RF 2019: Lucid Dream

In the spirit of community (and sentimentality), I wanted to post some throwback images of the last RF I got to attend as a Reed student. It was also the first real life event that I took photos during.

Hey!

If you're here, you probably either (a) know that I'm a senior at Reed College, or (b) go to Reed with me. If neither of those apply to you, welcome! Check this out; I promise you'll be entertained. :-)

"Once an authentic Renaissance Fair, Renn Fayre is now a themed celebration at the end of the academic year. It begins with the Thesis Parade, in which seniors march from the steps of the library to the registrar's office to celebrate turning in their theses, and includes music, softball, art, and a flurry of fireworks." (x)

Renn Fayre (termed RF from here) is an extremely important element of Reed's tradition for many, many reasons. Here are a few things that come to mind, but the list definitely goes on.

First thing: who doesn't want to let off some steam at the end of a stressful year? Reed is fucking tough, and I know that I've felt points in every spring semester where RF seems like the only thing keeping me somewhat sane and on track.

Second thing: who doesn't have at least ten crushes that they wanna hug, or kiss, or sit on that big chair on the lawn with by the time the year ends? During the year, we're pretty much constantly surrounded a bunch of smart, cute, motivated people. Maybe you'll have a laugh with that super cool Religion major that somehow ended up in your MATH141 section. Maybe you'll have a mega deep conversation with a dorm mate you never really got to know, way too many whippets deep but having too much fun to care (sorry, Mom).

Third, and maybe most important thing: At some point, I guarantee you'll just step back and marvel at all of the creative outfits, projects, and performances that are being put on all around you for three straight days. You'll watch the flames crackle as yet another thesis is added to the pit outside of the library and feel a surge of pride at how weird, wild, and wonderful the Reed community is. How did the RF czars manage to put together this celebration while juggling all of that schoolwork? How did they write a killer thesis and play in a band every weekend? How did I get so lucky to meet all of you people, right here, right now, on this planet? Really, the answers don't need to be thought of. It's a magic feeling, and it's one that I feel so sorry not to be able to experience one last time.

I know that the world is upside down, and that there are many more important, bigger-picture things to think about in the grand scheme of things. The point of this post isn't really to mope about no RF 2020. It's to light a little fire in people's hearts who might need some bittersweet nostalgia to get through these times, even if it's not their nostalgia. These photos will always be so special to me, and I hope you like them, too.

If you're in any of these and want me to take them down, shoot me a message and I will do so immediately!

Catch ya later,

Victoria

(New York, NY)