People at the Renaissance Festival

As you have figured out by now, I enjoy people watching worth a passion.  I usually dress up to go but this year we were going earlier than normal and I had loaned out my outfit for a parade. My Jenny (our 18 month old Doberman) came with me this year for the first time.  I almost bought her a costume; but I want to make sure that the Frac mining operation isn't going to take away our festival.  2013 is the 43rd season for the Renaissance Festival.  Some of the performers and acts have become a family affair.  Why should that surprise me since I have many nieces and nephews that attend.  We are a three generation "Ren Fest family".



Second Generation Performer

In his opening lines he said, "My house is different.  When I come home if I sit down to read or watch the news I get asked, 'why aren't you playing with fire?' "


Second and Third generation attendees

 Nickolai and his girlfriend joined us when he was done with work.  We enjoyed one show together then split off our own ways.

The TorySteller's daughter helps by "passing the hat."

There are many shop-keepers and performers that mingle through the people.  Sometimes it is difficult to tell the difference.


Shop-keeper outside attracting people and luring them into her shop.
(My favorite costume!)

The Wash-bucket Wenches

The Knight had an assistant walking and when people stopped to take a picture she directed him to stop and turn towards the camera.  I was amazed at the excellent coordination and ability to give and take directions.



Warrior Knight

Her guardians with her were not dressed up.  This young girl was dressed beautifully, hair done and face painted.  I took a couple other shot of her candidly.  But when she realized I was taking a picture of her, she posed so cute that I had to include the picture.  She was so tired!  You could see it in the way she walked and in her eyes.  I'm sure minutes after getting in the car she was probably asleep.



The next generation
Future Lady

The secret of the Ren Fest is getting involved.  I remember as a child being at the gate and the actors/actresses over the gate yelling down into the crowd something like, "Hello sir! Looks like you had quite a party last night.  How ever did you make it here this morning?" To which my father yelled back, "You're being quite loud.  It is making my headache worse!"  There was more banter and then we walked through the gate.  BOOOM, Booom, tromp, tromp, tromp! As we came out the other side the group of actors/actresses were hanging over and yelled, "Headache better sir?"  They remembered us all day long.  Anytime they saw us, they made sure that they bantered and heckled.


Dancers pull part of the audience into the dance.

This is your time.  Step into the past and immerse yourself into the activities.



A variety of drums were set up and in a few short minutes, a song was born.

Those that are happy, engage themselves in the day, in the activities and with the strangers that cross their paths.



So Thou thinkest that thy danceth?

Doest thow thinkest that I jest? Surely not.  Tis truly a grand day in the court of the King and Queen!
http://www.renaissancefest.com/