singing wild mountain thyme from a firetower (+ thoughts on the ren faire shutting down)

Oct 12, 2026

I first learned this song about a year and a half ago when I got a gig at a Renaissance Faire. The Faire was called Robin Hood's Medieval and throughout each fairday, there would be a cast of characters playing out the stories of Robin Hood and his merry men.

At the closing of the Faire, every evening, each and every performer- from the cast to the hired acts like myself- would gather around and sing this song as a goodnight to the patrons.

Robin Hood's just made the announcement that they will be closing their gates for the foreseeable future and it makes me sad, honestly. I got that gig at 18, (I think) on accident. I had only played one gig up to that point, but I cold-emailed the videos from it to the booker (shoutout, Brian). He couldn't take me that season, but the year after, he reached out to see if I would do closing weekend.

The days for the Faire are long. You get your guarantee, but truthfully, as an independent act, you make most of your connections, memories, (and money), through the hustle. Busking for tips, taking requests, making a kid smile. 4 shows a day, plus countless hours of learning what it means to work your craft.

I celebrated my 20th birthday at Robin Hood's this past year. I was surrounded by folks who love me, and who I love. I watched my parents and my baby cousin rubbing shoulders with cosplayers, and teenage kids who were excited for their first time let loose to "go be nerds!"

As someone who grew up as a proper nerd, myself, it's always healed my heart a bit haha. It gave me an excuse to learn a couple Oh Hello songs, to practice the folk tunes that I love, and to excite a group of kids with my rendition of "Spin the Wheel" from Arcane.

Overall, Robin Hood's Medieval Faire, I miss you already. Thank you for the memories, for making me a better player, and a fuller person.

Cheers,

Margot