The pond defines Norman, literally dividing it into two parts like Gaul: a comparatively narrow, dry and nearly shadeless Western half and a broader, cooler Eastern half with some trees for relief (photo, left). This is not necessarily a bad thing. It gives the overall impression of having TWO Faires in one! The main disadvantage to the pond was traffick flow. Norman drew a crowd estimated at well over 150,000 this year, although thankfully not all of them arrived at the same time. The Faire is spread out over several acres so while the grounds were full of patrons all day, it was never really elbow-to-elbow, toe-to-heel crowded as some of the larger Faires get, betimes. Unfortunately, there are only two narrow footbridges available, one at each end to cross the pond (photo, right). On Saturday afternoon during the height of the Faire, for example, the queue to cross over those bridges got really L-O-N-G and slow on both sides!

Of course, some of the delay at the North Bridge might have been caused by patrons pausing to admire this beauteous mermaid with her treasure chest close beside her (photo, right).

There were many familiar faces at Norman that weekend. Chief among these were The Artists Formerly Known As "The Scottish Rogues" (photo, right), now going by the name of "The Rogues of Scotland". Not only did they play their usual sets onstage during the Faire, but they enthralled Norman patrons with impromptu performances throughout the day at various locations (photo, below). It was the sound of their piping, in fact, which helped Ryleh locate the Faire shortly after he arrived. Even several blocks away, he could hear their bagpipes calling against the wind!

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