2008
From guest blogger Marsha Takeda-Morrison of Sweatpantsmom
Have the urge to put on a pair of tights, belt your shirt and use the word ‘thee’ in every sentence? Then you should definitely head on over to the Renaissance Pleasure Faire happening right now just outside of Los Angeles. The event, which usually takes place on weekends from early April to mid May, is a fair designed to simulate an imagined village in England during the reign of Elizabeth I. With costumed entertainers, theatrical acts and craft and food booths from the period, you’ll feel like you’re experiencing a piece of history firsthand. Nothing like gnawing on a turkey leg to transport you back in time!
I don’t think I’ve ever met anyone who has grown up in Southern California who hasn’t been to the Faire at least once. Whether it was on a trip during one of the Faire’s special school days, or on a date with that guy who just wanted an opportunity to call you his ‘comely wench,’ the Renaissance Faire has always been a novel destination. (Renaissance Faires take place throughout the country, but I’ve only been to the one in Southern California.)
I haven’t been to the Faire currently taking place, but we did take our kids to a previous one and they had a great time. Once they got used to the people in costume, and everyone “talking funny” they soon got into the spirit of jolly old England. The spontaneity of the whole event took them by surprise; once, while riding on one of the low-tech rides, the operator ran up and began grabbing the shoes off of unsuspecting patrons. This might get one arrested at any theme park, but at the Renaissance Faire it was seen purely as good-natured ‘mischief.’ For some reason it’s the one thing my kids seem to remember most about that day.
There are a variety of shows to keep you entertained; everything from Bold and Stupid Men (”Our swashbuckling duo deliver ‘lessons in gentlemanly behavior’ amidst a flurry of daring sword play”) to action-filled jousting. Little ones who might need more hands-on activities have lots to do as well in the Kids Kingdom - I remember my girls playing forever with huge bubble wands made out of wire that they dipped into big troughs of soap. Something that they would have loved when they were younger is the Imaginary Tea Time with the Fairie Godmothers, that asks you to “bring a vivid imagination, your willingness to play and the Fairie Godmothers will provide the rest.”
(Take note: there are several shows that the Faire has rated NC-17 for adult themes or content. Might want to steer the kiddies away from the Poxy Boggards, the self-described “drinking group with a singing problem.”)
There’s a variety of food choices to keep your cup runneth over. There’s the above-mentioned turkey leg as well as ‘Steak on a Stake’ and ‘Shepherd’s Pye and Bangers.’ Don’t worry – for those less adventurous I do remember seeing a sandwich or two.
Who knows – after a visit to the Renaissance Pleasure Faire you might become a true fan and decide to become one of the hundreds of people who come every year and take the Faire lifestyle to heart. And if you do, the Renaissance Faire does weddings!
The Renaissance Pleasure Faire is taking place from April 5 to May 18 at the Santa Fe Damn Recreation Area
15501 East Arrow Highway, Irwindale CA
Have you ever been to a Renaissance Faire? What other spring events are popular in your area?
Photo courtesy of Renaissance Pleasure Faire
2 Responses
ok, I was a little frightened when I read your post title, but maybe taking the kids to a Renaissance Fair could be a good idea. My son loves big huge turkey legs. Oh, wait, that’s actually me
Molly - Don’t let my take on it scare you. The men in tights aren’t really all that frightening, once you get to know them.
And the turkey legs? Worth the drive every time.