Scarborough Faire Renaissance Festival

Visiting the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex? Live in the Dallas area? Vaguely interested in the Middle Ages or the Renaissance, or just interested in taking the kids to something new and different? If so, I highly recommend visiting the Scarborough Faire Renaissance Festival (and no, I am not associated with the event).

The festival is held every spring, April through June just south of the Dallas-Ft. Worth Metroplex near the town of Waxahatchie. Traveling to the event is easy, just take I-35E south from Dallas to Waxahatchie, take the designated exit, and travel west about a mile. Everything is well marked--you cannot miss it. Parking is free, and fairly convenient. I would recommend arriving at or near opening time because this is a popular event and you could end up having a bit of a walk if you arrive late.

The entrance fee is reasonable, with a children's discount. In the same vein, the price for the festival guide is quite inexpensive. I found the food at the event (and there is food, food, food, and more food) to be reasonably priced, although the drinks were a bit pricey. For older folks or the disabled, motorized scooters are available for rent and use inside the event. Similarly, carts can be rented for the kiddos. Although lots of stuff is available at the faire, it is not as big as it looks, and seeing all the attractions is not an exercise in long distance hiking. In keeping with the Renaissance motif, the pathways are not cement, but they are well maintained and easy to navigate.

What to do at the faire? Lots! For the kids, there are kiddie shows, fire jugglers, and demonstrations for the kids. Kids particularly will like the jousting tournament (held several times a day), as well as the petting zoo. Rides for the kids also exist, and are all hand powered. For example, there are merry-go-rounds, and a popular jousting simulator for the kids. Of course, there are the obligatory animal rides, horses, a Llama, and even and elephant ride (with real elephants!!). Lots of things to buy for the kids (of course); everything from face painting to toy swords, and fairy wings.

For the adults, there are a variety of free shows that are constantly going on. Lots of humor in these shows, all Renaissance themed. As an aside, the humor is well done in that all "racy" humor goes over the heads of kids--a very nice touch. I recommend all the shows, but do not want to give away my favorite because all the shows are excellent. Additionally, there are any number of craft demonstrations that occur throughout the day, and if crafting is your bailiwick, this can be interesting.

For us, one of the more interesting facets of the event is that it feels like a real Renaissance festival. What is meant here is that an entire village has been constructed on the grounds and one feels as if one has been transported back in time. Another neat item is all the reenactors that come to the event. We saw folks (visitors) dressed up as everything from vikings to elves. As my little grand-daughter said to me "look papa, there is an elf!"

I highly recommend Scarborough Faire if you have the time. Scarborough Faire is a fun,family friendly event that should not be missed! Five stars from this reviewer!