Renaissance Faire News - Sharing the Joy of Faire, one post at a time at FaireNews.com!!

 

The "Have You Met?" series introduces you to some of the people who make Faire a joy!

Hoggetowne Medieval Faire – Jan/Feb

Florida Late January, early February is the time for the Hoggetowne Medieval Faire in Gainesville. King Arthur’s Knights of the Roundtable plan to battle the forces of evil on the chessboard; troubadours and magicians will entertain in the lanes; merchants of every description will offer their wares; and you’ll make memories to last a lifetime. […]

January 22nd, 2009 Posted by | Faire Fun | 2 comments

Medieval Festival of Courage – Faire Fun

California The Medieval Festival of Courage features music, shopping, jousting, and various other forms of entertainment. Join the fun and help raise funds for participating schools and non-profits.

October 9th, 2008 Posted by | Faire Fun | one comment

Royal Medieval Faire – Faire Fun

Ontario, Canada September is for Faire Fun in Waterloo at the Royal Medieval Faire when they take over Waterloo Park West with tournaments and knightings, music, dance, and falconry.

September 20th, 2008 Posted by | Faire Fun | no comments

Istanpitta performing in Little Rock September 14, 2008

Arkansas If you need a Faire fix, Arkansas readers, here’s your chance before your festival begins in October. Istanpitta, a group who specializes in music of the Middle Ages, is performing at Artspree 2007/2008 at the University of Arkansas, Little Rock. Sunday, September 14, 2008, 3:00 p.m.Stella Boyle Smith Concert Hall For everyone else, catch […]

September 10th, 2008 Posted by | Proclamations | no comments

Fort Knox Medieval Village – Faire Fun

Maine The Fort Knox Medieval Village in Prospect provides demonstrations of medieval combat, arts, and sciences. Admission to the event is included in the historic site’s ticket price.

September 5th, 2008 Posted by | Faire Fun | no comments

Enchantment Faire at Foamhenge – Faire Fun for September 4 – 10, 2008

Virginia For the second year, the Enchantment Faire at Foamhenge will take place at Natural Bridge this weekend. Held at the site of a full size replica of Stonehenge, there’ll be games, merchants, and entertainment for young and young at heart.

September 4th, 2008 Posted by | Faire Fun | no comments

Sarasota Medieval Faire looking for Merchants

Sarasota Medieval Faire is still accepting merchant applications for the 2008 run, November 15-16 & 22-23. Shannon Conley, Director of Marketing at the event sent me an email last night asking for help getting the word out. You can contact Shannon at: Shannon Conley Director of Marketing Sarasota Medieval Fair, Inc. P.O. Box 152023 Cape […]

September 4th, 2008 Posted by | Proclamations | no comments

Camlann Medieval Village Summer Festival – Faire Fun for August 21-27, 2008

Washington It’s the final weekend of the Summer Village Festival at Camlann Medieval Village in Carnation and Saturday provides your final opportunity of the season to experience a medieval feast. Reservations for the feast are required and includes your admission ticket to the entire event. At 6pm, after having enjoyed a full day at faire, […]

August 21st, 2008 Posted by | Faire Fun | one comment

Kings Champion Medieval Faire – Faire Fun for August 14-20, 2008

Oklahoma There’s a new faire in town … Tulsa, that is. This weekend, the first Kings Champion Medieval Faire takes place in Chandler Park. Get out and support their inaugral season and make sure to catch a show by the Ladies of the Salty Kiss. I don’t find any information about tickets or prices on […]

August 15th, 2008 Posted by | Faire Fun | one comment

Camlann Medieval Village Summer Festival – Faire Fun for August 14-20, 2008

Washington The Camlann Medieval Village continues hosting their Summer Festival in Carnation. If you’ve ever wondered how they built armor or arrows during the Medieval period, now’s your chance to find out. Live demonstrations go on throughout the day. The artisans providing the demonstrations have done exhaustive research on techniques.

