[Steppes] Update and Info for SMU Demo 2/14

[chimericalgirl@attbi.com]

Info from Heidi DePaul, annotated by me:

Getting there:
http://www2.smu.edu/maps/directions.asp
http://www2.smu.edu/maps/campus.asp

Event area description (this is for the whole event, not just our
area) ;) :
>We have the area in front of Dallas Hall all the way to the flagpole area
>as well as the boulevard area with trees reserved for us.
>There is a paved area there as well as paved sidewalks in a sort of
>crisscross pattern and some lawn areas with and without trees.
>We also have a fountain near the flagpole. There is also a paved area
>around the flagpole.

Dallas Hall is the large yellow "-+-" shaped building in the upper
left corner of the map given above. A printable map is here:
http://www2.smu.edu/maps/images/print_map.pdf

Parking:
>I'll check into the designated parking for you. Many times, for events
>such as these, SMU will relax the parking ban on the boulevard.

I will let everyone know as soon as I hear from Heidi on the parking
issue.

Setup times:
>The setting up time is between 10 a.m. and noon and we will have a
>staffed table near the flagpole ( we will identify it) where everybody
>can check in and find out where they will be located. ( We'll try to have
>maps). If somebody can only come later, they can still set up then and we will
>identify their table ahead of time.

I am going early to set up, anyone who wants to be there early with me
to set up is welcome, but you don't have to be there until noon.

>The event will be outdoors only.

I will be bringing my modified/medievalized sunshade pavilion (not the
walls, though), so we have somewhere to rest out of the sun (well,
assuming we *have* sun...).

I will also be bringing a small (2 gal) drink cooler filled with
icewater for keeping people hydrated, and a picnic cooler, iced, with
lunchmeats, cheese, and fruit in it, with room to spare for people to
put in a few sodas. There will also be bread and possibly crackers to
share.

>The areas for the crafts, fortune telling, etc. will be 8ft rectangular
>tables and you will not need to bring your own tables or chairs. We can
>also push two tables together if someone needs a larger area.

I have requested 2-3 tables, and if we suddenly get an influx of
volunteers, I can bring two more folding tables. I also requested a
round table for handouts and info, and six chairs. If anyone will be
bringing more people with them, please bring extra chairs.

I have also indicated that we would like to be together, so that we
can spell each other if need be. If you want to be seperate from
everyone, let me know immediately so I can pass it on to Heidi.

>The stage is supposed to be set up directly in front of Dallas Hall.

The fighting demos will be on the stage. We need to figure out when we
want to have them, though:

>As for the stage, the schedule is still somewhat in flux at this time,
>but I think only the time from 3:30 to 4:00 has been definitely reserved
>for an Irish dancegroup. We will try to schedule everything around the
>availability of your volunteers.

So, we should try and let her know when is the best time for us to
have the fighting demos. If we can't, we'll have to be there and be
available for a demo when they have a free spot.


>We are also holding a food drive to benefit the North Texas Food Bank -
>we are asking the public to donate at least one can of food. The foodbank
>will pick up - I am mentioning this if you have flyers or a notification
>list.

Please, if you can, bring something for the food drive. I will be
doing so, and if you can't afford to do so, let me know and I'll bring
a donation in your name.

>Also, the Medieval Fair is underwritten by the Tate Lecture Series.
>We will try to stop at 4:00 p.m.sharp, since there will be a lecture from
>4:30 to 5:30 at the Smith Auditorium in the new Meadows Museum, presented
>jointly by two of our most popular medieval professors ( English and
>History) on "The Real Histories of Valentine's Day."
>
>The lecture is free and open to the public and we are hoping for a good
>turnout.

We are welcome to go to this, though I'll be busy tearing down and
heading home to get ready for Border Wars. If you bring things that
have to be packed up before you go, I ask in advance that you take
them to your car before going to the lecture or they'll go home with
me until I can get them to you :)

And, from Heidi to all of us who volunteered to help them out with
this:
>Thank you for everything you are doing.

I also thank you for your help with this, and I repeat that I'd
appreciate any further victims ... er, volunteers that you can bring.
:)

If I didn't also mail you directly with this and you'd like to help,
please let me know that you'd like to be there. Right now, we have
four confirmed, six possible, including me. Iames pointed out that
this is pretty high-profile and I agree. I'd really like us to make a
good showing, so if you think you can go, let me know :)

Marguerie de Jauncourt