For those who ask...
So I got back from Pennsic and the common question was: How was it and is it worth going to? I had a great time at Pennsic with Clan Lochleven (i.e. some LARPing friends I don’t get a chance to regulary hang out with). I've created a short list about whether Pennsic is worth the time and energy for:
* Don’t mind or like camping, particularly in August. I saw the Pennsylvania temperature range from 40-100 degrees with things liable to change a lot from day to day.
* Pennsic is about a 9.5 hour drive from Waltham. The main events happen during the second week, which means you will need to take a week off.
* Want to learn something new. There are a lot of cool people who are passionate about their craft or chosen pursuit. Want to learn about thrown weapons? Hands-on wool spinning? 14th century dance or bellydancing? Or 12th century boat construction? If you like learning something new, Pennsic is good for that.
* There are a LOT of parties. These range from Mardi Gras style at the far end of The Bog. The other end of the spectrum is the The Hoighty Toighty, which is an amazingly well-done Italian Villa party where you rub shoulders with well-dressed royalty whilst enjoying gypsy circus shows, fortune-tellers, and heavy metal percussion bands. Be sure to have a period mug.
* Find people who you’d like to go with! Lochleven has been especially good to me in taking care of logistics, people who love boardgames (7 Wonders go go go), and generally being Good People to just shoot the shit with. There is a strong sense of community for many camps.
* Enjoy a bit of magic. People place a great deal of creativity and energy to make things work. Clan Tinker, a gypsy circus, putting on a fun show. You can find a campfire where people are in-character telling tales a la 1001 nights. Or itinerant bards wandering into camp to share stories for a cup of wine. Or be bemused of the Tardis on the side of the road- then realize it's the entrance to a campsite. If you don’t mind looking for it, you can find some amazing things.
* Shopping for stuff. There is so much stuff.
Pennsic is not for everyone. It can be overwhelming, weather can suck, and requires a willingness to just go out there to try things. However, it can be a great time if enough of the above points make it worth your vacation time.