A Good Day's Knight: a Trip to the Scarborough Faire Renaissance Festival

A Good Day's Knight: A Trip To The Scarborough Faire Renaissance Festival

Step back in time-for the time of your life!

That is what their slogan states and it is all true. The Scarborough Faire Renaissance Festival welcomes spring each year with jousting, rivalry, wenches and a turkey leg or two.

The 16^th century English Village resides from April 7 to May 28, from 10am to 7pm, near the town of Waxahachie in the county of Ellis south of the town of Dallas. The area of this renaissance festival covers an area as large as most major amusement parks but has free parking for those who care to partake of the festivities. There are over 200 craft shops and artisans and shows in about 22 different venues. Scarborough's entertainment ranges from The Dungeon of Yorkshire Tower to Jousting to the Gypsy Extravaganza on the Turtledrome to the magic of Magical Mystical Michael to the many traveling beggars, wenches and minstrels. And, of course, the daily Grande Parade is a spectacle to see that has all the lords and ladies, including his Royal Highness King Henry with his Queen, Anne Boleyn.

There is plenty of food to fill your gullet at this Renaissance festival. From smoothies to beer, turkey legs, spicy Scotch Eggs, Steak on a Stake, empanadas, Greek treat, hand made pastas, and pastries and not to mention of cone of shaved ice for the young ones.

Speaking of young ones, a trip back in time to ye olde Scarborough Faire also entreats the kids and the kids at heart. There is plenty of activities for them including Pirate Ship swings, Jacob's ladder, elephant, llama and camel rides, a kid's version of jousting and even sillier fun like Soak-A-Bloke or Pluck-A-Duck!

While the scantily clad wenches and men in their tights and armor might entrance you, you also will be pleased at the vast array of costumes from the ladies in their heavy finery, fairies, trolls, lords and ladies, and gypsies. There are also quite a few of the 21^st century visitors in attire as well.

The one-day ticket of $19.99 (children 5-12 are $6.99; under 4 are free) seems pricey; it is well worth the price. There is not a time when there isn't something to do, a place to rest and get out of the heat (unlike most amusement parks) or food and drink to revive yourself. There are not enough places for an entire family to go and be thoroughly entertained (and parents not to be bored with within 15 minutes). You will definitely walk away with those memories of a lifetime at the Scarborough Faire Renaissance Festival!