Renaissance Faire arrives on KP

 

Stories and photos by SD Galindo, KP News

It is almost time for the 10th annual Washington Renaissance Fantasy Faire, a family-oriented theatrical Faire that offers multiple days of feasting, entertainment, and adventure during August weekends.

More than 75 fantasy and period vendors, five stages, two taverns, costumed performers (including Scots, pirates, gypsies and Celts), full-speed jousting and acrobatics recreate everyday life in 1567. One intriguing new event this year is the Squire of the Wire and his Amazing Feats of [Dangerous] Comedy: outrageous stunts, juggling, the world’s only kilted high-wire walker performing directly over the audience.

The little ones can also see puppet shows, magicians, a 9-foot-tall jester, and theater narrated by Robin Hood. Children can be knighted on the queen’s stage daily, try their hand at archery, fire a catapult, practice creative arts, or learn sword-fighting in the melee area.

Teens can flirt with maidens, young knights, wandering minstrels, and Shakespearean actors; play board games in the shade, and watch 16th century rapier demonstrations performed by Academia della Spada of Seattle. They’ll enjoy specialty foods and cold Sarsaparilla, and can buy fantasy garb or rent a costume for the day. 

Faire goers can visit shoppes throughout the fairegrounds for period handmade wares,  from leather to metal crafts. Two taverns under the trees will serve cold beer and mead for adults--entertainment here is especially lively and audience participation is strongly encouraged.

Visit website at www.washingtonrenfaire.com for event details, photos, scheduled entertainment, costuming resources, and advance tickets. Many performers seen wandering about the shire are local volunteers in costume – care to join us?  Just download an application online. 

Come early and enjoy the gate opening entertainment, and stay until the cannons fire at the close of day. This is an opportunity to relive history (for related story about the historic period, click here).