We went back to the Ren Faire. Again. I guess we just can’t get enough. Our reasons for going were twofold: (1) because we wanted to see more silly acts and (2) because the puzzle ring that Rick got there for his birthday ended up at the bottom of the blender while making pina coladas last weekend. oops. Too mangled up to put it back together so we went to see what our options were. We think the gold can be heated up and made new again. Good news!

It was hot and humid again (but thankfully not very sunny) and had rained pretty hard the day before. Rick didn’t want to dress up again in full regalia, so he opted for cargo shorts, his flowy shirt and belt. I thought he looked cute but he did get some razzing from the people working the booths there for not having proper pants on. When you dress the part you get more interaction with the people that work there and it’s more fun. Lots of good humored bantering back and forth and bawdy comments. Why, one gentleman even wagged his dragon’s head in my direction. Oh my!

I dressed up again but this time I had bought a short sleeved peasant blouse to wear under my bodice instead of the heavier long-sleeved one I normally wear. Much cooler! I added a layer to my costume too—a pretty hunter green overskirt. I swear I could wear that outfit all the time! I would get some pretty strange looks around the Shop-Rite I’m certain. People might even think I was weird or something. Can you imagine?

Due to the rain there was lots of medieval mud around. And lots of muddy puddles. Ladies’ dress hems dragged through the mess and I thought how appropriate it all was. Just like it was back then. Pretty messy but somehow is just added to the experience.

The shire is in a lovely setting and it’s pleasant to stroll around and take in all the sights. I love all the different buildings.

 

 

 

 

 

Yes, very pleasant indeed.

A little taste of typical faire food: Rick’s turkey leg and dragon chips.

The Ren Faire is also a good place to people watch. Just take a look.

This gentleman is a regular. I remember taking his photo last year. He’s quite congenial and will talk your ear off if you let him. I listened to the story of how he was stung by a bee on the roof of his mouth one year. Thankfully he said he had consumed so much ale that it made it alright somehow.

Now Warrior Princess here ruins her whole look by texting her minions. Great costume though. Next time leave your phone at home Xena!

I think one of these finely dressed men was trying to get Robin on the phone.

These two have never seen the show What Not to Wear. They give belly dancing a whole new meaning. (Sorry girls, you were too good to pass up.)

A mushroom is a perfect seat for a little princess!

And talk about a bad a**. Here is Xena again only this time seen from behind.

Nothing like a muddy jousting field. (and yes, that threatening sky did rain on us!)

There are other things to do besides watch people. You can take in any one of the many shows and acts. This is my favorite theater, The Sherwood Forest Stage. Here we saw “Hey Nunnie, Nunnie” a comedy act by two nuns. Very entertaining!

You can get revenge on this evil looking man hurling insults at you by pummeling him (or trying to) with tomatoes.

You can laugh at the antics and watch the juggling act of Two Stoopid Guys.

All this makes for a very entertaining day. If you let yourself go a little bit you’d be surprised at just how much fun it really is. An escape from the day-to-day reality. A chance to be someone else for a day. A wench. A lady. A pirate. A knight. A fairy. You see them all here at the Faire.

But alas, it’s time to unlace my bodice and hang it up until next year.  Fare thee well, Sterling Forest, until then!