Renaissance Newsletter #16

Past and Future Faires

Faire comparison: Colorado and Arizona Renaissance Festivals

…This year is the 40th anniversary of the Colorado Renaissance Festival, so some acts I thought had retired from the circuit actually came back for limited runs: Ded Bob, Hey Nunnie Nunnie and Puke and Snot made return engagements for portions of this year’s event. The weekend we went was Ded Bob’s last, and Hey Nunnie Nunnie was starting the following weekend — this weekend, actually. Those Silly Sisters of Sin will appear through July 17, and comedic duo Puke and Snot will appear July 23-24 and 30-31 and Aug. 6-7.

I think Ded Bob’s “handler” (don’t tell him I said that) has changed – he used to be called Smuj, and now it’s Sluj. But he’s as funny as ever, taking on Trump, legal weed in Colorado and inattentive audience members. I remember getting a bit “Bob”-ed out back in Arizona, but after a few years away and some updated timely jokes, the time was right to get Bob-mo-tized again. After five years away from the Colorado Renaissance Festival (the same amount of time I’ve lived here), he was explicitly lobbying to make a return visit with a full engagement in the future — so cross your finger-bones…

Complete article and pictures: http://nerdvanamedia.com/events/colorado-arizona-renaissance-festivals/112580/

Alabama Renaissance Faire

Alice Cook was certain of one thing when designing this year's Alabama Renaissance Faire poster: She wanted it to be special.

Cook, an author, publisher and former English instructor at the University of North Alabama, has added the description of artist to her resumé.

She said the poster contest was her first to enter. On a visit to the Metropolitan Museum of Art in New York, she said she knew when she saw the art rendering of Moses presenting the tablet containing the 10 commandments that the piece had a special purpose for her personally.

Her photograph of that piece evolved into her winning entry, earning Cook $500. The image will be used throughout the year to promote the faire, and will be replicated on various merchandise….

"In its 30th year, that's a huge achievement and this depiction was created in the 1500s, a true medieval image," she said.

This year's Renaissance Faire will be Oct. 22-23 in Wilson Park…

Brothers William and Lee Freeman have been instrumental in the faire and its roundtable for 27 and 28 years, respectively.

"I went for the first time back in high school and thought it was the coolest thing ever, and there were maybe 60 people there," Lee Freeman said. "We now have about 30,000 over the two days. This has really been a great run, and there's an incredible crew of people organizing it…

Complete article and picture: http://www.timesdaily.com/news/local/renaissance-faire-poster-unveiled/article_ebc84341-f1e3-582d-a3ba-ef6222ecc1ab.html

Poster: http://www.courierjournal.net/news/article_9cbfdf04-4790-11e6-a7f3-df2bf997b637.html

Medieval Mayhem (AZ)

Knights in shining armor fighting hand to hand. Belly dancers entertaining appreciative crowds with their swaying dance moves. Drummers, a petting zoo and even a mermaid.

These were just a few of the many attractions at the Medieval Mayhem Renaissance Faire in Pinetop-Lakeside.

The event, in its ninth year, was created to give people of all ages a way to enjoy the histories of the Dark Ages and the Renaissance in one place.

Daris Gibbons, whose festival name is Lady Bronwyn C. Hawke, is executive producer of the event. She said about 3,000 people made their way to the small community surrounded by the White Mountains for the festival.

“We definitely get people from all over the country and we’ve also had visitors from other countries like Poland and Japan. Many people will make Medieval Mayhem a vacation destination event and come on a regular basis,” she said.

Over the years, Gibbons said, the event has featured Vikings, Celtic warriors, pirates, elves, dragons and scads of other interesting creatures and people.

One of the most popular attractions of Medieval Mayhem is the Royal Rumble, which involves men in full armor fighting hand to hand.

“We don’t have room for a joust so we do the Royal Rumble instead. It’s like a medieval bar-room brawl with men in three different divisions competing for prizes and points,” she said….

Complete article: http://www.azcentral.com/story/travel/arizona/road-trips/2016/07/06/medieval-mayhem-renaissance-fair-pinetop-lakeside/86617198/

Pictures: http://www.wmicentral.com/news/arizona_news/medieval-wenches/article_9c677628-47b0-11e6-adc9-97d62468ca21.html

The Central Coast Renaissance Festival (CA)

… The year is 1588. Francis Drake and his men have sailed to the coast of Spain and destroyed many of the Spanish ships at Cadiz. Now the invincible Spanish Armada is sailing from A Coruña, Spain, to invade England. Queen Elizabeth is in the English coastal village of Tilbury to rally her troops before battle. Tensions run high. This is Elizabeth’s finest hour.

It all happened on July 16 and 17 in SLO’s Laguna Lake Park at the 32nd annual Central Coast Renaissance Festival. The event featured more than 25 acts including plays, comedy skits, juggling, singing, music, dance shows, storytelling, Shakespeare performances, acrobatics, a parrot act, and free flying falconry. A variety of food and beverage vendors offered many appetizing food options, along with beer, ale, fine local wine, and mead.

