The Washington Renaissance Arts and Education Society
Site Policies and Procedures
The Oregon Renaissance Faire (ORF)
The Northwest Pirate Festival (NWPF)
The Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire (WMRF)
Included herein is what the Washington Renaissance Arts and Education Society (WRAES) expects of all Participants* and Guests at our events. The hold harmless and waiver that is signed with our Participant badge registration and camping pass acknowledges the receipt and agreement to comply with these and all posted rules.
*Participant specific information at the end of this document.
Covid Guidelines:
WRAES will follow all recommended CDC/State/County guidelines at the time of the event.
Merchants that wish to require masks in their booth for their staff/guests may do so.
Code of Conduct:
All WRAES events aim to provide a safe, welcoming, and inclusive environment for all of our patrons and participants, regardless of age, race, ethnicity, nationality, culture, sexual orientation, gender, gender identity, gender expression, religious/non-religious beliefs, disability, immigration status, military/veteran status, or socio-economic status. WRAES events are spaces for all.
To help ensure an enjoyable experience for all, we expect you to abide by the following guidelines. WRAES will take appropriate action to enforce our code of conduct at all of our meetings and events.
- Be respectful of others. This includes Guests, Participants, Volunteers, Staff, and Security.
- Do not display potentially offensive images or symbols in public spaces. This includes images which are sexually graphic, or which carry connotations that are historically or racially offensive, including bigoted iconography or symbolism.
- Keep all content appropriate for all ages unless you are participating/performing in an area or activity explicitly labeled as 18+/21+.
- Commit to behavior that uplifts marginalized voices in our community and advances a more equitable, just society.
All state, county, and city laws and ordinances are upheld and enforced on the Site. These include, but are not limited to: Sexual Harassment, Statutory Rape, Assault, Contributing to the Delinquency of a Minor, Theft, Burglary, Auto Theft, Drug Laws, Alcohol laws, etc. Please refrain from damaging and illegal behavior while on the Site. Please do not bring illegal weaponry, paraphernalia, etc. onto the Site. Anyone found to be involved in criminal behavior will be turned over to the custody of the Police.
Anti-Harassment:
Please see our Anti-Harassment Policy for full details.
Harassment is generally defined as unwanted attention or behavior that creates an intimidating, offensive, and/or hostile space for the person or group being targeted. Harassment can be verbal, physical, sexual, and/or psychological. If someone tells you that your comments or behavior are not wanted, you must stop, even if you do not think your behavior was harassing. Harassment is defined by the targeted individual/group. Participation in 21+ spaces, such as the taverns or “bawdy” shows, is not an excuse for harassment or inappropriate behavior.
All Participants and Guests should be able to have a fun time at WRAES events – but not at the expense of others. It is in this spirit that, at WRAES events, everyone present is an active participant in upholding this community standard. As a Participant, Guests, Volunteer, Staff, or member of Security, you accept the responsibility to respect others and maintain safety.
If you have been harassed by someone, and feel safe doing so, report the issue to your supervisor or your Department Head. If you feel that you are in danger from another person, please talk to Security immediately. If you cannot find Security, locate someone with a radio* and they can alert Security for you.
*There are staff with radios at the Towne Gate, Pass House, Ale Houses, Info Booth, First Aide, Camping Gate and Participants’ Gate.
Weapons Policy:
No modern weapons of any kind are allowed on site during WRAES events. Period weapons (swords/daggers/flint locks/etc) are allowed as part of costumes and as props. Please do not draw your period weapon while inside of the event areas including parking areas.
Camping:
Camping is available for Participants at all WRAES events and open to Guests at WMRF, in designated camping areas, as assigned by the Camping Coordinator. You must check in with the Camping Coordinator before setting up your tent or parking your RV/trailer. Check in for camping starts on the Friday before each weekend from 12 noon – 12 midnight. If you arrive on Saturday morning for camping, you may check in at the Towne Gate. Merchants may camp in their booth, and actors may camp in their guild yards* as arranged with their Department Heads. Be sure to stake your tents and popups down securely, the wind is incredibly strong out in the field. Please remove all belongings (including trash) when leaving. Dumpsters are located on site for your use. No fires or open flame, except devices with on/off valves (such as propane stoves).
*Modern camping equipment on the Site must be struck by 9am on event days.
WMRF and ORF:
Quiet time is 10pm – 6am (per the City noise ordinance), please lower voices, cease playing loud music, and turn generators off.
NWPF:
Quiet time is midnight – 6am.
Alcohol:
Alcohol is served in the Ale Houses during show hours and for a limited time after hours. You must be 21 years old and have a valid, government-issued photo ID on your person at all times while in the Ale Houses. All WRAES Sites are dry except for the Ale Houses. No alcohol that was not purchased in the Ale House may be consumed in the Ale House or on Site. There is no tolerance for under age drinking. Any minor found to be drinking alcohol will be taken to their guardian/parent and asked to leave the Site. Any adult found to be serving alcohol to minors will be reported to the proper authorities and also asked to leave the Site.
