Everyone that goes to a Renaissance Faire has their own unique experience. Here is mine. All through the previous week I made sure my camera batteries were charged and I picked out what I was going to wear. Important stuff. Tickets were printed out (by my niece as I don't have a printer), addresses and phone numbers written out for the trip. Music chosen. Carefully mild meal the evening before (Acini De Pepe pasta with butter).
On the morning of the Faire I got everything in order (almost forgot my ID & a wee bit of cash) and waited for my friend Pete (his very first Faire). We left here later than anticipated as traffic from NY state to my place was full of clogs & delays. We finally loaded my wheelchair into Pete's SUV and away we went!
We drove to the wooden gate leading into the former Momma's Place - now re-dubbed the Bear Cave in tribute to Momma's late husband (Momma is my dear friend Marcie). I had a gift for Marcie that made her cry. Lovely hugs later, I was settled into my main spot for the Faire. As the lump bumpy ground is not conducive to wheelchairs, I had the Faire come to me! Within moments, a lovely woman I had never met gave me a fantastic piece of jewelry she had made! Wow!
I would photograph folks as they came into the tent, or flag them down via pointing at them, then pointing at my camera. Other than a few shy souls, everyone was happy to oblige me & my lens. I asked my friend Pete to acquire my sole purchase: Mountain Guru Sweet Curry from Auntie Arwen The Spice Merchant. When Pete came back he bought several spices as well, and several treats from other vendors. He was loving his first Faire!
As the day went on, I had many many great conversations with the folks attending. There was a great vibe to the day. Families with little kids skittering about. Young couples. All sorts of folks brought together by a positive spirit and a craving for something old that was so very new to many. Smiles all over the place!
Food and entertainment all over the place. Pete devoured a huge smoked turkey leg and I had a tasty stuffed baked potato. A cornucopia of food and drink to choose from! As for entertainment - beyond the multitude of crafty vendors, I saw someone giving bullwhip demonstrations, dancers, several minstrels, a hilarious man as Shakespeare performing The Scottish Play using unsuspecting audience members as his cast. Outrageous! Not to mention a wildly talented hammered dulcimer player gifting us with a fine and tuneful set!
It's important to mention that the Faire is a 100% inclusive event. However folks chose to identify themselves, they were all heartily welcomed with no exceptions! Which is as it should be. As the day went on, I must admit I was feeling the humidity. I was grateful that it didn't rain as predicted, but after 3+ hours, I was soaked through my clothes and beginning to need cooler climes. Reluctantly, I said my goodbyes and headed back to the gate. Pete & I made a few brief stops and then I headed back home with a head full of adventurous & loving experiences!
My heart thanks Sam for graciously giving me tickets. To Marcie for being Marcie & always wonderful. Aska the dog for being a charmer! To every attendee, worker, vendor & performer for bringing fantasies to life! Don't you for get that there are still 2 more magical weekends ahead! Grab your tickets here: Midsummer Fantasy Renaissance Faire Now get thee to the Faire!
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