Renaissance Faires
Did you hear the author’s story about almost losing their head in the knife throwing contests?
Yeah, everyone was shocked until she said, “Never mind. I was just jousting!”
Hear ye, hear ye, you don’t have to write historical fiction set in medieval antiquity to become inspired by the sounds, tastes, sites, and clothing styles in Renaissance.
Attractions include, but are not limited to: Enticing food vendors, comedy shows, musical performances, historical reenactments, theatre, playgrounds, pony rides, parades, vendors, chess challenges, and fire whip displays, and more.
Summer Renaissance Festivals pop up throughout our nation in hundreds of locations.
Most attendees dress in costume, but you don’t need to wear a costume in order to enjoy the experience.
Todd Mission, Texas: 500,000 guests attend each year.
Shakopee, Minnesota: Open every weekend rain or shine from mid-August through September 500,000 persons visit.
My favorites are the chess challenges, glass blowing, comedy, sixteen stages and full-contact jousting.
Outstanding musicians also entertain throughout.
Bonner Springs, Kansas: Delicious food and entertainment that doesn’t disappoint.
Gold Canyon, Arizona: Open-air Artesian Market!
Kenosha, Wisconsin, Bristol Renaissance Faire: Early July to Labor Day, it welcomes visitors from all over the Midwest.
Consider picking up a copy of Wicked Weaves.
Title: Wicked Weaves:
Authors Joyce Lavene, Jim Lavene
A light-hearted look at the medieval time span that affected world history in meaningful ways wouldn’t be complete without a nod to some of the real-life mysteries.
King Arthur and his knights?
Truths behind Beowulf?
Kingdom intrigue?
Traderoutes?
Historical Reflection:
An abbreviated recap for the Renaissance period reminds us that it occurred during latter portions of the Middle Ages (14th century until the 17th century).
These heights of classical advancements in art, literature, science, politics, and the rediscovery of Greek philosophy occurred approximately in the 1490’s .
It started in Florence, Italy, then expanded its influence throughout Europe, ending in 1527 when the great Roman empire collapsed.
Historical cultures prevalent during medieval times:
Byzantine Empire location: Constantinople
Islamic Caliphates location: North Africa, Baghdad, and parts of Spain
Holy Roman Empire location: Central Europe
Viking Culture location: Scandinavian areas, Europe, with settlements in England, Ireland, and elsewhere
Mongol Empire location: Broadly scattered
Mali Empire location: Western Africa
I can say I’ve visited more than my ‘faire’ share of Renaissance Festivals.
A fun takeaway to consider if you visit or just want to recreate the experience at home is to purchase Juggle Sticks.
I believe it’s possible to make your own, but I haven’t tried that yet so I can’t substantiate the claim.
Hours and days, months, years of fun for people within all age ranges.
These sticks are called many names, but by any name you choose to call them, they’re entertaining to try or watch.
Below is a medieval tea dress, which would be very appropriate for Renaissance attire.
