I have a confession to make: I kind of have a thing for the whole Renaissance and Elizabethan eras.
I have read “The Other Boleyn Girl” and all of the other Phillippa Gregory’s historical novels from that time period at least a dozen times. I love movies like Elizabeth, Shakespeare in Love and even Kevin Costner’s horribly entertaining Robin Hood: Prince of Thieves. I was slightly obsessed with the Showtime series “The Tudors” (which had absolutely nothing to do with the yummy Jonathan Rhys Myers, ok, Dr. G?). I love the music, the costumes, the castles, the royal courts.
Yikes, I sound pretty nerdly, huh?
Sure, this is my romanticized version of this time period (which also certainly had its fair share of wars, disease, tragedies and beheadings). Yet despite this secret passion of mine, I have never been to a Renaissance festival like King Richard’s Faire, the longest running Renaissance Fair in New England – even though it literally takes place 30 min. away from where we live in Carver, Mass.
King Richard’s Faire is an 80-acre Renaissance festival, which recreates a 16th-century marketplace. What’s in a 16th century marketplace, you ask? Maybe the question is, what isn’t? You’ll find handmade crafts, foods, musicians, singers, dancers, minstrels, mimes, jugglers, magicians, comedians, puppeteers, gymnasts, exotic animals, acrobats, mud beggars, stilt walkers, jousting knights on horseback, a royal court … you get the idea.
There’s even face painting, games and rides for the kiddos, including a Flying Carousel, Swan Swing, Pirate Ships, and special entertainment shows that run the gamut from a human chess game and Princess Academy to sword fighting and Irish war pipes and drums.
I was impressed — well, maybe shocked is a better word – when I checked out the food options. 16th century England wasn’t exactly a vegetarian’s paradise, so I was preparing to sneak a PB&J in Mimi’s diaper bag. But lo and behold, they have plenty of gluten free, lactose free and — yes — vegetarian offerings!
Plus beer. And mead. I’ve always wanted to try mead.
I cannot wait to take my family to King Richard’s Faire when it starts on August 31! I think Buddy and Mimi might fall in love with this time period, too (and I’m sure I’ll get suckered into buying toy swords or something from ye’ ol’ marketplace).
Guess what?! I have four tickets to King Richard’s Faire to give away to one lucky KMS reader. The tickets are good any time before the Faire ends on October 20. So enter away, friends! Please use the entry form below. This giveaway ends on Friday, August 30!
Heather G. says
We go every year! My husband is in love with the turkey legs and looks forward to them every fall!
Krissy says
This is so awesome! We have never been but Ben is soooo into knights and dragons and we are planning on going this year! Can’t wait!
Melissa says
This is awesome! We just recently learned there are gluten free options at the fair and we’re super excited to bring our daughter (she has Celiac disease).
Heather @ Kraus House Mom says
I love KRF. I always beat my husband at any sort of archery or knife throwing game and I HAVE to get a yard (or two, possible 3 this year one for each kid) and a turkey leg.
Kelly says
Haven’t been since I was a kid but looking forward to taking my 2 boys this year:)
Jennifer R says
I went years ago when I was single, no kids. It was way more fun than I expected; I didn’t think Ren Faires were my “thing” but a friend of a friend was working there as a wench. I imagine it being a slightly different experience with a toddler in tow!
Jennifer says
Never been but there is something to this that intrigues me …
Jessica says
I think you are my long lost twin! You just named all of my favorite books and movies! I took my 3 and 5 year olds to the Faire last year and they absolutely loved it. Fun for everyone!
Lisa D says
We have never been to this Fair although we’ve debated it years. Now that Zack thinks he is a knight, this could be perfect. Thanks for the contest!
Nicole@RunningWhileMommy says
We have never been to this with the kids. I would love to take them, they would have a blast!
Aline says
I would love to take my kids to the fair. Haven’t been in many years!
Lauren pendergast says
Love this! My husband has never been (i know, right. Who hasn’t been?!?!). My best memory of king Richards was some guy trying to sell me shade when i was like 8. Lol.