If you planned to attend the first Shediac Renaissance Faire, you expected a magical weekend of medieval fun. Instead, you experienced long lines, extreme heat and severe disorganization.

Organized by Shediac Wonderland, the event took place at the Neptune Drive In. Tickets sold out quickly. Nearly 6000 people planned to attend the two day festival. CBC News reported that campgrounds and local accommodations were completely booked.

However, the reality on the ground fell short of expectations. Attendees took to a popular Reddit thread to share their frustrations.

Hours in the Hot Sun

The most common complaint involved the entrance process. A failure with the ticket scanning system forced people to wait up to three hours on hot asphalt.

Shediac Renaissance Faire The 3 hour line up to get in.
by u/whimsywithteeth in newbrunswickcanada

Security staff told guests they could not bring outside food or water into the venue. Workers dumped out drinks at the gate. Once inside, attendees faced another massive hurdle. The event used a ticket system for food and beverages. Guests waited over an hour to buy food tickets and then waited another two hours to actually get their food or water.

One Reddit user noted their son showed signs of severe dehydration. Another mentioned their sister nearly fainted while waiting for water.

Staffing and Organization Issues

Many guests criticized the for profit organizers for relying heavily on volunteers. Vendors and attendees noted that volunteers received very little training or support.

The layout also caused problems. Vendor tents sat too close together. The tight spacing made it impossible for crowds to browse the tables safely. Signage was practically nonexistent. Guests wandered aimlessly trying to find workshops and performances.

A Strong Community Spirit

Despite the logistical failures, attendees found a few bright spots. The performers delivered excellent shows. The Moncton Marauders received special praise for their armored combat demonstrations.

Guests also commended the vendors and the general crowd. People showed up in elaborate costumes and happily traded trinkets with one another. The community spirit remained high even when the event management failed.

Organizers have not yet issued a public statement regarding the complaints or potential refunds.

Frequently Asked Questions

Where did the Shediac Renaissance Faire take place?

The event happened at the Neptune Drive In located in Shediac New Brunswick.

Why were the lines so long at the entrance?

The QR code ticket scanners broke down early in the day. Staff had to manually check tickets for thousands of attendees.

Could guests bring their own water?

No. Security forced attendees to empty their water bottles before entering the grounds. This caused major dehydration concerns due to the extreme heat.

Who organized the event?

A private company called Shediac Wonderland organized the festival.