Just like in the olden days!

We went to the Renaissance Fair (I refuse to write that with the extra 'e', no matter how funny it looks) this weekend and got sunburns all around. The weather was absolutely gorgeous, if a little warm. But after the longest, coldest winter of my life it was a welcome change.





I was on the verge of missing the Highland Games in Sanford and the Renaissance Fair more than made up for it. I'd never been to a Renaissance Fair before, so I was a little surprised at how many people were dressed up, and how loose they were with their costumes. There were plenty of buxom wenches, of course, and men in kilts, but there were also fairies, wizards and pirates. Basically, if you had a costume that you could wear to a screening of Harry Potter, Lord of the Rings or Pirates of the Caribbean, you would not have looked out of place. That is not meant as a criticism, though, because it was a lot of fun to see so many people enjoying themselves so thoroughly.



The jousting and sword fighting was highly entertaining, although they really lacked any element of danger. Obviously no one was trying to kill anyone. But I found myself agreeing with a fellow attendee who heckled the sword fighters by shouting, "I want to see blood and heads!" He was about 8 years old. Again, it was fun, but my juvenile bloodlust was not sated by the toothless displays of non-violence.
(oh yeah - our new camera takes video with sound! Welcome to the twenty-first century!)

Certainly the highlight event (for me) was the coursing of the hounds. Two retired racing greyhounds (like Julian!) ran about 200 feet after a lure. Although it was brief, it was still extremely exciting to see them run.


Even though I felt a little out of place in my jeans and tee-shirt, I doubt I'll do any dressing up next time. That just isn't my style.