Sunday With Robin Hood

It was the time of kings and queens, knights and naives, and Robin Hood and his merry men. I’m not exactly speaking about Medieval England or the Elizabethan era, but rather the Renaissance Faire.

Although Ren Faires can be a bit kitschy and downright strange (ie. grown men walking around in tights for fun), they can offer a taste of merry old England on an otherwise dull Sunday afternoon.

What I like about Ren Faires is that the majority of people who “work” there and even those who attend are in character. Everywhere you look, you’ll find actors and nonactors dressed in Medieval garb and carrying themselves as if they actually were in 15th or 16th century England. Very Harry Potter-esque.

Just yesterday, when Scott and I took the kids to the Bristol Renaissance Faire, we spotted Robin Hood and Little John battling for the hand of Maid Marian. I believe his exact words to me were, “Madame, please step back for a dual is afoot.” You don’t have to tell me twice.

And what’s more – they actually talk the part, which makes the experience even more enjoyable. You’ll hear everything from traditional London accents to Cockney to Scottish and Irish. Throw in a few vikings relaxing in the shade and I think you’ve got everyone from the Middle Ages covered…

The rides and entertainment are also quite peculiar. They have live jousting, dualing, and street fighting as well as period instruments that strolling minstrels actually know how to play. And of course – the rides! But, unlike Disney, these rides are all manpowered…

Yesterday, we had exceptional fortune – we were graced by the presence of the Queen herself, and Merlin, aka Gandalf the Grey who I couldn’t resist taking a picture of seeing as how much I love the Lord of the Rings Trilogy…

Is it secret? Is it safe?

And last but not least, the most exciting appearance of the day was Miss M pretending to be – not Cinderella, not the Little Mermaid – but rather Maid Marion.

If you’ve never been to a Renaissance Faire I recommend going at least once in your adult life, if not for the experience of merry old England than at least for the comical scenes and lively characters. And now my friends, I bid you farewell…