Once a year, the Bermuda Triangle moves, and 35 acres of Waxahachie, Texas become 16th Century England. Henry VIII has just married Anne Boleyn, and the celebration festivities abound every weekend for two months.
There are three jousting tournaments a day, sword fighting, Scottish bagpipers, belly dancing, magicians, musicians and jugglers.
Everyone speaks in the King’s high English and is dressed to the nines for the great celebration.
After the King’s most amusing welcoming speech and the traditional firing of the cannon, the gates to the castle open. Upon entering this vortex, the first thing one should do in the morning is sample the hand-made flatbread, either topped with oil and garlic or a various array of homemade jams. If it is not Sunday morning, one can have some ale or mead with that (the King still has to follow Texas rules).
Of course flatbread is not the only food to partake in. There is a huge variety of tasty fares from the King’s kitchens. There are Roasted Turkey Legs, Sheppard’s Pie, Scottish Eggs, the largest food skewer selection you will ever behold, hand-made pastas, meat pies, étouffée, fresh fruit, delectable pastries and hundreds of other items — including the King’s Nuts (ahem … wonderful almonds and pecans roasted in cinnamon and sugar). There are also daily beer tastings and twice-daily wine tastings.
There are more than 200 shops in the realm selling original handiwork such as soaps, candles, jewelry, swords (of course), chimes, artwork, clothing of the period and more. I like to start with getting my hair braided as it could get hot and embellishing my hand with a henna tattoo.
There are multiple demonstrations of craftsmanship and skill. The cannon drill and weapons demos offered by Scottish Cannonmaster Boomer are enlightening as well as entertaining.
Of course animals are a featured draw, with elephants, camels and donkeys to ride, a petting zoo, and the highlight: Birds of Prey exhibitions conducted by John Karger.
As you can tell, this bend in time is not just for grown-ups. There are plenty of things for children to do: rides, games, a mythical monster museum — the maze is a special favorite of their parents.
What do I need to do to attend this phenomenon you ask? All the details are below, BUT Fort Worth, Texas magazine is giving away four-packs of tickets now (a $100 value). Enter here and share for additional chances to win.
Scarborough Renaissance Festival is open Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day Monday, April 4 - May 25, 2015
10:00 am - 7:00 pm
Regular Admission: $25.00 Adults, $10.00 Children (ages 5-12)
Children age 4 and under are free
Friend of the Faire Memberships (Adults only): $140
Child's Season Passes: $20.00 (ages 5-12)
Fancy dress is not required but is most heartily encouraged!
For more information, visit srfestival.com