August 15th, 2008 Posted by | Faire Fun | no comments

Great Lakes Medieval Faire – Faire Fun for August 7-13, 2008

Ohio It’s the final weekend of the Great Lakes Medieval Faire and Marketplace and they’re going out with a blast, a Barbarian Beer Blast that is! The NE Ohio Brewmaster Championship, Beer Tastings, and Home Brewing lessons are just a few of the beer centered items on the entertainment schedule. Wonderfool will again bring his […]

August 7th, 2008 Posted by | Faire Fun | 2 comments

Camlann Medieval Village Summer Festival – Faire Fun for August 7-13, 2008

Washington It’s another medieval weekend in Carnation. Camlann’s Summer Village Festival continues for the fourth weekend offering a taste of English life in the 14th century. Minstrels, jugglers, and crafters demonstrate what you could have expected at a mid-summer festival in a small village. It’s probably too late to get reservations for the Summer Feast, […]

August 7th, 2008 Posted by | Faire Fun | no comments

Camlann’s Summer Village Festival – Faire Fun for July 31-August 6, 2008

Washington Once again, the gates to Somersetshire open to admit visitors to the realm of King Arthur as the Camlann Village Summer Festival continues. Visit the shire to see what a small village would have been like during Chaucer’s time (1367). In this intimate setting, you’ll find music, crafts, and theatre as well as the […]

July 31st, 2008 Posted by | Faire Fun | no comments

Muskoka Medieval Faire – Faire Fun for July 31-August 6, 2008

Ontario, Canada The Muskoka Medieval Faire, a fundraising event held at the Bracebridge Fairgrounds, is this weekend. There’ll be jousting and ground combat tournaments as well as kid’s games and a beer tent. Proceeds benefit Community Living, South Muskoka; and the Muskoka Wildlife Center. Saturday evening, the King’s Feast offers delicious food, medieval merriment, and […]

July 31st, 2008 Posted by | Faire Fun | no comments

Camlann Village Summer Festival – Faire Fun for July 18-28, 2008

Camlann Village’s Summer Festival continues in Carnation, Washington, this weekend. Demonstrations by swords-master and archers are on the schedule. Visitors can join villagers in Freemen Training to support their knight in arms.

July 24th, 2008 Posted by | Faire Fun | no comments

Cooks Creek Medieval Fest – Faire Fun for July 18-28, 2008

In Cooks Creek, Manitoba, the Medieval Fest will raise funds for the historic Immaculate Conception Church.

July 24th, 2008 Posted by | Faire Fun | no comments

Camlann Village Summer Festival – Faire Fun for July 11-21, 2008

In Carnation, Washington, this weekend, Camlann’s Summer Village Festival opens as the gates to Somersetshire swing wide to welcome visitors to Chaucer’s England in 1376. Rod Brock, who has attended the festival in the past, wrote a post at GreatNorthwest.info providing some insight to what you might find at the faire.

July 17th, 2008 Posted by | Faire Fun | no comments

Beardslee Castle Medieval Faire – Faire Fun for July 11-21, 2008

Sunday, the Beardslee Castle at Little Falls, New York, holds their 6th annual Medieval Faire. Arethusa, and others, will perform as you shop at the merchants.

July 17th, 2008 Posted by | Faire Fun | no comments

Faire Fun for July 4-14, 2008

California The Labryinth of Jareth Fantasy Masquerade Ball is this weekend at the Henry Ford Music Box Theatre on Hollywood Boulevard in Los Angeles. Saturday night’s tickets are sold out but Friday’s tickets are still available on the web site. This is a participation event and costumes or formal wear are required for admission to […]

July 10th, 2008 Posted by | Faire Fun | no comments

Faire Fun for May 29 – June 9, 2008

Alaska Three Baron’s Renaissance Faire opens their gates for the next two weekends at the Tozier Dog Track in Anchorage. There’s a $1 discount coupon available for printing on the website. California The 3rd annual Big Bear Pirate Festival will take place on north shore of Big Bear Lake this weekend. There’ll be pirate battles, […]

June 6th, 2008 Posted by | Faire Fun | one comment

Renaissance Woodworkers have a new place to talk

In mid-May, Charles Mallett created a new Yahoo group for professional and amateur woodworkers who devote some or all of their work to the Renaissance Faire market. Mr. Mallett, known officially at Faire as Master Thelonious Hieronymous Erasmus Eostrebunni, is called “Bunny” by his friends. The list, Ren Faire Beavers, is open to wood turners, […]

