At the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire that is. This was an event we had long thought of attending, but the timing never worked out until this weekend on a road trip to visit family in PA and NJ.
This year (2013) marks the 33rd year for this themed event which occurs over 12 weekends from early August through late October on the grounds of the Mount Hope Estate and Winery in Manheim, PA.
The Mount Hope estate was sold in 1980 and converted to a winery which then hosted a two-day jousting festival called the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire held in the winery parking lot. The event proved so popular that it was expanded in successive years.
By 2009, the Faire became an annual event held on a 35-acre site with 90 shows performed daily on 12 stages, hundreds of costumed performers, and a recreation of a 16th century English village with authentic styled Tudor buildings.
Musical performances, Shakespearean plays and other acts are offered. Also, nearly two dozen "Royal Kitchens" serve food and drink and "Renaissance" merchants provide goods on site for a price of course.
While the adult Faire admission is a bit steep at $29.95 (seniors get a $5 discount) there are numerous events to see throughout the grounds at no additional cost, featuring jesters, jousts, acrobats, magicians, musical performances, and a human chess match. In addition, discount days are offered through the run of the Faire.
Our favorite event was The Mud Show which featured three talented and very funny entertainers. Folks sitting in the front rows did get splattered.
There are dozens of costumed characters ranging from English noblemen and ladies to Queen Elizabeth the First and her royal court walking everywhere.
Everywhere you walk,you will see performers in period costumes. Also, many attendees go to the faire wearing their own creative (and unusual) costumes.
We spent a little over 6 hours here and could easily have stayed longer to catch more performances, but ran out of time before meeting family members for dinner.
14 comments:
Just 'up the road' from us and have never been there! Glad you enjoyed it. Beautiful pictures!
they have one of these each year at our Ringling Museum and one year my son was in it in a sword fight. i have never been and it is 10 miles from us... seeing all your fantastic shots might push me down there this year.
It looks FAIRly interesting.
A very entertaining event, indeed! Would like to see that some day.
Now that looks like a wonderful day, well spent!...:)JP
How wonderful ! Looks like a great time ! In Toronto here they have a medieval dinner theater ! http://www.medievaltimes.com/ I have been to it and I loved it ! Thanks for sharing ! Have a good day !
fun times, I have been to a few
The cost does sound steep but with all that acting happening around you? I guess them actors need to be paid. Sure must add to the fun of the experience.
What marvelous photos you have shared.
How much fun this looks to have been!
I've always wanted to go to one. Maybe that's an item for a bucket list. But maybe one in England??
Wow, so much to see! Sounds like a great time. :)
Went to many of these Ren faires in CA....enjoy! When you get home maybe you will read Pillars of the Earth by Follett if you have not already...
it is in that era and before..
Looks like fun!
Post a Comment