REVELRY ABOUNDS AT RENAISSANCE FAIRE

By Miriam Raftery

Photos by Mark and Miriam Raftery

November 14, 2010 (Escondido)--Knights and knaves, wizards and wenches, pirates and peasants strolled the grounds at Felicita Park in Escondido, where the Renaissance Faire was held on November 6th and 7th.

Thousands of people turned out for this festive annual event, including many community members clad in medieval and Renaissance-era attire.

Gypsy dancers greeted visitors at the gates, while a nobleman on a black charger stallion patrolled the oak-shaded glens outside.

 

Inside, the magic continued as reenactors played the roles of Queen Elizabeth and her court, resplendent in elegant costuming.

 

Others entertained the crowd with a battle reenactment pitting the Queen’s army against rebel forces. A saucy rebel wench led the crowd in a chant of “No taxation!”, a message that resonated with many contemporary audience members.

T

he two sides charged forwarded with swords, lances and other weaponry, as the crowd roared, “Huzzah!”

Knights in armor clashed in the battle's finale, after which gypsies rushed onto the field to svavenge valuables from those who had fallen.

A bawdy juggler regaled the crowd with spicy jokes while keeping multiple balls in the air. Nearby, vendors hawked wares—and hawk aficionados got an up-close look at falcons on display.

 

Music, dancing, and a large snake wrapped around a gypsy woman intrigued guests, who feasted on fare that included turkey drumsticks , build-your-own crepes, and pirate’s punch.

Lords, and ladies, wolves and wenches (some in gravity-devying garments) strolled the grounds, encouraging all to have a good time.

 

For those seeking to participate in future Renaissance events, booths offered period clothing attire and other items such as corsets , tri-corn hats, elaborately embroidered gowns, swords, armor, leather gauntlets, and gypsy scarves trimmed with coins. One booth offered elegant rings at three for a dollar. Others offered authentic reproduction items for hundreds of dollars or more.

 

Children could participate in a treasure hunt and other activities--all certain to bring smiles to the faces of  lads, lasses and parents who were present.