Actually, I run preamps between my mics and recorder, out of preference, but also because I've killed every single battery box I've ever owned. Preamps are really useful if the volumes are low at a gig.
You're running out of time to get mics from Church Audio in time for the festival at the end of this month - I suggest you order pronto, making sure he has the mics in stock, or borrow kit from another taper.
Look at Sound Professionals also, but be careful of the (great sounding) AT853 series of mics - they overload at loud gigs in the standard format SP sell them (2-wire). You'll need to run them 3-wire or get the 4.7k mod.