New York's Sterling Renaissance Festival Features Street and State Performances

If you live in upstate New York and are looking for something different to on a summer weekend, the Sterling Renaissance Festival is a great event to enjoy. Located in Sterling, NY, the festival is about an hour north of Syracuse near lake Ontario. Because of its central location, it's not a long drive for anyone in upstate. This year the festival is taking place on Saturdays and Sundays between July 7th and August 19^th, rain or shine., from 10AM to 7PM.

The festival is made to represent the village of Warwick, England in the year 1585. This is one of the largest renaissance festivals there is with 65 booths, 9 stages, and an attendance of 100,000 guests. There is always something to watch because the festival features 80 street and stage performances by 200 professional actors. There are many booths available where you can sample delicious period food and drink. Dozens of artisans sell their goods on the streets.

Tickets can be purchased online for $19 or at the gate for $22. The day full of activities is well worth the admission price.

The upcoming weekend of July 28 and 29 is Pirates Weekend at the festival. Early pirates, including Sir Francis Drake will bring tall tales, comedy, and adventure to the fair. You will hear pirate songs and dance filling the roads. Don't miss the "Pirate Show" where visitors undergo typical pirate punishments including walking the plank. There will be a costume contest at 12:15 so don't forget your pirate attire.

Kids will love the optional camel and elephant rides. There is also opportunity to interact with actors in full costume when they approach you on the streets. Another great children's activity is the giant pillow fight in the center of the village.

The shows are a great opportunity to sit down and take a break from all of the walking around as well as a good time to digest your food. Check out the

Small shops are set up throughout the village selling traditional crafts. Many also have demonstrations so you can watch how the goods are made and then purchase one for yourself. A couple of the best were the chainmail making and glass blowing demonstrations.

You'll probably eat enough food while you're there to last for a week.

By far, my favorite activity of the day was the jousting competition. Two competitors dressed in full armor and mounted on horseback joust in the arena. It was very realistic and believable. This event draws the largest crowds at the festival so get a spot early so you can see all of the action.

So, if you're looking for something to do on a summer weekend, the Sterling Renaissance Festival is a great place to check out. With something for people of all ages, it is able to accommodate your entire group and keep everyone happy throughout a long day. Enjoy!pub sing, wench auction and trail & dunke. All of the shows are packed full of comedy and great for the entire family. Steak-on-a-stake, pita pockets, succulent turkey legs, portabella mushroom sandwiches, mile-high cakes are some of the most famous. These traditional foods are cooked and served by workers who dress and act in a manner appropriate for the times.