Complete article: http://www.newtimesslo.com/art/14027/central-coast-renaissance-festival-brings-yearly-dose-of-anachronism-to-laguna-lake-park/

Bayonne Renaissance Fair (NJ)

When the Bayonne Theater Company thought to organize a Shakespeare in the Park event like the one in Central Park, ideas floated around on ways to compliment such a production and make it as entertaining as possible. The more people pitched ideas—a juggler here, a jester there, a few quirky artisan booths, and medieval string music—suddenly what they were describing was a lot bigger than Shakespeare in the Park. Thus, a full-on Renaissance fair was realized…

Even though Shakespeare will not be the central theme, “A Midsummer Stage Reading” is planned for two 30-minute shows, as well as a Sonnet Slam, an interactive sonnet reading by the Bayonne Shakes during which a hundred Shakespearean sonnets will be recited onstage.

“The musical and theatrical talent is out of this world,” said Adam Semanchick, president of the Bayonne Theater Company and head organizer for the fair. “It required a lot of outreach on our part to find vendors.” Many of those vendors are coming from out of state. They include a kilt-making company, a woman who makes wooden horns, vendors selling leather products, a corset and cape vendor, a ring engraver for your “precious,” a hair braider, a crochet station, and a magician who was featured on the History Channel.

Other entertainment includes live action role playing by LAIRE (Live Action Interactive Roleplaying Explorers) and a venture Boy Scout troop that brings “boppers,” padded weapons,to showcase how to use period weapons. The fair will have a sword fight sponsored by the Knights of Avalon, who usually put on jousting matches.But there will be no jousting because the city is concerned about the horses tearing up the field. The Valhallas Pirates will be there to demonstrate flint- pistol shooting using black powder. Guests, however, will not be permitted to carry weapons at any time.

Three members from Bayonne’s Art Circle volunteered to paint murals on both stages. Music will be going in four places at once—both stages, the pavilion, and an exhibition area. The Crimson Pirates, a vocal group with 19 years at the New York Renaissance Festival under their belt and featuring Bayonne native Dan O’Driscoll, and Three Pints Shy (13 years), will play contemporary renditions of Irish drinking songs, shanties, ballads, folk, and traditional Renaissance music. Other entertainment includes three inflatable rides, two in the shape of pirate ships and one bounce house. …

Read more: Hudson Reporter - Jugglers jesters and medieval madness The Renaissance fair comes to town

Music

Sacred music of Renaissance revived William Byrd Festival, Aug. 5-20, in its 19th year

English organist and conductor Mark Williams returns to Portland (OR) this summer to direct the Portland choir Cantores in Ecclesia in a 16-day festival featuring choral masterpieces by Renaissance composer William Byrd (1540-1623) and his contemporaries…  Tickets for the Aug. 5 opening concert and the Aug. 20 final concert are available by phone at 800-838-3006, online at www.brownpapertickets.com, or at the door. All other events are free admission with a freewill offering.

Medieval Music in the Dales - The CD - Kickstarter

Medieval Music in the Dales - The CD will feature many of the UK's best exponents of medieval music. Everyone on this CD will be appearing at this year's 'Medieval Music in the Dales' - the UK's first festival of medieval sounds. This is the CD of the event!

The featured musicians present a wide variety of sounds and interpretations of the medieval repertoire, including these headliners:

·      the bagpipes and hurdy-gurdy sound of Steve Tyler & Katy Marchant

·      the gentle harping of Leah Stuttard

·      the superb late medieval wind band sound of Blondel

·      Trouvere, specialising in the sweet courtly sounds of the high medieval period

·      Gaita bringing magnificent medieval stylings from Edinburgh

These five will be joined on the CD with contributions from several of the many supporting bands appearing at the festival - including Richard York, Maranella, Tritor, and Waytes and Measures. The music featured will range from the twelfth through to the end of the fifteenth centuries, presenting a marvellous array of the breadth of medieval music and its development over the centuries.  The total running length of the CD will be just short of 68 minutes.

The Kickstarter will go towards the production costs of the CD. It will be a limited run CD to raise additional funds in support of Medieval Music in the Dales, and will help ensure that the festival becomes an annual fixture on the msic calendar….

Complete Kickstarter listing with video and soundbites: https://www.backerkit.com/projects/1640884822/medieval-music-in-the-dales-the-cd

Music and Herbs of the Medieval Monastery

Lorraine and Ted Kiefer will present a free program on Music and Herbs of the Medieval Monastery at Nativity Church… The church is located at 2677 Delsea Drive in Franklinville, NJ. The program will be at 7:30 p.m. on Friday, July 29.

Lorraine will show and tell some of the interesting herbal plants used by the early monks for healing, culinary and decorative purposes. Much of the knowledge of ancient people was kept alive in the monasteries. Ted will play the organ to demonstrate music of that era as well as other early periods of church music of the monastery. This program is free and open to the public…

Complete article and pictures: http://www.nj.com/south-jersey-towns/index.ssf/2016/07/music_and_herbs_of_the_medieva.html

Harpist Simon Chadwick performed the second of his summer concerts of medieval music in St Andrews (UK)

In the elegant arts-and-crafts venue of All Saints Church Hall, on North Castle Street, this concert presented a single epic half-hour composition evoking the atmospheres of medieval Scotland.

Simon will perform using his beautiful decorated replica of the medieval “Queen Mary” harp.

This unique instrument, covered with medieval painted and carved decoration, and with strings of silver and brass, has a sweet and resonant sound which perfectly carries the music and conjures up the ancient ambience.

