Renaissance Fairs in Louisiana and Mississippi

My lords and ladies, listen to my fine tale of high medieval adventure! Exotic foods, thrilling swordsmanship, fine crafts, and more await you at renaissance fairs. And there are a number to attend in Louisiana and Mississippi.

Ocean Springs Renaissance Faire - This fair is held approximately 178 miles south of Jackson in Ocean Springs, Mississippi one weekend in early May from 9:00 am to 5:00 pm both days. Parking is free. Adult and kids ages 9 -12 tickets are $5, kids under 8 are $3. Those wishing to attend in costume must keep weapons sheathed and peace-tied. Featured events include a Royal Procession and jousting. Special children's activities include a magical Faerie Garden. A Royal Petting Zoo and games of skill are fun for all ages. The Society for Creative Anachronism, or SCA, constructs a working medieval village and also instructs in the fine arts of medieval dancing and armored sword fighting. Attendees can enjoy music and demonstrations in between visiting vendors offering fine crafts. More information can be found on their website at http://www.stjohnsoceansprings.org under Renaissance Festival.

Louisiana Renaissance Festival - This fair will be held approximately 50 miles east of Baton Rouge in Hammond, Louisiana weekends from November 3 - December 9, as well as Friday November 23^rd from 10:00 am - 5pm every day. Parking is free. Adult tickets are $14, kids ages 6 - 12 are $8, and children under the age of 6 get in free. Passes are available. Those attending in period dress must keep weapons sheathed and peace-tied. Special events include Wine Tasting and Student Day. The fair will feature Theme Weekends such as German, Italian, French, Family, Celtic, and Fireworks. There will be a variety of educational demonstrations in crafts such as blacksmithing and glassblowing. Entertainers will delight and amaze with musical, comedic, and magical performances. Jousting and birds of prey will provide exciting shows. Games and rides will be fun for all ages. Attendees can feast on diverse foods while shopping for such wonderful wares as toys, clothing, leather goods, jewelry and more. More details, including buying tickets, can be found online at their website http://www.larf.org.

Acadiana Medieval Faire - This not-for-profit 501 (c)(3) public charity fair will be held approximately 60 miles west of Baton Rouge in Prairie Basse, Louisiana. The dates and times of operation for 2008 will be March 29 - 30 from 10:00 am to 6:00 pm for the general public, and March 31 - April 1 from 9:00 am to 2:00 pm for school groups. Parking is free. Adult Tickets are $12 and tickets for children under age 12 are $8. Girl Scout/Boy Scout tickets are available for $6. School Day Tickets are $6.00 through advance sales only. Attendees in costume are required to keep weapons sheathed and peace-tied. Fair visitors will witness a sampling of medieval life with the Society for Creative Anacronism as they demonstrate talents in dancing, spinning, weaving, carving, and more. Knights will thrill spectators with exciting shows of horsemanship, bravery and chivalry. Various performers will provide rousing entertainment while musicians will create beautiful music for all attendees. There will be fine fair food with a Cajun flair as well as home-made root beer and even cooking demonstrations. Artisans will be offering toys, jewelry, home decorations, and more. For more information, look at their website http://www.acadianafaire.org.

And now, my good people, this part of the story is done. The next part begins with you, journeying to experience these fine renaissance fairs firsthand!