Renaissance Faires are outdoor activities normally held on weekends where entertainers, actors and actresses dress, talk, dance and sing to emulate a certain period of time. Most Renaissance faires emulate the era of Queen Elizabeth I of England’s reign but faires can do any period that pleases them ranging from pirates to vikings even including fairies and mermaids. Some Renaissance faires are hosted at playgrounds, or permanent theme parks or private spaces. Some are held for a day, some days, weeks, even months. To spice up the activity for those held months long, themes are followed every weekends. Visitors are most encouraged to come in costumes.
The Michigan Renaissance Faire 2012 ran for 7 weekends commencing on the 3rd weekend of August and culminating on the last weekend of September. It was held in Dixie Highway, Holly where permanent structures and stages were built to make it look and feel like a fictional English village. Listed below are the themes for each weekends. Hubby and I decided to attend the second weekend for the Highland Fling because he is a huge fan of bag pipes and kilts. Hubby’s father side can also trace their roots to Scotland so that weekend felt like honoring his family’s heritage. Hubby was dressed up as a Medieval Saxon while I was dressed as the Lady of the Chess. We were joined by hubby’s brother David and his wife Lynne on the first day, Saturday, and on Sunday, hubby and I attended the faire by ourselves (but we were sadly not in costumes)
Royal Pet and Ale Festival – August 18th and 19th
Highland Fling! – August 25th and 26th
High Seas Adventure! – September 1st, 2nd and 3rd
Wonders of the World! – September 8th and 9th
Festival Friday! – September 14th , Shamrocks and Shenanigans! – September 15th and 16th
Harvest Huzzah! – September 22nd and 23rd
Sweet Endings! – September 29th and 30th
And because there is so much to share about Michigan Renaissance Faire, I have decided to divide my blog entries into different themes as well. This post serves as an introduction to the Renaissance Faire especially for those of you who have not encountered nor heard this yet. And to give justice to this introduction, it is but appropriate and an honor to present to you Her Majesty, Her Royal Highness Queen Elizabeth I of England.
Long Live the Queen!
The highlight of the accession tilts of Queen Elizabeth I was jousting. It was originally a military tactic used during the High Medieval Ages but later evolved as a sport in the 15th century. The Renaissance Faire gives you a glimpse of this medieval joust as a tournament. Knights in shining armor are not just literature fictions and fantasies at the faire because inside the walls of this 17 acre grounds, your knight in his shining armor up on his horse attacking his opponent in high speed comes to life.
And if you are curious why I chose to be a Lady of Chess, remember that in the game of chess, the Queen protects the King. Enjoy the Renaissance!
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i am uniquely and wonderfully made. 