Renaissance Fairs in Washington

Come, all ye rouges and damsels, to a medieval celebration! Renaissance fairs provide grand adventures for all ages! And there are a number to attend in the state of Washington.

A Festival for May - Located approximately 27 miles east of Seattle in Carnation, Washington at Camlann Medieval Village. This fair will be held May 3^rd - 4^th in 2008 from 12:00 pm - 6:00 pm. Parking will be free. Tickets will be $5 for adults, $3 for seniors ages 60 and older and kids ages 6 - 12, and free for children ages 5 and under. Those who wish to dress in costume will not be allowed to carry firearms and must keep blades sheathed and peace-tied. Children ages 12 and under must be accompanied by an adult at all times. Pets, radios, flash cameras, and videos will not be permitted. There will be limited smoking areas. This recreation of a rural village in Somersetshire, southwest England, in the year 1376 offers demonstrations in textile production including carding, spinning, dyeing and weaving; as well as garland weaving and cottage building. Visitors will enjoy archery, music, dancing, magic, Maypole festivities, and authentic period lunches, desserts, and drinks. Artisans will offer high quality clothing, books, pottery, carvings, and more. Special feasts with multiple courses are also available for $40 with reservations, which includes the festival price. More information is available on their website at http://www.camlann.org/may_fest.htm.

Northwest Renaissance Festival - Located approximately located 19 miles north of Spokane in Nine Mile Falls, Washington. This fair will be held weekends June 23^rd - July 15^th from 11:00 am to 7:00 pm. Tickets will be $9.50 for adults, $6 for seniors ages 60 and older and kids ages 2 - 12, and free for children ages 1 and under. Those who choose to dress up will not be allowed to carry firearms and will need to keep blades sheathed and peace-tied. Wedding packages are available. A special feature of this fair is the Fairy Glen with games and stories for younger guests. Visitors will witness thrilling jousts, dramatic Battle Chess, daring sword fights, fascinating gypsy shows and engaging storytelling. Merchants will be offering finely crafted clothing, jewelry, art, delicious foods and drinks, and much more. Additional details are available on their website at http://www.nwrf.net and their Myspace page at http://www.myspace.com/nwrf.

Ye Merrie Greenwood Faire - Located approximately 12 miles northwest of Kennewick in Richland, Washington. This fair will be held June 30^th - July 1^st from 10:00 am - 5:00 pm. Parking will be free. Tickets will be $8 for adults, $6 for seniors ages 60 and older and kids ages 5 - 12, and free for children ages 4 and under. Those wishing to dress in costume will be allowed unloaded period firearms only and must keep blades sheathed and peace-tied. No alcohol will be sold of permitted. Visitors will enjoy captivating music, talented storytellers, enchanting dancing, riveting sword fights, and many more performances. Craftspeople and vendors will be selling a variety of fine goods, delectable foods, and refreshing drinks. For more information, visit their website at http://greenwood_players.home.comcast.net.

Camlann Medieval Faire - Located approximately 27 miles east of Seattle in Carnation, Washington at Camlann Medieval Village. This fair will be held weekends July 21^st - August 26^th from 11:30 am to 6:00 pm. Tickets will be $9 for adults, $6 for seniors ages 60 and older and kids ages 6 - 12, and free for children ages 5 and under. As with the fair held in May; an adult must accompany children ages 12 and under, and no pets, radios, cameras with flash, or videos will be allowed. In this recreated archaic village guests will delight in music, magic, juggling, storytelling, and more while enjoying authentic period foods and drink. Merchants will offer unique clothing, weapons, leather goods, and other items. Three different themes will be featured in this fair. The first, Festival of Saint James, will be July 21^st - 22^nd and 28^th - 29^th and will include Swords-master Demonstrations and War Bow Archery. The second, Festival of Saint Laurence, will be August 4^th - 5^th and 11^th - 12^th and will feature a medieval version of the Greek myth of Orpheus and Freemen Training. The last, Festival of Saint Bartholomew, will include two Musical Concerts presenting vocal and instrumental music and poetry from the 12th through the 14th centuries and a Danse Macabre. Special feasts with multiple courses are also available for $40 with reservations, which includes the festival price. Additional information can be found on their website at http://www.camlann.org/summer_festivals.htm.

Washington Renaissance Fantasy Faire - Located approximately 12 miles northwest of Tacoma in Gig Harbor, Washington. This fair will be held weekends August 4^th - 19^th from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm. Tickets will be $15 for adults, $10 for kids ages 6 - 12, and free for children ages 5 years and under. Exciting full contact jousts, delightful music, hilarious comedy, daring acrobatics, and many more performances will entertain visitors of all ages. Merchants will be offering handcrafted weapons, clothing, jewelry, bath products, leather goods, and much more. Vendors will tempt with enticing foods, including vegetarian choices, and refreshing drinks. For more information, visit their website at http://www.washingtonrenfaire.com.

So prepare yourself for some medieval merriment this year at a renaissance fair in Washington! Huzzah!