The music for July’s concert was an ancient piece of “ceol mor”, which unfolds an intricate sequence of variations expressing the emotions of peace and war, from fear to celebration to regret, with technical intricacies that push the limits of the harp and player…

Complete article and picture: http://www.fifetoday.co.uk/what-s-on/leisure-time/medieval-music-concert-in-st-andrews-1-4167166#ixzz4DRgLJR8V

Art

Michelangelo’s statue of a naked Christ, Cristo della Minerva

Michelangelo’s statue of a naked Christ, Cristo della Minerva, or The Risen Christ, will be displayed in the U.K. for the very first time in 2017.

London’s National Gallery will feature the Renaissance sculptor’s artwork , completed in 1521, as part of an exhibition exploring the friendship between Michelangelo and his lesser-known friend Sebastiano del Piombo, another Renaissance-era Italian artist.

Complete report with image and video: http://www.newsweek.com/michelangelo-sculpture-national-gallery-london-risen-christ-display-476443

ALBRECHT Durer: Beyond the Burden of Brilliance

…Running at the former Coniston home of John Ruskin until October, the exhibition celebrates the finely crafted woodcuts and engravings of the versatile Nuremberg-born artist (1471-1528), regarded as a brilliant painter, draftsman, and writer, though his first, and probably greatest artistic impact, was in the medium of printmaking.

Technically, the German's prints were exemplary for their detail and precision. Trained as a metalworker at a young age, he applied the same meticulous, exacting methods required in this delicate work to his woodcuts and engravings,..

Albrecht Dürer was also a great admirer of Leonardo da Vinci. He was intrigued by the Italian master's studies of the human figure, and after 1506 applied and adapted Leonardo's proportions to his own figures. In the 1520s, Leonardo illustrated and wrote theoretical treatises instructing artists in perspective and proportion. Northern European artists were well impressed with the results, none more than the gifted Albrecht who even went to the trouble of writing The Arts of Measurement (1525) and On Human Proportion (1528). However, to be fair, long before this, northern European artists had achieved considerable success in producing naturalistic depictions of the human form…

Complete article with illustrations: http://www.thewestmorlandgazette.co.uk/news/14581040.Brantwood__39_s_Beyond_the_Burden_of_Brilliance_celebrates_one_of_the_finest_Renaissance_artists/

Miscellaneous

Book Review The World for a King: Pierre Desceliers’ Map of 1550

…That map… is the subject of his latest book, The World for a King: Pierre Desceliers’ Map of 1550, also published by The British Library and no less sumptuous than its predecessor. Van Duzer offers a précis of the map at the outset: “This book is about one of the most spectacular maps to survive from the sixteenth century, the world map made by the Norman cartographer Pierre Desceliers for presentation to King Henry II of France in 1550. It is composed of four conjoined pieces of parchment that together measure an imposing 135 x 215 centimeters (4 feet 5 inches by 7 feet 1 inch), and is elaborately hand-painted with illustrations of cities, kings, exotic peoples, animals, ships, and sea monsters, and has twenty-six long descriptive texts that seem to have been composed especially for this map.”

The scale of the map suggests that it was meant to be displayed on a table, with viewers ranged around it. Indeed, the inscriptions on the bottom half look normal to us, but those on the top half are upside down; that is a practical solution to aid legibility for readers standing on either side…

In other details, Desceliers provides eye-opening information through both his imagery and the 26 descriptive captions that make this map so unusual. (Around the border are also “twenty-six decorative wind-heads, blowing into the world from one of the traditional wind directions”; one wonders if any meaning might be attached to this numerical coincidence.) Van Duzer reproduces the map in its entirety, with a large-scale folded version (at about 60 percent of the original size) in a pocket inside the back cover. For discussion within the book itself, he divides the map into 42 rectangular segments and presents each of these, beautifully reproduced in color, with insightful commentary that helps explain some of the peculiarities we encounter. The interiors of Desceliers’ continents are abuzz with human activity, filled with depictions of praying, hunting, and interactions both peaceful and bellicose…

“The World for a King: Pierre Desceliers’ Map of 1550” by Chet Van Duzer was published last year by The British Library: https://www.amazon.com/World-King-Pierre-Desceliers-1550/dp/0712356185

Entire, fascinating book review: http://www.santafenewmexican.com/pasatiempo/books/renaissance-worldview-pierre-desceliers-th-century-map/article_1a49a408-e514-5849-b62f-6d73c513e0c8.html

A Medieval and Renaissance Costuming Business

Katerina Meesters is experiencing the same concerns as a lot of small business owners: a lack of traffic.

To be fair, she really only hung the shingle a week ago …

"My mother and I talked about it and we thought that it would be a good thing to do," said Meesters, a 19-year-old seamstress. Meesters' business is called Kostume Kat, a medieval and renaissance costuming business specializing in readymade items and custom commissions.

"I got into LARP (Live Action Role Playing) a couple of years ago in high school with a friend," said Meesters. "And a lot of people like wearing historical garb with all-natural materials, like what they would have available back then, so I try to provide that as much as I can."

Costumes require as much research as construction by the largely self-taught seamstress…

Complete article and picture: http://www.theenterprisebulletin.com/2016/07/06/maintaining-an-entrepreneurial-spirit

August Faires

Big Bear City Renaissance Faire (CA)

August 6-7, 13-14, 20-21 • 2016 Admission: $15 / Contact: Lynda McGinnis, Big Bear Valley Renaissance Society, Inc., PO Box 1466, Big Bear City, CA 92315, (909) 237-0448, email: lynda@bbvrsinc.org, web: www.bbvrsinc.org / Site: Pedersen’s Mill, 39115 Rim of the World Dr., Fawnskin, CA / Booths: 65 / Attendance: 10,000 / Weapons: must be sheathed and peace-tied; no firearms / Hotels and motels nearby.