June 4th, 2008 Posted by | Proclamations | no comments

Faire fun for May 17-26, 2008

Memorial Day weekend is upon us and many of the faires will open their gates all three days. The FaireNews crew will be at Tennessee Renaissance Festival for our Handfasting, as well as to participate in Ménage ‘Ette Trois and the 3rd RenaissanceFestival.com RenDezvous. California Koroneburg European Old World Festival continues this weekend with a […]

May 22nd, 2008 Posted by | Faire Fun | no comments

Threads of Time Open House

Threads of Time of Peabody, Massachussets, is the merchant who made Leinad’s handfasting clothes. They arrived over the weekend and are exactly as we ordered. Thanks, Lew, he’s going to be so handsome. She also made me aware of an open house that they have scheduled, so I asked that she send along the information […]

May 14th, 2008 Posted by | Proclamations | no comments

Have you met Giacomo the Jester?

Whether walking the rope, singing a love song to a maiden in the lanes, or leading the band in to a resounding chorus, he brings a sense of wonder to everything he does. Always on the lookout for something new to learn, the jester has developed the talents necessary to sustain the renaissance traveler he is at heart. The quick-witted troubadour charms even the Queens of our Faire shires and they welcome him to their festivities and urge him to return safely from his travels. Let me introduce you to Giacomo the Jester. […]

May 13th, 2008 Posted by | Have You Met? | 8 comments

The Travel Advocate recommends Renaissance Festivals

The Travel Advocate, an online magazine dedicated to help travelers take better vacations and get great deals, posted an article recommending “Five Renaissance Faires You Don’t Want to Miss.” The Colorado Renaissance Festival, Massachusetts’ King Richard’s Faire, Missouri’s Kansas City Renaissance Festival, and Florida’s Camelot Days were described as good bets for interesting adventures as […]

May 10th, 2008 Posted by | Proclamations | no comments

Have you met Paolo Garbanzo?

Italian streams from his lips as he makes dinner plans with Giacomo and, for a moment, you wonder if you’ve been transported to one of the European festivals. Finished, he returns to your conversation, laughing easily as he turns the crab hat, a talisman against rain, repeatedly in his hands. Never still, he seems always to be scanning his surroundings for something to play with and you wonder how long it will be before he reaches in to a pouch and pulls out enough objects to form a pattern. Let me introduce you to Paolo Garbanzo. […]

April 29th, 2008 Posted by | Have You Met? | 3 comments

Getting to know you!

There’s a survey circulating amoung my friends on MySpace especially designed for those of us who frequent Renaissance, Medieval, Fantasy, Pirate, and Faerie Festivals and Faires. Thought I’d share it here as a way to get to know my readers. I’m going to post the questions, then I’ll start it off by posting my answers as the first comment. I’d love to hear from you. […]

April 26th, 2008 Posted by | Have You Met? | 37 comments

Have you met Barely Balanced?

Whether sitting on a patron’s shoulder or urging the throng toward the stage, the grace and agility of the stilt walkers amaze children and amuse adults. As their performance begins, the quips and antics of the three cause low chuckles here and there in the audience, swelling to all out laughter as the show progresses. Renaissance Festival Podcast listeners voted them the Best Non-Musical Group of 2007, an award they richly deserve for consistently experimenting and bringing new bits to their audiences. Let me introduce you to Barely Balanced. […]

April 9th, 2008 Posted by | Have You Met? | 8 comments

Have you met Karen “Kitty” Tolson Carroll?

The sharp cries of the hunting cast overhead silence the watching crowd as the falconer, swinging a lure at the end of a line, explains what is happening. With a sudden change to the angle of the wings, one of the Harris’ hawks begins the rapid descent known as a stoop, catches the target in mid-air, and lands, mantling the prize quickly. The falconer waits a moment, allowing the hawk to break in, before calling it to the gauntlet and rewarding it with a tidbit. Moving to the edge of the field, she fists the hawk to the perch and attaches the jesses to the anklet before turning to call the other members of the cast in. The vast array of knowledge and skill needed to not only care for, but also teach about, these and other wonderful birds takes a special person. Let me introduce you to Karen “Kitty” Tolson Carroll. […]

