Arizona Renaissance Festival
& Artisan Marketplace

You walk through the gates of the Festival in Apache Junction, Arizona, and you enter a time portal. You are suddenly in a sixteenth century European Country Faire. The village is Fairhaven and the year is 1590. The marketplace is bustling and you find yourself jostling for space with over 2,000 costumed characters, ladies in their grand and colorful gowns, cleavage aplenty, and men in their tights and hats and courtly manner, not to mention the thousands of other tourists that have walked through the same portal you have. Their nonstop merriment and mayhem, let me repeat that, mayhem, continue on throughout the Faire. Fun and laughter are the attitude of the day, and if you lack a sense of humor, you’ve walked through the wrong portal.

One of the largest Renaissance Festivals in the country, this one takes us back to the time of English Kings and Queens, merriment, food, and entertainment. There are at least a dozen stages filled with comedic and musical shows. Be warned, the comedy, and even the music can be bawdy. It tends to make fun of everything and everyone, including the audience. Don’t be surprised to find yourself center stage only to be made the dunce of the show. But, it’s all in good fun and you will be laughing along with the audience. Frequently, those putting on the best shows will pass the hat. It’s up to you whether or not you contribute, but don’t be surprised if you receive a funny look or a disparaging remark if you’re cheap. This is all about merriment and fun, remember? Another warning, vegetable throwing is fully accepted at the festival, although it is usually reserved for those in stocks.

The ancient art of falconry is demonstrated, and an impressive demonstration it is. You won’t want to miss the speed and grace of these impressive birds of prey as they swish closely across your head to reach the outstretched arm of their trainer.

This is a full country faire and the people hawk their wares just as they did in the sixteenth century - at over 200 shops. You can find fine clothes for the ladies, swords for the gentlemen, elegant hats for both and more toys than a child dares dream. Many artisans demonstrate their crafts and are more than happy to discuss them with you at length. There are plenty of activities for the kids also, including mazes and other medieval means of play.

Throughout the park you will find exquisite renaissance dining pleasures, such as turkey drumsticks, sugar coated nuts, steak-on-a-stick, wine and of course, copious amounts of Ale. Although cups are included, plates generally aren’t. Grab an extra napkin or two if you don’t want to be rubbing away the grease on your pants. For an additional $79.95 you can sit down to one of only two Pleasure Feasts daily. These meals boast being first class all the way, with entertainment and five star fare. If you’re interested, make sure to buy your tickets early.

Jousting is the main event of the day and it is presented in three parts throughout each day’s events. The arena seats 5,000, but you might want to get there a little early. This event fills up quickly as it is one of the favorites. Four knights battle to the death while each section of the crowd roars their support for their favorite (assigned) knight. The Royal Family, accompanied by a full band, always makes an appearance at these events. But, it is the amazing horsemanship and showmanship of the knights that gets the crowd on its feet. If this isn’t your sort of event, and make sure you see at least one show before deciding, this is the time to see the shops or try to get into one of the more popular shows.

No guns are allowed, but patrons are allowed to wear a mace, swords, etc., as long as they don’t expose the blades and are peace-tied. They do check your weapons upon entry, so make it easy on everyone and be ready before you walk through the gate. No food or alcohol is allowed through the gates, they want you to taste their fare, and it’s all part of the adventure. No animals are allowed at the fair, so do your pets a favor and leave them home. They don’t deserve being left in a miserably hot car during the day, in fact, in Arizona it’s dangerous and perhaps, against the law. Period garb is welcome and encouraged. Half of the fun of the faire is watching the outfits the ladies and gentlemen don.

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End Note:
Fair Details: For more information on the entire festival, call 520-463-2700 or go to the official Renaissance Festival web site at http://www.royalfaires.com/arizona/.

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