Nearly everyone who's a regular at the festival has seen Neal.

You'll quite frequently find him tucked away in the White Hart Tavern in the company of Judy and Keith. But let me let him tell you that part:

The first time I walked through the gates of the Maryland Renaissance Festival (MDRF) was in the Fall of 1997. I wanted to put together a wizard's outfit for Halloween and heard that the MDRF was the place to look. Little did I realize that this was to be a watershed event in my life. As I passed through the gates, a sense of wonder came over me. It was like the beginning of a magical adventure - who knew what would happen next? All I remember of that first hour is that it was like a dream. Every nerve, every fiber of my being was over stimulated, I knew I was hooked and had to come back again! Psychologist Csikszentmihalyi refers to an event such as this as a 'flow' experience.

Many adults in our day and age have forgotten how to play, or they think that it is undignified for them to engage in such activities. The Maryland Renaissance Festival is the 'ultimate' play experience for adults - it is great for kids of all ages!

Anyway, I attended seven times in 1997, and dragged many of my friends along (three of them are now hooked as well). I quickly discovered that the robe purchased from Moresca was too hot to wear to the festival. I made mental notes of what others were wearing with the thought of putting together an outfit to see me through the hot weather. I took in a number of the shows including The Joust, Shakespeare's Skum, and The Bloody Drama Comedy Show and laughed till my sides hurt. As the 1997 season began to wind down, I discovered the Maryland Renaissance Festival Withdrawal Syndrome web page, and laughed and laughed, it was so very entertaining, funny, and it was all true! I also discovered The White Dragon's web page due to the link Regan had on her web page. Little did I realize until months later how that link would change my life.

In the Spring of 1998, I met The White Dragon, the Lady Dawntreader, and Bronx Elf at a another faire. I immediately recognized Keith from the photo on Regan's web page and introduced myself. When the 1998 MDRF season rolled around, Keith took it on himself to "take me under his dragonwing" and assist in the completion of my renaissance addiction. Keith and Judy introduced me to dozens of 'rennies' and 'otters' and patiently answered all of my questions about the festival. Keith also got me 'hooked' on the alt.fairs.renaissance news group (This is your fault Keith!) The last piece of the puzzle was the social aspect of the festival. I made so many new friends, you all are fabulous! I now fervently look forward to listening to the Rogues piping away, Women of Whimsey singing out their hearts, and the antics of the Pyrates Royale at The White Hart Tavern, while quaffing a cold ale or cider and playing with all of my new friends.

It was time to pick a faire name. Like Keith, I am a big dragon fan and collect things dragon. I wanted a dragon name (I was born in 1964, which is a dragon year on the Chinese Zodiac) so I settled on the name of 'The Emerald Dragon.' Now, I watch the calendar, counting down the days until another season of MDRF rolls around. If you have never been to the magical village of Revel Grove, you are missing a lot! Please come and visit!