have to divine God's will through the two previous idiots, and break it down into simple enough terms for those idiots below me to understand it!" I'm a 26 year old college senior (yeah, I know......) at St. Cloud State University.
[submitted 9/4/2002]

Nelsonb1@Charter.net

I started festival in 2006 as a member of the Sisters of the Sahara. Leili can be found wandering the streets looking for more glitter and people willing to learn bellydance. Leili likes talking in the third person at times and enjoys making people laugh.
[submitted 6/11/2011]

leilibellydance@yahoo.com
www.LeiliMilani.com

Pete Nelson, Street
Donne Marcello

New in 2001

kzjock@yahoo.com

Started MN Ren Fair in 1992 as penny whistle/bodrahn/backup singer in Turmeric. 1993-94 played peg-leg street character, nominated in "93" for most improved veteran. 1995 played bodrahn/backup singer in Limerick, nominated in "95" for best new act. 1996-1999 played Athos in 3 musketeer street group . 2000-2004 played Nunez Vasquez De Balboa in Spanish Conquistadors street group. 2005 played acoustic bass/backing vocals in Misplaced, nominated in "05" for best new act. 2006-present played acoustic bass/backing vocals in Skullduggery. presented with unicorn award in "06". worked many shifts at front gate from "93-08", make-up artist at Trail of terror from 1999-present, and last but not least help significant other Jone at booth 125 Indigo Turtle
[submitted 9/22/2009]

rareman67@yahoo.com

Jenn Newman, Tatterdemalions
Bronagh Na Rosaich

Started Fest in 2000

jenewman1@hotmail.com

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Tara Nitz, Street
Beatrice Dwigit

I've been part of the MRF since 2001, when the Tatters' threw me in a trunk after I told them I sang soprano and squeaked by with above average cuteness rating. Now that those days are done and I am now [sigh] an orphan, I'm adjusting to life on the 'streets'. I manage to survive by flashing puppy dog faces at patrons near the cream puff counter and performing at various locations when needed while having zanny misadventures along the way.

taranitz@hotmail.com

http://www.drunkanddisorderly.com

http://www.noblecasting.com

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I started in 1988 at King of the Log, a fund raiser for a public school in Minneapolis that both of my children went to. I didn't want to do anything but hawk once I tried it. I chose the name Hawkins because of what I did and also because of the Danny Kaye character in the Court Jester... love that movie. I had never thought about doing anything else at Fest, until a member of the Court flirted with my character at the Log and made me think that maybe I could do something more. She knows how grateful I am.

Another thing that happened was Fitz (Lazarchic) starting to work at the 'Log.' We are so similar, OK maybe not. Since that time we have become really close friends. We had talked for a few years about leaving for the 'street,' and finally jumped ship from the 'Log' in 2000. In 2000, my 12th year, I was nominated for the Cracked Cup, as was Fitz, the best man won... that would be Fitz.

In 2002 the oddest thing happened to me... I became Haaawkieee. Thank you Your Highness.

dnordrum@yahoo.com

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Cheryl Nord, Shop Worker ~ Tall Toad
Cheryl in MN, Lady Agatha on the Road

I started attending the fest with my husband Roger in 1984. Our first costumes were beautifully done period pieces in wool in 1986. We proudly went to our first fest in garb, and almost passed out from heat stroke. That night I made two peasant outfits, (staying up until 2:00 AM), so that we could go back the next day. We started working with The Merchants Assistant in 1990 or 1991, and stayed with them until the group broke up. I went to work for Kathy Dopita for several years, and then! changed to working for Patti Hetrick at Tall Toad. I am the shop manager there when the boss is on the road. Roger and I attend the Bristol and Kansas City shows, where we change from shopworkers to the Countess Agatha, and Count Eric Von Nordheim. We are Prussian Nobles out enjoying life while the peasants run our estate. Roger works at Excalibur in MN. In my mundane life, I am a logistics automation manager for the Army Reserve at Fort Snelling.

Cheryl.Nord@Prodigy.Net

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Roger Nord, Shop Worker ~ Excalibur
None in MN, Count Eric Von Nordheim when on the Road

I started attending festival with my wife in 1984. We first came in garb in 1986, when my wife made two great outfits in wool, and we marched off to the fest all proud of our new clothes, and almost died of heat stroke in 95 degree weather. In 1990 we started the fest working with The Merchants Assistant and stayed until the demise of that group in 1992. I worked one year for Windwalkers as shop manager, and then went to work for Ken Wilson at Excalibur. I have been with Excalibur for 8 years. My wife Cheryl works at Tall Toad, and runs that shop when Patti is out of town. When we aren't in MN, my wife and I are playtrons at the Bristol Faire and in Kansas City. Once away from home we change from quiet shop help to Count Eric and Lady Agatha, wayward Prussian Nobles who enjoy traveling the world while the peasants slave away maintaining our estate.

Roger.Nord@Prodigy.Net

This plain peasant girl who worked at the Fencing Booth in 2003 miraculously transformed into a plain noble lady who dances with Terpsichory in 2004. And all without the help of a fairy godmother or a magic potion! Perhaps this was worked through the magic of her betrothal to Patrick Serrano (aka "Richard Banks")? Let's hope this spell doesn't wear off...
[submitted 06-04-2004]

katriniac@yahoo.com
http://www.geocities.com/katriniac

[submitted 10/11/2006]