Renaissance Faires: What Are They & Where to Find Them in the States

A Renaissance Faire or Ren Faire, to be honest, is a bit hard to explain. In part it is a historical reenactment, typically of the late Elizabethan period. It is also a craft fair; however, the craft persons will take part in part of the performance art that will swirl around you. It is a huge party and everyone is welcome to join in the spirit of the festival.

There will be foods to taste, and wine or a pint or two to drink. Drinks would be nothing, without the songs to regale the crowd. Besides drinking, there are fortune tellers, jugglers, and musicians; there might be a Shakespearean play or a spoof on one occurring. Some Faires have human chess matches. They have to be seen to be believed.

After several minutes at the Faire, you will feel as if you have traveled through time, and are experiencing things how they were during the renaissance. You will smell the smells and see the sights.

All the workers and crafts people will attempt to wear historical accurate costumes and speak in the vernacular of the Elizabethan period. Most crafters will be happy to tell you the history of their craft; they may even let you try your hand at whatever it is they are making.

Faires are suitable for children of all ages; however, not every show is suitable for every child. Make certain to pay attention to the programs as to which shows are suitable for the little ones.

Many schools feel that Renaissance Faires are of such value, they will often take field trips to the Faire in conjunction with the childrens' studies of the Elizabethan period. It is during the school days, that the actors and shop keeps have the most fun (speaking from personal experience).

Not only do the children get schooled in that period of history, but they are also taught other valuable lessons. For example, the correct response to the phrase, 'How fair thee' is 'I am well', not 'I am good'.

Faires are suitable for children of all ages; however, not every show is suitable for every child. Make certain to pay attention to the programs as to which shows are suitable for the little ones.

Where and when are the Faires? The best place to locate when and where there are Faires near you is to go to the Faire Site Directory. Other sources of faire information include the Scribe, the newsgroup alt.fairs.renaissance, and talking with your local Society for Creative Anachronism chapter (SCA).

The SCA is a group of persons dedicated to the reenactment of the Middle Ages. The research that era to make certain their reenactments are as authentic as possible. More about the SCA can be found at rec.org.sca or the SCA WWW Server.

Make certain to look for the next installment on this series on Renaissance Faires. I'll tell you what to wear and some of the best places to shop for costumes. If you are at the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire, on one of the cooler days, you may just find me in a shop knitting.

Source:
http://www.renfaire.com/General/faire.html