Renfair Season - When the Renaissance Fair Comes to Town
One of the first renaissance fairs in the country was held in California back in 1963.
The brainchild of Phyllis Patterson, this was an event held in the spring and fall of each year, and it represented a typical English village of the 16th Century.
Thus was born the colorful and entertaining spectacle of re-enactment/craft fairs.
These days, the events are typically held over a weekend, although some have grown into permanent theme parks.
They enjoy huge popularity, partially due to the uniqueness of the experience, with attendees being encouraged to dress in period costume and to remain in 'character' for the duration of their visit.
Another reason the renfairs are so popular is the variety of attractions and entertainment available, which virtually guarantee to keep the whole family engaged and entertained, from the youngest members right up to the senior citizens! Here are some examples of what you can expect to find at most renaissance fairs, in which stalls are often set up to form 'streets', through with visitors and live performers mingle.
Food and Drink One of the most enjoyable aspects of a renfair, naturally, is the food and drink.
But beyond the turkey and mulled wine, the is very often a large section devoted to local suppliers, who enter into the spirit of the occasion by attending their stalls in full authentic medieval costume.
Games No renaissance fair is complete with a bit of healthy competition.
In addition to the traditional skill games such as archery or throwing the axe, expect to see fun elements like Drench-a-Wench or Soak-a-Bloke.
Animal Displays Falconry displays are always a popular attraction, and the bigger fairs usually set up an arena so they can host a jousting competition, a display not to be missed! Music and Dancing No self respecting medieval English Village would be without a bit of song and dance, and there is usually plenty of both on offer at the renfair.
You will find musicians, dancers, jugglers, and magicians, all of whom mingle with the visitors throughout the day, greatly enhancing the experience.
Most fairs have an end-of-the-day ritual, a parade or concert where all employees gather and bid farewell to the patrons.
For those who work at the fair, the last concert that a festival holds for the season is traditionally an emotional moment.
Renaissance fairs are staged around the United States at different times of the year.
Fair vendors, participants and crew often work the "faire circuit", going from event to event as one fair ends and another begins.
They often camp on-site or nearby and develop close bonds with their fellow performers.
If you plan to visit a renaissance fair this year, a quick search online will reveal plenty of suppliers offering a huge range of authentic medieval costumes and accessories available for sale or hire.
The brainchild of Phyllis Patterson, this was an event held in the spring and fall of each year, and it represented a typical English village of the 16th Century.
Thus was born the colorful and entertaining spectacle of re-enactment/craft fairs.
These days, the events are typically held over a weekend, although some have grown into permanent theme parks.
They enjoy huge popularity, partially due to the uniqueness of the experience, with attendees being encouraged to dress in period costume and to remain in 'character' for the duration of their visit.
Another reason the renfairs are so popular is the variety of attractions and entertainment available, which virtually guarantee to keep the whole family engaged and entertained, from the youngest members right up to the senior citizens! Here are some examples of what you can expect to find at most renaissance fairs, in which stalls are often set up to form 'streets', through with visitors and live performers mingle.
Food and Drink One of the most enjoyable aspects of a renfair, naturally, is the food and drink.
But beyond the turkey and mulled wine, the is very often a large section devoted to local suppliers, who enter into the spirit of the occasion by attending their stalls in full authentic medieval costume.
Games No renaissance fair is complete with a bit of healthy competition.
In addition to the traditional skill games such as archery or throwing the axe, expect to see fun elements like Drench-a-Wench or Soak-a-Bloke.
Animal Displays Falconry displays are always a popular attraction, and the bigger fairs usually set up an arena so they can host a jousting competition, a display not to be missed! Music and Dancing No self respecting medieval English Village would be without a bit of song and dance, and there is usually plenty of both on offer at the renfair.
You will find musicians, dancers, jugglers, and magicians, all of whom mingle with the visitors throughout the day, greatly enhancing the experience.
Most fairs have an end-of-the-day ritual, a parade or concert where all employees gather and bid farewell to the patrons.
For those who work at the fair, the last concert that a festival holds for the season is traditionally an emotional moment.
Renaissance fairs are staged around the United States at different times of the year.
Fair vendors, participants and crew often work the "faire circuit", going from event to event as one fair ends and another begins.
They often camp on-site or nearby and develop close bonds with their fellow performers.
If you plan to visit a renaissance fair this year, a quick search online will reveal plenty of suppliers offering a huge range of authentic medieval costumes and accessories available for sale or hire.
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