Here comes an insane number of pictures. Lill was SO kind and never made me feel rushed despite my “Squirrel!” at every turn. And she drove. And she walked the extra mile in the parking lot to get the car and pick me up when we were done. What a friend!
You can still go, it’s running for a few more weekends but I have advice. Surprised?! According to a security guy I visited with for a while, don’t go on Saturday, the crowds are worse. You should get there early on Sunday, like 9:30 and it opens at 10. Then you have 2-3 good hours before the crowds and the heat will crush you.
Purists must be going nuts since the Renaissance Pleasure Faire is now frequented by Vikings, Steam Punks, Superheros, Romans in togas, Pirates, and of course the ever-present Trekkies. At the gate waiting for opening, we had some entertainment from the Queen of the May.A flying pig! And if you pull the chain the wings flap. I got the guy’s card just in case, later, I find I need this.Not one person who I asked, ‘may I take your picture!?’ did not immediately strike a pose.Reflect-o with a Renaissance unicorn.There was so much entertainment around the very very large venue. Music, plays, magic, fun around every corner.We had a lot of entertainers scattered around the trees to enjoy too.
Yup, ask and they’ll strike a pose. Cute Lill!This clothier had quite a setup. Lovin’ the mirrors.
These guys were working on the staff meal.Let’s Play!The Renaissance must have been a time traveler’s dream destination.More tree-side entertainment.Sooo many shops. I know, the watch.Again, more problems for the purists. This ride I think qualifies as era-appropriate and there were others, but there were also rides and games that relied on materials that were not era-appropriate, but it seemed they were making plenty of money anyway.The crafts tent. We didn’t go in.When we first got to the food court around 11:15 there were practically no lines anywhere and seats in the shade were available. It was amazing and wonderful.More.Turkey legs of course, required! It was still so pleasant. One hour later and forget it, everywhere you see here was packed.You have something you’d like to wear to the Renaissance Pleasure Faire? Wear it!Flirting, OK!Nice! ‘Till next time!!
I wanted to take a shot of this huge guy, his cool costume, his beer and his turkey leg. He kept yelling ‘give me thy wench there!’ so Sharon acceded, hanging on to her glasses for safety.
This is the second year in a new location, in Irwindale at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, so much closer than the location of the last many years. I think it was one of my most enjoyable times at the Faire. There were more paved pathways and grass than before cutting down on the dust…
I usually don’t post photos of cranky old guys but there you go. This group was playing a lively fanfare. It was fun. The parades in general were delightful.
We got there early and although there were fewer participants than later the crowds were so much lighter it was worth it. By 2pm the place was completely packed shoulder to shoulder and we were glad to have had our fill and could leave.
Except for the food court nothing was electrified. There were wonderfully designed rides and games – I was seriously impressed – and very cool activities for the kids. The woman in the foreground is teaching a group how to use a lance. The woman in the wings is taking pictures of her children. There were also (wooden) sword classes and a rifle class.
‘Renaissance’ is a loose term here as a wide range of costumes are welcomed.
A musician, of which there were many just hanging around for your entertainment.
There were also games of skill and strength. For some there was an extra charge but there was also plenty to enjoy without reaching into your pocket. The shows pitched for donations and if the one we sat through is any example you Want to lay a few bucks on these guys.
Maybe it was the arriving early and that it wasn’t killer hot that improved the experience. It was great fun, really, and you can still go as it doesn’t close for a few more weeks.