Smoking/Vaping:
Smoking/vaping is allowed in designated areas only.
ORF & NWPF: Off the Fairgrounds
WMRF: In Ale Houses and designated smoking areas
Please observe the posted signs as to where it is appropriate for you to smoke. Do not drop cigarette butts on the ground. They do not decompose and we must pick them up. Please also remember that summers are dry in the Pacific Northwest and lighted tobacco can cause fires. Marijuana consumption is not legal in public places in Washington or Oregon state.
Weather and Health Concerns:
The weather in the Pacific Northwest can be unpredictable. It can be hot during the day and cool at night. During the heat of the day, wear sunscreen, drink water and rest when needed. The costuming that many of us wear can cause dehydration and heat stroke. If you have a problem or need medical assistance please go to our First Aide booth during show hours and to Security after hours. Please be responsible for yourself and your children and know your own limits.
Porta Potties:
The toilets on site are for intended purposes only. Please do not throw trash or other items into the potties. If you come across a pottie that needs attention or is damaged, please alert Security or Administration Staff for assistance.
Parking:
Please park in designated “Participant Parking” only. There will be signs that designate where staff and participants should park. Please do not park in the FIRE LANES or your vehicle will be towed at your expense. Please place the vehicle identification pass in the rear view mirror of your vehicle so we can know who belongs to which car/trailer. There are designated disabled parking near the Towne Gate. Only those with disability tags issued from the State are allowed to park there. WRAES is not responsible for loss or damage to your vehicle or its contents. Please lock your vehicle and secure your personal items. Vehicles parked improperly will be towed off Site at the owner’s expense.
Minors on the Site:
Children under 18 years old must be supervised by a parent or guardian at all times. If you have brought your children or other underage person to work with you, you are responsible for them. Please do not allow children to become problematic for other actors, administration, merchants or security. Children who are a problem will be brought to their parent/guardian and asked to leave the Site.
Lost Children and Parents:
If you observe unattended children, it is never a bad idea to ask them if they need assistance. If you come upon a child who is lost, or a parent looking for their child, please CONTACT SECURITY IMMEDIATELY. Do not try and find the parent or child yourself, Security has radios and can sweep the Site more effectively for the lost parent or child.
Pets:
ORF, NWPF, & WMRF: SERVICE ANIMALS ONLY.
Property:
WRAES is not responsible for the loss or theft of any personal items belonging to merchants, actors, workers, or volunteers while they are on the Site. Lost & Found is located at the Info Booth.
Please remember that we are a themed event and many items that are appropriate in the present were not available in the historical Period. Please help us maintain the illusion by not using your cell phone or other modern items in front of our Guests during show hours if you are in a costume.
*Participant Specific Information
ID Badges:
All Participants at all WRAES events will be issued mandatory photo ID badges that must remain on your person at all times. Every person must register online* for their ID badge which they will pick up on location at the Pass House and have their photo taken. ID Badges may be carried inside a basket, pouch, purse or pocket DURING Faire hours. Please wear them visibly while on site after hours and whenever accessing areas of the site that are not open to the general public. Badges are not transferable. These badges are not replacements for valid, government-issued photo ID in the Ale Houses. At WMRF, Guests who have camping passes will wear tyvek bracelets, and Guests who have tickets to our after hours parties at all WRAES events will wear tyvek bracelets (valid until midnight). Bracelet colors will change each weekend.
*Registration information for your ID badge is obtained through your Department Head/Guild Leader.
Pass House:
The Pass House (where you pick up your ID badge) is located by towne gate. It is open for you to get your picture taken and pick up your ID badge at the times listed below. Please do NOT wait until the last minute. Peak hours are in the morning on Event Days.
Pass House hours:
ORF:
Fridays Open 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturdays Open 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Closed 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Sundays Open 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM*, 4:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Closed 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
*Final Sunday Hours
NWPF:
Friday Open 3:00 PM – 8:00 PM
Saturday Open 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Closed 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Sunday Open 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM
WMRF:
Fridays Open 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Saturdays Open 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Closed 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
Sundays Open 8:00 AM – 12:00 PM*, 4:00 PM – 9:00 PM
Closed 12:00 PM – 4:00 PM
*Final Sunday Hours
Drive On:
You may bring your vehicle onto the Site for loading and unloading only. All cars/trailers need to be in the PARTICIPANT PARKING LOT after unloading. Last DRIVE ON is 8:30am on event days – NO EXCEPTIONS. All vehicles must be off Site by 9am on event days. After closing, vehicles may not be brought onsite until drive-on is authorized by WRAES management or security.
Thank you for reading and following these rules. If you have any questions, please contact your Department Head.
The Washington Renaissance Arts and Education Society