San Jose Renaissance Faire (CA)

August 6-7, 2016 10 a.m - 6 p.m., Sun. til 5 p.m.

Admission: $18 / Contact: Renaissance Productions, 116 Dorado Terrace, San Francisco, CA 94112, (415) 354-1773, email: info@renaissanceproductions.com, web: www.sanjosefaire.com / Site: Guadalupe River Park, San Jose, CA / Booths: 80 / Attendance: 6,000 / Weapons: must be peace-tied and blades covered; no firearms / On site camping for participants; motels w/in 1 mile.

Colorado Renaisance Festival Through August 7, 2016

Forty years ago, in the summer of 1976, the Colorado Renaissance Festival was born. And, compared to early stringency when it came to keeping entertainers in 16th-century character and rejecting modern objects, the annual festival has evolved….

This year’s event will run every Saturday and Sunday through Aug. 7. For Paradise, the festival is a family business. His father, Jim Paradise Sr., became involved with the festival’s food and beverage operations just a few years after its formation. Then, in 1988, he purchased the venture from John Robinson and has owned and operated it ever since.

Paradise Jr. graduated from Colorado College six years after his father took over the festival. He soon joined the family business to become its marketing director - a full-time, year-round job.

Paradise Jr. said the Renaissance Festival of present differs greatly from its origin as a traditional re-enactment.

“The quality of crafters, quality of entertainment and types of entertainment we have been able to bring in have made us more of a fantasy kingdom than a 16th-century village,” he said.

The Colorado Renaissance Festival has also grown in popularity. According to a Gazette article from 1995, that year’s event brought in 55,000 folks. Now, typical turnout is about 200,000, Paradise Jr. said…

Admission: $21.00 ($19.50 online) / Contact: Jim Paradise, 409 S. Wilcox Street, Suite F, Castle Rock, CO 80104, (303) 688-6010, email: info@coloradorenaissance.com, web: www.coloradorenaissance.com / Site: 650 W. Perry Park Ave., Larkspur, CO / Booths: 250 / Attendance: 200,000 / Weapons: must be secured / Campgrounds with privies, showers & limited electric avail. for particiapants. Camping nearby, apts. for rent within 10 mi., motels within 10 mi.

Complete article: http://www.chieftain.com/news/4832511-120/festival-paradise-colorado-renaissance

The World of Faeries Festival (IL)

August 6 - 7, 2016, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m., Sun. til 5 p.m.

Admission: $11 / Contact: David and Gloria Yaeger, 1672 Carlemont Dr. #C, Crystal Lake, IL 60014, (815) 788-1630, email: day-glo1@comcast.net, web: www.theworldoffaeries.com / Site: Vasa Park, 35W217 Route 31, South Elgin, IL / Booths: 50+ / Attendance: 1,600 / Weapons: no sharp objects unsupervised or untrained / Hotels nearby.

Michiana Renaissance Festival (IN)

August 27 - 28, 2016, 10 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Admission: $12 / Contact: Michiana Renaissance Festival, Jonathan Zook, PO Box 1892, South Bend, IN 46634, email: enthist@gmail.com, web: www.michianarenfest.com / Site: Kamm Island Park, Mishawaka, IN / Booths: 100 / Attendance: 1,000+ / Weapons: must be peace tied / on site camping available for participants.

The Maryland Renaissance Festival

August 27 - October 23, 2016, (WO + Labor Day) 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Admission: $24 / Contact: Intl. Renaissance Festivals Ltd., PO Box 315, Crownsville, MD 21032, (800) 296-7304, email: info@rennfest.com, web: www.MarylandRenaissanceFestival.com / Site: 1821 Crownsville Rd., Crownsville, MD / Booths: 187 / Attendance: 290,000 / Weapons: not allowed / BR avail., Campground w/ toilets, showers, electric & water avail. w/ $75 leaning deposit & $10 surcharge per person; hotels nearby.

Silver Kingdom Renaissance Festival (MA)

August 20 - 21, 2016, 10:30 a.m - 5 p.m

Admission $15 / Contact: Patrick Murphy, Ye Olde Commons, 120 Northside Road, Charlton, MA 01507 / email: info@silverkingdomfestival.com, web: www.silverkingdomfestival.com, Site: Ye Olde Commons, 120 Northside Rd., Charlton, MA / Booths: 30 / Attendance: 1,500 / Weapons: must be peace-tied / see web site for info

Ishpeming Art Faire and Renaissance Festival (MI)

August 6, 2016, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Admission: FREE / Contact: PO Box 272., Ishpeming, MI 49849, (906) 486-6400 or (906) 485-4838, email: contact@ishpemingrenfest.com, web: www.ishpemingrenfest.com / Site: Lake Bancroft Park, Ishpeming, MI / Booths: 40+ / Attendance: 3,000 / Weapons: for participants only / Camping & hotels nearby.

Michigan Pirate Festival

August 13 - 14, 2016,  10 a.m. - 9 p.m.

Admission: $5/ Contact: Loutit District Library, 407 Columbus, Grand Haven, MI, email: festival@michiganpiratefestival.com, web: www.michiganpiratefestival.com / Site: Loutit District Library & Harbor Island, Michigan / Booths: 40 / Attendance: 5,000 / Weapons: must be peace-tied / See web site for lodging.