April 2nd, 2008 Posted by | Have You Met? | 3 comments

Vendors Needed

Two faire coordinators posted to RenaissanceFestival.com late yesterday evening (March 23), calling for vendors. Chelle Cartier, coordinator for two faires in Canada (Gregor’s Crossing in Chatham, Ontario (May 29-June 1, 2008) and a new one in Kingston, Ontario) posted that they are looking for vendors. You can contact them at gregorscrossing@sympatico.ca The Woden Thor Medieval Festival and […]

March 24th, 2008 Posted by | Proclamations | no comments

Perth Medieval Fayre

I’ll admit to a touch … ok, really a giant amount … of wanderlust. So learning that there will be a Medieval Fayre in Perth, Australia, just set me to figuring how I could get there. Looks like it won’t be this year, it conflicts with closing weekend at the Bay Area Renaissance Festival which […]

March 21st, 2008 Posted by | Faire Fun, Proclamations | 2 comments

Looking Back at March 2 – 10, 2008

Working at Faire: Good luck to all those that interviewed or auditioned for Midsummer Renaissance Festival (Pennsylvania) and Scarborough Renaissance Festival (Texas) this past weekend, I hope your dreams come true. For those in Kentucky, I’ll let you know as soon as I see an update on the audition schedule for the Kentucky Renaissance Festival. […]

March 11th, 2008 Posted by | Faire Fun | 3 comments

Have you met Marc Gunn?

Known as a lover of cats, producer of podcasts, writer of filk (parody fan fiction songs), and one half of the Brobdingnagian Bards, he always has numerous projects in the works. One part musician, one part entrepreneur, full time busy guy, he juggles performing with a vast online presence specializing in free MP3 downloads. Let me introduce you to Marc Gunn. […]

February 27th, 2008 Posted by | Have You Met? | 7 comments

Loki Competition at Texas Renaissance Festival – Just because it made me chuckle

Found on the RenaissanceFestival.com Texas Renaissance Festival forum this morning: 2008 DG Loki Challenge The 2008 Drunken Gnome Loki Challenge Contest Will Be Held Saturday Night Opening Weekend Of TRF 2008 In The Drunken Gnome Camp. The Yahoo Group For The Contest Has Been Set Back Up  … We will update all the databases and […]

February 22nd, 2008 Posted by | Proclamations | no comments

Have you met NeidFyre?

The bow flew across the strings producing a bouncy tune as the crowd milled about in the room reserved for vendors catering to fairegoers 18 and older. The stage, high and small at the end of the room on the edge of traffic flow, had almost no audience area but that did not faze the fiddler in the least. She played for herself as much as for the crowd, her concentration fierce but her smile quick when she glanced up and caught someone’s eye. When she began to sing people stopped to listen and, at the appropriate moment, she pulled a kilted lad in for a bit of audience participation. The lyrics to “Angus”—a song about the making and showing of a bridegroom’s kilt—and antics of the two produced much laughter from the growing crowd, movement through the room stopping. This was not the first time I had seen her play under adverse conditions and win the crowd over. Let me introduce you to NeidFyre. […]

February 20th, 2008 Posted by | Have You Met? | 6 comments

Heatstroke, Sunburn, and Faire… Oh My!!!!

Faires this weekend in Florida and Arizona are expecting sunny weather in the mid to high 70s. Please stay hydrated and wear your sunscreen. Don’t forget your lips. These thoughts are on my mind because so far this year I’ve had a touch of bodice burn, a sunburn induced blistered lip, and a friend with […]

February 15th, 2008 Posted by | Proclamations | no comments

Have you met the Sidesaddle Encampment with Dark Horse Aside

Rat pucking had just ended and we turned to wander the lanes of faire in the late afternoon. The sounds of the whips cracking drew my attention to the roped off area where two men were “playing” at a serious game. Six-foot bullwhips cracked then took to the air like gyrating snakes as the opponents tossed them back and forth, each trying to catch and crack first. I watched, mesmerized, as the younger played with the whip, wrapping it around his body, coiling and writhing, only to be caught and cracked, then tossed again. In the background, a man sat astride a quarter horse watching and encouraging the demonstrators, occasionally adding his whip to the combinations. Stepping to the side, I caught a glimpse of tall blacks in the staging area with several women working them. A sidesaddle, obviously made for a Lady to ride, encircled the taller of the two. Let me introduce you to the Sidesaddle Encampment with Dark Horse Aside. […]

February 13th, 2008 Posted by | Have You Met? | 4 comments

Have you met Emrys Fleet?

