For each of the past three years, we have ventured to Crownsville Maryland (just south of Annapolis) to the annual Renaissance Festival held in late summer and early fall there.
What we enjoy the most is just about everything. Many people go in costume, as we did for the first time this year, there is lots of entertainment (mostly magic and comedy shows), a theme which involves the monarchy of that period, and street actors who provide an enjoyable distraction for the kids (of all ages).
We went in costume this year, Diana as a bar wench (complete with long brown hair), and me as a bar man (with my mug for ale and other beverages). We had fun doing so, since Tara (the younger daughter) and her boyfriend Jake went along as well. Tara went in a vampy little outfit, and Jake as more of a demonic character, which suits his personality. 🙂
We saw a few of the shows, shopped in the shops (there are a LOT of vendors, and most stay true to the theme of the fair), and even watched the jousting competition. To be honest, it was a little more tame than those you may have seen in movies (such as “A Knight’s Tale”). But we had fun the whole time and left a little early to hopefully beat traffic.
That wasn’t to be the case, however. We started to leave at 5:45, and didn’t leave the parking lot until 8:20pm. I’ve never seen so much disarray and lack of coordination with traffic and parking control. But we made the best of the time, talking, making fun of the costumes and generally passing the time with whatever we could.
Despite the parking and traffic problems, I strongly recommend this festival to anyone. You can read more about this event at www.rennfest.com. Maybe we’ll see you there next year!