Michigan Renaissance Festival

Sat - 8/20 at 10:00 AM to Sun - 10/2 at 7:00 PM

The Michigan Renaissance Festival is open weekends (Sat. & Sun) August 20- October 2. The Festival is open Labor Day and Friday, September 30. Open 10am-7pm, Admission: $21.95 / Contact: Michigan Renaissance Festival, Tim Liss, 12600 Dixie Hwy., Holly, MI 48442, (800) 601-4848, email: Katparker47@yahoo.com, web: www.michrenfest.com / Site: 12500 Dixie Hwy., Holly, MI / Booths: 200 / Attendance: 250,000 / Weapons: must be peace-tied / See web site for lodging.

Blackrock Renaissance Fest (MI)

For anyone looking for something off the beaten-path to enjoy during the summer months, a local renaissance fair has opened its gates.
Blackrock Renaissance Fest will be running from July 9 through Aug. 7. The festival began in 2012 as other local fairs, such as Silverleaf, closed their doors.  Like Silverleaf did, Blackrock offers a place for those who like to dress in period or fantasy-style costumes, shop and watch various acts that range from jousting, the singing of Friar Finnegan and Bell Book and Canto, and for those more interested in learning something, the Norsemen of Michigan Living History Society and Corvus Cohort.
The attractions within the event itself vary. While some vendors and performers are constant anchors, like the Jail and the joust, others come and go with each passing week. Previous entertainers have included Cirque du Sewer, a woman with trained performing rats and Topsy Turvy.  Current entertainers include the juggler and comedian Ric Roc, who can also be seen at much larger fairs like the Michigan Renaissance Festival.  Many of these same entertainers are active in social media such as Facebook and have their own personal web pages.
Of course, the joust and stage combat provides entertainment for people who wish to see something more dynamic, but other attractions must be given ample time to experience.  This ranges from instrumental music, singing, comedy, games and a few educational exhibits.  Norsemen of Michigan Living History Society have set up a re-creation of a Viking camp and give demonstrations and information about various aspects of viking life including sewing and herbs used.  Corvus Cohort is focused more on historical combat using wooden “wasters,” but also give information on items on tools such as saws and how they were used….
Blackrock has won awards such as Best New Event in the Annual Renaissance Festival Awards in 2013 and second in Best New Event category from the Annual Renaissance Festival Awards in 2012 and 2014, according to the event’s website.  
The attendants who manned the ticket booth noted that the crowds were larger than last year’s opening weekend and steady.
Blackrock will be open “rain or shine” for all the weekends from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m until the festival closes on Aug. 7.  Tickets can be purchased online or at the gate for $10.  Additional information about the fair and its performers can be found on the event’s website at www.blackrockfest.com.

Complete article and pictures: http://www.westernherald.com/news/article_2dcf0086-48fb-11e6-b22c-87ebd6a86a01.html

St. Andrew's Highland Games (MI)

August 5 - 6, 2016, Fri. Ceilidh 5 p.m. - 11 p.m., Sat. 8:30 a.m. - 8:30 p.m.

Admission: $15; Fri. Ceilidh $15 / Contact: Cathy Hasse & Murray MacDonald, St. Andrew’s Society of Detroit, Kilgour Scottish Centre, 2360 Rochester Court, Troy, MI 48083, (248) 526-1894, email: gameschair.highlandgames@gmail.com, web: www.highlandgames.com / Site: Greenmead Historical Park, 20501 Newburgh Rd., Livonia, MI / Booths: 30+ / Attendance: 10,000 / Weapons: policy not stated /see web site for info.

Ye Olde Medieval Marketplace (MI)

August 13, 2016, 11 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Admission: $5 / Contact: Sherry Pickett, First Metaphysical Church, 8267 E Atherton Rd, Davison, MI 48423, (810) 653-3291, email: sherrypickett@hotmail.com, web: http://www.firstmetaphysicalchurch.org / Site: First Metaphysical Church / Booths: 25 / Attendance: 75 / Weapons: not allowed / Hotels nearby.

Minnesota Renaissance Festival

August 20 - October 2, 2016, (WO + Labor Day) 9 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Admission: $22.95 / Contact: Erica Christo, Mid-America Festivals, 1244 S. Canterbury Rd. Suite 306, Shakopee, MN 55379, (952) 445-7361 or (800) 966-8215, email: info@renaissancefest.com, web: www.renaissancefest.com/MRF/index.html / Site: 5.5 mi on Hwy 169, Shakopee, MN / Booths: 325 / Attendance: 280,000 / Weapons: must be peace-tied / On-site camping and showers for participants; camping and motels nearby.

Bill Johnston Pirate Days (NY)

August 12 - 21, 2016, 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Admission: FREE / Contact: Alexandria Bay Chamber of Commerce, 7 Market St., Alexandria Bay, NY 13607, (315) 482-9531, email: info@alexbay.org, web: www.alexbay.org / Site: Scenic View Park, Alexandria Bay, NY / Weapons: not allowed

Faeland Festival (NY)

August 19 - 21, 2016, 9 a.m. - 10 p.m.