The white rose attached to his garb alerted the children that he held a clue in the quest. When they asked, he agreed but named as his price a riddle or joke. The youngsters ranged in age from three to ten and their mothers played along. An older child tried the old, “Are you smart? Spell it” joke and he chuckled, said “I T,” and took their clue sheets to cross out several lines. Standing, he took the ferret marionette, looped the line around his staff, and made it dance a jig for them, then sent them on their way. Let me introduce you to Emrys Fleet, The Rat Catcher. […]

February 6th, 2008 Posted by | Have You Met? | 6 comments

Looking Forward to February 1 – 8, 2008

I’m gonna’ cheat just a bit and start this week’s Looking Forward with Friday, though Feb 1st was covered last week too. February 1-3 Hoggetowne Medieval Faire will once again open the gates for visitors to come in to the shire. Saturday and Sunday are predicted to be nice but Weather.com has thunderstorms set for Friday before noon. […]

January 31st, 2008 Posted by | Faire Fun | no comments

Have you met Spade?

The final chess match of the day would start in ten minutes and the crowd was beginning to grow. Bleachers behind the opposing sides began to fill. The callers and announcers stood on stage to the third side and, on the fourth, bales of hay became seating for a third faction of the audience. As the time drew nearer, members of The Thieves’ Guild moved on to the field and took up positions in front of each bleacher. The white and black side audiences were encouraged to cheer for the fighters assigned to their side. In front of the hay bales stood a young girl, assigned the task of getting the “grey” side involved in the game. Little did she know what the event held in store. Let me introduce you to Spade. […]

January 30th, 2008 Posted by | Have You Met? | 5 comments

Have you met The Harper and The Minstrel?

Softly, the harp and flute played in the lanes of the Kiwanis-Lee County Medieval Faire, a lilting voice beginning when the flute stopped. I followed the sounds and spied the couple sitting in a shady area between two merchants. Both were dressed in green, he blond, she a brunette, and they played and sang to those strolling through the faire. Let me introduce you to The Harper and The Minstrel. […]

January 23rd, 2008 Posted by | Have You Met? | 5 comments

Looking back at January 12&13, 2008

The Kiwanis/Lee County Medieval Faire opened this past weekend, the first faire of the 2008 season. The street cast and performers interacted easily with the patrons; merchants provided a good variety of wares. Patrons found the standard faire foods available and we were delighted to spot the The Rolling Galley. For those of you unfamiliar with Jodi’s operation, she […]

January 15th, 2008 Posted by | Faire Fun | no comments

Looking Forward to January 12&13, 2008

It’s finally here, the first weekend of the 2008 Faire Season. Ok, for those lucky enough to live in the South anyway. January 12 & 13, 2008 Kiwanis/Lee County Medieval Faire (aka Riverdale Kiwanis Medieval Faire) in Lakes Park, Ft Myers, Florida Rehearsals continue in other parts of the country and there will be some […]

January 10th, 2008 Posted by | Faire Fun | no comments

Have you met Craig of Farrington?

“I always thought the minstrel would be that guy who would appear out of the blue as they were walking along, blow them away with what he did for them, and then disappear back in to the street. That was always what I really wanted to do with it.” That’s exactly the way I first encountered him in August 2001 at the Ohio Renaissance Festival (ORF). He’s come and gone like that many times in the years since and each time he leaves me with a smile. Let me introduce you to Craig of Farrington. […]

January 9th, 2008 Posted by | Have You Met? | 8 comments

Have you met Bob DaVinci?

For eighteen years, he’s brought his own flair for opera and improv to faires and festivals east of the Mississippi. His specialty is audience participation and I mean the whole audience. After drawing four to the stage, he’ll cajole the rest in to providing the orchestra and sound effects. The scene is set, the “actors” coached, and the curtains rise. What results is a hilarious rendering of an operatic comedy come to life. Actually, it’s one of three comedies: “Makin-A Meatballs, the Opera,” “Go Figaro,” and the newly introduced “Bubba of Seville.” Let me introduce you to Bob DaVinci, aka Ken Silkie. […]

January 2nd, 2008 Posted by | Have You Met? | 8 comments