This weekend my husband, daughter and I drove upstate to Sterling Forest in Tuxedo, New York to attend the 31st annual New York Renaissance Faire. It was the fist time we attended this humorously stylized version of the 16th century.Walking through the main gate we are greeted by "Dooley Dragon," and we realize we are to suspend all reality and enter a world of humorous fantasy and Medieval entertainment.
The day begins with a welcome address at Roselawn Tournament Field by "Queen Elizabeth 1," who is attended by all her Lords and Ladies.
Actors and actresses in beautiful costumes are all over the reproduction village of Sterling Shire's 65 acres, and they greet visitors with a courtesy and "Good day ma'Lady" and "Good day ma'Lord" in 16 th century English accent.
Many of the outside guests arrive in costume too! In fact, there are multiple costume rental facilities in the park in case you feel out of place and want to put on a bustier and long skirt. I dared my husband to wear tights but he politely declined. We stayed in our street clothes and felt much cooler that way in the August heat, but it was amusing to see the creativity of many of the visitors.
The following photos are of the exciting tournament and joust that took place at the Renaissance Faire. It was all quite exciting!Some children were knighted by the Queen before the ceremony for doing good deeds all year long, and it was precious to see how proud and excited they were!
There was also a very exciting chess match between Sir Philip De Marque, the Sheriff of Nottingham against Robin Hood and his band of Merry Men, on the giant live chess board!
As each piece makes a move there is an ensuing conflict battle until one surrenders and the loser is eliminated. Sadly Robin Hood lost this chess match! Poor Maid Marian was devastated. I believe he was to be a rematch later in the day where she was hopefully won back by Robin Hood!
A lively Maypole dance was held in the meadow, accompanied by many minstrels playing music.
Round and round they danced until.....
...the entire pole of ribbons were braided to the end! Huzzah!
We were told "huzzah" was the proper way to express congratulations during the day!
There were rides for the children at the Renaissance Faire.
There was also entertainment for the adults, from multiple skits performed on multiple stages throughout the park. The highlight was Aristophanes's' bawdy play "Lysistrata," where the female characters do some creative "withholding" to end the Peloponnesian War and secure peace.
Glassblowing demonstrations were held throughout the day......
...and there was multiple fortune telling booths.....
..... games of chance and skill to play.....
...and archery to try.
A most unusual treat being sold by cart all throughout the park was pickles!
Your choice to purchase a dill or a garlic pickle!
Of course there were many other food options to choose from.
This man, who I believe was a visitor, was sitting next to me at the group picnic tables. I found it interesting that he had to take off all of his rings, which you see in the pile next to him on the table, in order to eat.
There were also many craft shops in the village which offered their wares for purchase as souvenirs. This booth sold shields for young knights, and the young man wearing the cape in the photo was trying to decide which one he liked.
This shop had pretty pewter, silver and glass items for sale. Perhaps a goblet would be nice to have in which to drink the honey wine called Mead, which was the popular drink by many at the faire?
There were beautiful hand carved items for sale at a wood workers shop.
As you can see by the sign in this jewelry booth, "Lady Visa" and "Lord Master" were welcome forms of currency!
All in all, we had a raucous good time visiting this replica Medieval village in Sterling Forest, and enjoyed the faire!
I do believe Merlin the Magician put a spell on us as we left, so that someday we will have to return when our future grandson is old enough to be possibly knighted by the Queen!
Until then, we bid farewell to the New York Renaissance Faire of 2008!
If anyone is interested to visit the faire it will be held every Saturday and Sunday and also Labor Day Monday, until September 21, 2008.
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