Admission: $10 - $15 / Contact: Arielle Wolter, 2583 California Rd, Gouverneur NY 13642, (315) 323-7849, email: faelandfestival@gmail.com, web: http://faelandfestival.wix.com/faeland-festival / Site: Arielle Acres, Gouverneur, NY / Booths: 30 / Attendance: 5,000 / Weapons: NO WEAPONS, please / On-site camping available for participants.

Sterling Renaissance Festival Through August 28, 2016 (NY)

Admission: $25.95 / Contact: Lisa Interlichia, Sterling Renaissance Festival, Inc., 15385 Farden Rd., Sterling, NY 13156, (800) 879-4446, email: office@sterlingfestival.com, web: www.sterlingfestival.com / Site: 15385 Farden Rd., Sterling, NY / Booths: 100 / Attendance: 100,000 / Weapons: must be peace-tied / See web site for lodging info.

Shouts of "God save the Queen!"could be heard throughout the small village of Warwick Saturday morning as the Sterling Renaissance Festival kicked off its 40th anniversary in Cayuga County. 

Tucked away on 35 acres in the town of Sterling, the festival transported hundreds of people to 16th century England to celebrate a visit from Queen Elizabeth and her court. 

It began with an opening ceremony at the Festival Stage where the town's citizens gathered to greet the Queen. Then, guests had the next eight hours to explore all of the food, shops and entertainment Warwickshire had to offer. 

Kate Driscoll — who villagers know as "Kirvin" — has been coming to Warwick for nearly 20 years. Dressed in traditional renaissance garb, Driscoll and her four-year-old son Patrick searched the town's shops on High Road for hand-carved stones to fill the small satchel at Patrick's side. 

Originally from Pittsburgh, Driscoll's first fair was in Pennsylvania, she said. But she then moved to New York and quickly found a home in Warwick. 

"(The Sterling Renaissance Festival) is one of the more historically accurate fairs, at least in this area," she said. "And those of us who come are truly a family…." 

Complete article and pictures: http://auburnpub.com/news/local/this-is-home-sterling-renaissance-festival-kicks-off-th-anniversary/article_9923262b-0de7-50c7-b02f-53a85be4c479.html

New York Renaissance Faire

August 6 - October 2, 2016, (WO & Labor Day) 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Admission: $24 / Contact: REP, 600 Route 17A, Tuxedo, NY 10987, (845) 351-5174, email: kmansour71@gmail.com, web: www.renfair.com / Site: Sterling Forest, 45 minutes from NYC, 600 Rt 17A, Tuxedo Park, NY / Booths: 150 / Attendance: 150,000 / Weapons: must be sheathed and peace-tied / Hotels & B&B within 15 min.

Great Lakes Medieval Faire (OH)

July 9^th through to August 14^th, 2016, (WO) 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Admission: $22 / Contact: Cindy Hotchkiss, Operations Manager, PO Box 376, Rock Creek, OH 44084, (888) MEDIEVAL (633-4382) or (440) 474-4280, email: contact@medievalfaire.com, web: www.medievalfaire.com / Site: 3033 State Route 534, Rock Creek, OH / Booths: 125 / Attendance: 100,000 / Weapons: must be sheathed and peace-tied / Off-site camping available; hotels and motels w/in 5 mi.

Pennsic Wars (SCA) (PA)

July 29 - August 14, 2016

Admission: see web site / Contact: Master John von der Velde, Kingdom of Æthelmearc, SCA, email: Merchantoffice@cooperslake.com, web: www.pennsic.net / Site: Coopers’ Lake Campground, Slippery Rock, PA / Booths: N/A / Attendance: N/A / Weapons: policy not stated / camping available; hotels and motels nearby.

Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire

August 6 - October 30, 2016, (WO & Labor Day) 11 a.m. - 8 p.m.

Admission: $30.95 / Contact: Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, 2775 Lebanon Road, Manheim, PA 17545, (717) 665-7021, web: www.parenfaire.com / Site: Mt. Hope Estate and Winery, Lancaster, PA / Booths:100 / Attendance: 200,000 / Weapons: must be peace-tied / No on-site camping; hotels and campgrounds nearby.

The year is 1509. King Henry VII, victor of the War of the Roses and founder of the Tudor dynasty, has died. His eldest son Arthur, who was to have taken his place, has also succumbed to illness. And so England's throne and future now fall to the king's second son: Henry Tudor.

Henry has chosen the Shire of Mt. Hope as the site of his coronation, and on this glorious festival day our good Lady Mayor has spared no expense. She has prepared music, dancing, acrobats, jousting, and even a game of human chess! And after a day full of revelry and merriment, England's new King shall be crowned upon the Globe stage with a fantastic celebration to start his new reign.

LET THE FESTIVITIES BEGIN

The festivities planned for the 13-week season of the Faire feature over 90 shows daily on open-air stages and the village streets with music, dance, and action-packed performances. The Revels Schedule features something for all ages including the Royal Falconer's birds of prey, winsome wenches and handsome rogues singing tales of love and drynke, archery demonstrations, musicians, jugglers, hypnotism, children's trunke shows and more.

The entertainment is endless as the citizens of the Shire fill the streets with improvised song, swordplay, and even mud begging. Man-powered rides, a Gaming Village, a Fight Circle, a Dungeon Museum and an Amazing Maze all add to the thrill of a Faire visit.

