Ye Olde Good Time

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*Cue the lutes*

I'll tell you a tale of the Renaissance Fest, and of the strange things that we sawwwww...

February is next week, a time when our minds turn to thoughts of 

tankards and turkey legs,

beadery and bards,

horned creatures and handcrafts,

minstrels and merriment!

Besides, what woman's figure doesn't look better in a corset?

Don't even get me started on men in tights. 

The South Florida Renaissance Festival is about to kick off.

And we attend in full costume.

 Made by me, I might add.

 Nothing like a man in a kilt...

The whole day is great family fun, and a terrific opportunity for your 

children to participate as knights or princesses.

Or small dogs in fairy wings.

The following photos are from Camelot Days held in beautiful downtown Hollywood Florida in November. 

We refer to it simply as the Discount Ren Fest. It's smaller, the gate is cheaper, and the venders are about half the price of the same merch in February, so we stock up there and shop for Christmas too. Because after all, we are THAT family. World of Warcraft is a budgeted monthly expense.

Some photos will need no explanation...

...while others I'd still like explained to me.

A fine venue to peruse if you're in need of a little traditional Scottish garb.

Fortunately, they're wicked easy to stitch up.

This is not an exhibit. This is a guy in a leather costume treated to look oxidized, and he'd jump to startle any wee subjects that ventured in to poke.

Donations are accepted. Rusted leather is not cheap.

Hair sticks. I love them. And while I thought the skulls were kinda cool, 

I eventually ended up with a pair in blue topaz.

Not your usual cuddly pet.

Glass mushrooms. Do I want some? Nah, I'll just pay you and break them here. Why waste time?

This is one of those times when an explanation would be nice.

Human Chess is purely theater and a blast to watch.

How is chess a blast, you say?

There's taunting and insults to establish the rivalry.

Think "Son of a motherless goat" caliber.

There is of course royalty presiding over the event.

Setting up the chess set is a breeze. It practically does it by itself!

I'll take my king with extra swagger please.

The kids and Sam can usually pick out several classmates and past students in the cast.

When two "pieces" collide on the board, they battle it out in a staged melee

that's intricate and hysterical.

The proclaimed winner gets the square. Relax, there's no death or blood.

Not everyone adheres strictly to period costume. 

Although who's to say when long, long ago in a galaxy far, far away really was?

The rides at the faire are all people powered. 

You could almost stretch to think this is authentic.

This? Not so much.

I'll take the lard platter, please.

Super Size it. And fetch me a wheel barrow.

There are also a lot of cool things to try and to make.

Savannah learned to finger weave and had a fine belt in no time flat.

Now what?

There's no waist on this outfit.

The boys hung out in the Paladin Society's tent and played chess.

They kicked a little medieval tush if I do say so myself.

Ye Olde Hat Head.

Um...still not sure.

And where else can you see a bird of prey demonstration?

Owl never miss it, believe me.

Okay, fine, I'm sorry. Sometimes I can't resist. I won't do it again.

Today.

Ye Olde Time Out Methods.

Ye Olde Blind Date.

Ye Olde Shoe Shopping.

Ye Olde Kiss Good Night on the First Date Dilemma.

Ye Olde Guy You're Seated Next to at Your Sister's Wedding.
She wants you to meet a nice man, you're nearly 12. It's time to settle down.

So are you a fan of the Fest?

Do you go in full dress?

Or are you considering a first trip

Just at our behest?

Would you never set foot there if even in jest?

Do tell.