Renaissance Festival in Pictures

Hearing rumors that the Renaissance Festival may be devoured by the yawning pit of a frac sand mine, we made a point going this year.  Worries have been laid to rest for the near future, but take a look at that huge hole where the parking lot used to be--there is definitely mining going on!  The kids and I went Festival Friday--a school oriented day with a nice discount and fewer crowds.  My dad joined us and we met up with a couple friends as well.  

Ariadne insisted on holding the turkey leg herself.  The six of us we no match for three of these mammoth drumsticks.  

The knife throwing booth had a broad appeal--and no age minimum.  I imposed my own, making five the lower limit.  They all had a go at it and Solomon and Charlotte each got a knife to stick in the wood target.  

Nova went straight to the bungee jumping/trampoline the minute she saw it.  She went VERY high.

 When she got off she said "I thought I was going to die.  I loved it!"

 Charlotte tried this out too.  She achieved some nice, relatively controlled flips.

Nova was determined to climb Jacob's Ladder.  The goal is to ring the bell without flipping the ladder or falling off.  She tried 8 times and came so, so close.  

Charlotte rode the elephant all by herself.  

Solomon squaring up against a master chess player.  

Charlotte and Ariadne were intrigued by the mermaids.  

Aria's favorite spot was the petting zoo.  She especially liked the sheep.  She was drawn to the larger animals too.  Initially she wanted to ride the elephant, then the camel, then the llama.  Each time, as we got closer to the animal she said 'I'm not so sure.'  

The Danger Committee was fun as usual.  Lots of fire, lots of knives, lots of juggling.  They even juggled tazers this year--not quite period, I know---but sufficiently dangerous.  

Charles was not able to come along for the school day at the Renfest, but he did want to go.  Inspired by a couple of friends, we made a date out of it.  I would certainly recommend this.  The Renaissance Festival without kids is a different experience.  Window shopping is so much easier.  Adult shows are an option.  I even tried some mead (very good).  

We came into the Queen's Gate, bypassing the abyss and catching a glimpse of the camp where many of the entertainers and staff stay.

There was a nice crowd.  The school day (or Festival Friday), has far fewer people that a regular weekend day.  I'm sure that part of the reason is that not all the vendors and shows are open.  While less people can be nice in one way, I also feel like it detracts from the ambiance.  The tightrope walking juggler was one show that I did not see on Friday. Set up in the middle of the 'street', he drew an enormous crowd.  

It was Shamrocks and Shenanigans weekend so we got to see some Scottish dance.  

Another thing adults can do is pick up the swords.  In fact, they are actively encouraged to do so. Anyone under 18 is actively discouraged.  Charles didn't need much encouragement.

We went on the last day, a shocking 80 plus degree day at the very end of September.  I ended up buying a renaissance hair tie just to keep my hair up because it was so hot.  Going the last day is still worth it, but be warned they may run out of turkey legs, Florentine ice (imagine sorbet packed in half an orange) and butter for popovers before the day is out.  On the up side, most of the shows are trying something over the top just because it is the last day. Huzzah!  Here's hoping the country's biggest and oldest Renaissance Festival lasts many more years.