We have just finished up the 2024 VARF season and it was amazing! We saw lots of cool and beautiful things, met up with vendor friends we made last year, and, with our placement, we could hear or watch most of the shows on the main stage, which means a lot of the jokes are now ingrained in my brain for years to come.

• Week one passed with only minor setup hiccups, but when is that not the case. We welcomed numerous guests who were fitted for new boots for the season. I even treated myself to a new leather hat to complete one of my outfits. Many attendees proudly displayed their clan colors, sporting cargo kilts and even a few traditional great kilts throughout the weekend. It was enjoyable catching up with neighboring vendors and exchanging recommendations for customers seeking specific items.

• During week two, we were greeted with rain, but it turned out to be a blessing in disguise as it drove people indoors seeking shelter, where we spent time exchanging humorous anecdotes with our visitors. When the sun reappeared, our boots flew off the shelves as customers sought to avoid soggy feet. I'm reminded that I need to give all my boots a thorough cleaning to rid them of mud and dirt. The weather may have slightly dampened the romance theme, but amidst it all, I witnessed a touching moment as someone knelt in the rain to present a rose to their partner, proving that some still embraced the romantic spirit.

• Week three, or what we dubbed "the scorcher," brought intense heat. We were thrilled to host one of our influencers, Goforthegoat, who joined our team for some lively activities. Additionally, Alice, the company owner, graced us with her presence for a meet-and-greet session with those eager to connect with her.
  On the first day, many arrived fully adorned in regalia or heavy armor, but as the sun reached its peak, discretion prevailed, and by midday, most had shed their cumbersome layers in favor of lighter attire.

• Week four was absolutely delightful; the temperature was just right, and the gentle breeze provided a welcome relief. As I strolled past a booth, I unexpectedly found myself participating in a riddle game and emerged victorious, earning a striking black and green ring belt that I'm thrilled to incorporate into my ensemble permanently.
  One of the highlights of the week was encountering a medieval Batman clad in full plate armor. The attention to detail was remarkable, and the individual even mentioned having built fans into their suit—a brilliant innovation that I'm definitely considering adopting for my future projects.
  

• Week five marked the grand finale of the season for this event, and while it was undeniably amazing, there was a hint of bittersweetness in the air. The sight of countless pirates, especially those elaborately dressed pirate captains, added to the event's charm. Special mention goes to the individual with a puppet parrot perched on their shoulder; it took me a while to realize it wasn't real!
  Surprisingly, there was an abundance of One Piece cosplayers, perfectly fitting for a pirate-themed weekend. As the day progressed, we even embarked on a mission to assemble an entire crew of Straw Hat pirates, adding an extra layer of excitement to the festivities.
  

While it's a tad melancholic that the season has drawn to a close for the year, there's a silver lining in the form of a well-deserved breather before the next wave of events rolls in. With a plethora of upcoming engagements lined up throughout the year, there's no shortage of opportunities to catch us in action. We invite you to join us, extend a warm hello, and explore all the exciting offerings we have in store.