Re: RENFESTIVAL


"Authentically re-created 30-acre 16th Century English village. Rub
elbows with nobility and be entertained by hundreds of costumed
performers in nearly 100 shows each day. Cheer your favorite knight to
victory as he competes for the Queen's honor in the thrilling
full-armored Joust."

There used to be a group in Ohio that would *really* joust - most
places it's pretty much an act, all predetermined. I think they were
at the Lakeview renfest, unless I'm mistaken, but it's been a few years
since I've been to any.

Cheer your favorite knight! My vote goes to "Sir Mix a lot"
If you really want to make it an authentic English village of the 16th
century you need to burn a few Catholics and have a few rotting plague
victims rotting in the huts.

The one thing I've always wished for is that they'd have these things
in the late fall instead of late summer. Most of your typical renfest
clothing is meant to keep you warm - and when it's 90+ degrees outside,
well, let's just say you get a good idea of what that "rotting plague
victim" smell must have been like :b

Are these things really authentic and just Disney Yee-oldie-timey- land
recreations?

Really depends. More and more are going the safe route, banning
weapons and doing shows that are more and more scripted, mainly due to
insurance costs (or the lack of insurance). In terms of enjoyment, you
often have to find a good balance between authentic and fun - many of
the the more authentic ones can be horribly organized, while many of
the more organized ones can be downright cheesy and boring.

One really nice one, if you're not a purist, is the one in Lancaster
PA. It's one of the more scripted ones in terms of the shows, but they
do a hell of a job. Last time I was there was a few years ago, they
did a really cool castle siege show that was, to be honest, more
interesting and fun to watch than stuff I've seen in theme parks with
much greater budgets.

God help you if they inflict Morris dancing on you!

I'll have my cleric cast a protection spell!!

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