Scores of merchants and artisans offer unique items for the shopper in everyone. The glass blower creates his wares before your very eyes. Herbs, potions & botanicals handcrafted by the Shire's herbalist are available at the Herb Garden & Apothecary. Distinctive pieces of jewelry from shops of Forever Amber, the Emerald Castle and the Crown Jewels have something to adorn everyone. Authentic blacksmiths create real swords and shields. Hundreds of other merchants offer unique treasures including Renaissance costuming, specialty teas, home and garden décor, and leatherwork.

NOTEWORTHY FOR 2016

August 6-7, everyone can take advantage of Grand Opening Savings with discounted single-day tickets priced at $15.95 when purchased in advance online or $19.95 at the gate! The special Grand Arrival ticket option is valid only Opening Weekend.

New this season, dogs will be welcomed at the Faire each Saturday and Sunday in August. Dog lovers and their furry friends are invited to join the Royal Hounds upon the Fairegrounds on these dog friendly weekends. All dog owners must follow the Dog Days Decrees and complete Dog Days Admission Registration Form and Waiver to attend.

Heroes of the Realm Weekend will be celebrated September 3-4-5 by recognizing active and retired service members, EMTs, police, firefighters and other heroes and their immediate family members with a special admission price of $15.00 by showing their service ID at the front gate ticket windows.

Children's Fantasy Weekend, September 10-11 welcomes nippers to the Shire. Parents can enjoy a Free Child Admission for children 11 and under when they purchase a full-paying adult with the Adult/Child Children's Fantasy Combo Ticket available online or at the gate for Children's Fantasy Weekend only.

PLENTIFUL FOOD AND LIBATIONS

Over 20 Royal Kitchens dot the Shire promising to satisfy any taste serving a variety of foods and libations. Delectable foods include Giante Turkey Legges, German favorites and smoked pork, prime rib sandwiches, savory pies, walking tacos and more. Guests with a sweet tooth can enjoy luscious desserts like cupcakes and brownies, fudge, chocolate dipped treats and the ultimate sundae featuring two funnel stix topped with fried ice cream. Refreshing Swashbuckler Brewing Company Ales and Mount Hope Wines are available at eight pour houses throughout the Shire. Bacchus Retreat invites guests to sample Mount Hope Wines before purchasing them for pick-up later in the Wine Tower upon leaving the Shire.

New for 2016 is the Cider House of Lancaster featuring fresh Lancaster County Cider available in Sweet, Peach Vanill and Seasonal Specialties. The SBC Brewsmith Brewery will be open each Faire day for Swashbuckler beer to go in bottles and growlers, as well as for guests to enjoy a pint at the brewery bar or on the patio.

Faire visitors also have the option of the Shire's only sit-down, air-conditioned table-side food service at the Anchor & Mermaid Tavern. Feast on a menu of international dishes including menu options for the knippers and the veggie-lovers. Singers of songs, tellers of tales, rabble and royalty often stop in the Tavern for a visit.

The day's events culminate in an action packed Ultimate Joust, a preeminent blend of equestrian skill and hand-to-hand combat. Pyrotechnics light up the sky and harrowing stunts create the drama of a joust to the death. Knights, steeds, villagers, nobility and the Royal Court, each play a role in this breathtaking spectacle.

The wondrous fantasy that is the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is held Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day Monday, August 6 through October 30, 11 AM - 8 PM. Adult admission is $30.95 and child admission, ages 5 to 11, is $11.95. Parking is free, but games, rides, foods, beverages, and crafts have additional costs. Visit PaRenFaire.com for complete show details, advanced click-to-print discount tickets, and helpful tips for a fun-filled Faire day. Visitors can save $5 off the regular gate price with advanced ticket purchases. Information is also available through the Faire Box Office by calling (717) 665-7021.

The Faire is set amidst the splendor of the formal gardens of Mount Hope Estate & Winery, Route 72, ½ mile south of PA Turnpike Exit 266, 15 miles north of Lancaster and 14 miles east of Hershey.

Pittsburgh Renaissance Festival

August 22 - September 27, 2015, (WO + Labor Day), 10:30 a.m. - 6:30 p.m.

Admission: $18.95 / Contact: Rocky Mountain Festivals, which hosts Colorado Renaissance Festival, 112 Renaissance Lane, West Newton, PA 15089, (724) 872-1670, email: lhughes@pittsburghrenfest.com, web: www.pittsburghrenfest.com / Site: 112 Renaissance Lane, West Newton, PA / Booths: 100 / Attendance: 60,000 / Weapons: must be sheathed / Camping and hotels nearby.

Mid-South Renaissance Faire (TN)

August 20 - 28, 2016, (WO) 9 a.m. - 6 p.m.

Admission: $13, Children 6 - 12 $8, 5 & Under FREE / Contact: Beth Kitchen, gwenlock@gmail.com, (901) 508-3360, web: www.midsouthrenfaire.com / Site: Shelby Farms Park Conservancy in Memphis, TN on the Mullins Station Rd. side of the park. / Booths: 50 / Attendance: 9,800 / Weapons: must be peace-tied / Hotels nearby.

Camlann Village Festivals (WA)

Through September 2016 , (WO) 12 p.m. - 6 p.m.

Admission: $10 / Contact: Roger Shell, Camlann Medieval Assoc., 10320 Kelly Rd. NE, Carnation, WA 98014, (425) 788-8624, web: www.camlann.org / Site: 4 miles North of Carnation, WA / Booths: 20 / Attendance: 8,000 / Weapons: must be sheathed / Camping available off-site, inns nearby.

Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire

August 6 - 21, 2016, (WO) 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Admission: $18 / Contact: Tracy Nietupski, Washington Renaissance Arts & Education Society, P.O. Box 583, Vaughn, WA, 98394, (800) 587-0172, email: info@wraes.com, web: www.washingtonfaire.com / Site: The Kelley Farm, 20021 Sumner-Buckley Hwy., Bonney Lake, WA / Booths: 75 / Attendance: 30,000 / Weapons: must be peace-tied / see web site for info.

Bristol Renaissance Faire (WI)

July 9 - September 15, 2016, (WO + Labor Day) 10 a.m. - 7 p.m.

Admission: $23.95 / Contact: Shawn Henry, REC, 12550 120th Ave., Kenosha, WI 53142, (847) 395-7773 x100, web: www.renfair.com/bristol / Site: 125520 120th Ave., Kenosha, WI / Booths: 180 / Attendance: 200,000 / Weapons: must be sheathed and peace-tied / Camping, pay phones, showers, privies for participants; camping and motels nearby.

…This summer’s 29th annual Bristol Renaissance Faire promises the same perennially popular compliment of 16th Century merriment, music, food and games.

Sixteen entertainment stages feature nonstop music, merriment, feats of daring and an eclectic assortment of comedic performers who invite their audiences to become part of the act. Nearly 180 artisans and crafters display wares ranging from stage-combat-approved swords and handmade chain maille to Scottish kilts, handcrafted leather masks, tapestry wall hangings and sterling silver jewelry.

Bristol’s Kids Kingdom boasts a climb-aboard pirate ship, giant sandbox, crafts and games activity center, its own theater and a full cast of beloved characters. Daily magic shows, storytelling and interactive role-playing adventures also take center stage throughout the day, and at 4:30 p.m., Queen Elizabeth herself shows up in Kids Kingdom for the celebrated Knighting Ceremony, at which she personally dubs all attending children lords and ladies…

Complete article: http://journaltimes.com/lifestyles/leisure/bristol-renaissance-faire-to-open-july/article_7b9f4e48-10e7-5153-a2c2-6e8ce3e53f6b.html

And from the Chicago Tribune:

…Patrons can see returning artists they have come to love, including Noonie the Magnificent. "He can walk a slack rope, juggle and incite laughter without using a single word. He communicates by whistling. People love him," Mansour said.

Sports fans enjoy the heavily armored competitive joust three times a day, Mansour said.

"With this particular joust, you don't know who's going to win. It's true competition. It's pretty spectacular."

New this year is an aerial silk artist who will be hanging from the trees. "She makes it look effortless," Mansour said. "She's a beautiful performer. It's like she defies gravity."

The Faire also is bringing Broon back to the stage. "He is a unique character. He's 6-foot-6. He can juggle like nobody's business. He's also a sleight-of-hand magician, and his comedy is something superior. I do believe our audience is going to be thrilled. It's been several years since he's been here…"

Complete article: http://www.chicagotribune.com/suburbs/lake-county-news-sun/lifestyles/ct-lns-renaissance-faire-st-0708-20160705-story.html

Lots of Photos: http://chicagoist.com/2016/07/11/photos_vintage_gowns_jousting_and_v.php#photo-1

Middle Platte Renaissance Faire returns (WY)

The Middle Platte Renaissance Faire returns to the the Central Wyoming Fairgrounds from 1 to 9 p.m., Friday August 19, 10 a.m. to 9 p.m., on Saturday, August 20. The 5th Annual Middle Platte Renaissance Faire is a production of Stage III Community Theatre. For more information and faire updates go to www.rencasper.com, email mprfdirector @ yahoo.com, or like us on Facebook.

Dine on turkey legs and other delights from our fabulous food vendors Prime Time, the Soda Jerks, and Tony’s Burgers and Brats. Wash it down with a cold beer or a taste of mead. Grab your pirate hat and sing along with the Brethren of the Tide in the Longbowman Tavern. Try your hand at Giant Jenga, or the sheep toss.

Stroll among the vendors and take home a handcrafted treasure. There are costumers and face painters, jewelry, steampunk, hand crafted clay dragons, elf ear wraps, Celtic couture, drinking horns and mugs, soaps, camp furniture, banners, and much more!

Friday afternoon is the Day of Learning with guests from the Casper Humane Society and The Science Zone. Meet the Order of Epona Jousters, take photos and learn about their mighty steeds. Enter the Medieval Village, where you’ll find the Viking Pavilion for hands-on demonstrations, watch the Blades of Moria battle for honor and glory, learn of the old ways of weaving and battle from the Renaissance Scots Living History Association. The Society for Creative Anachronism will demonstrate and delight with reenactments of days gone by. Try the cabor toss or archery.

Sit in the shade (there will be more shade tents this year), enjoy some ice cream and listen to the sounds of Aaron Stokes, the Gypsy/Celtic Harpist, or the engaging tunes of Frostylocks, Minstrel and Bard of the Realm. Keep a lookout for Splinter, the Fae and other faeries inhabiting the Faery Glen. Sit and share a story with the wise old Keeper of Faery Tales—Keefta. Don’t miss taking your kids to the Annual Knighting Ceremony and Tea with the Queen.

Wear your favorite period attire and enter the costume contests. There are lots of categories both days, like best family group, most authentic, best fairytale character, best pirate, most enticing, creative design and audience favorite.