Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire 2013

September 14^th, 2013

If for a moment I thought that I couldn’t possibly be more inspired after attending a cultural event (i.e., the Scandinavian Festival?), I was incredibly wrong.

Thanks to a friend of Katie’s, we found out about an annual renaissance festival held in Kings Valley, which is just outside of Philomath, OR, entitled the Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire.  Encouraged by our new friend, we went, and dressed up.  Yes, yes, I dug out that ol’ blue and gold gown that I wore for STBA’s Renaissance Dinner during my senior year.  I spent a lot of money on that thing, so I’m glad for the opportunity to get some more use out of it! 

I knew that I was going to feel right at home at the fair before I even stepped through the entryway.  Costumed patrons stood by, with tidings of “Good morrow!” and “Hail, m’lady!”  I felt like a noblewoman indeed.

So much to see, so much to do—where do I begin?  This is always the most difficult part about documenting such events.  I know the parts that I really want to write about (scroll down to bypass my babbling digressions), but I know that there are other things to talk about, too.

The fair takes place across an open field, with a gradual hill on the northern side that serves as natural bleachers for guests to watch the jousting.  There were certainly more costumed folk than not, and music and cheer filled the air.

Jousting!  Yes, I said jousting!  What a wondrous spectacle this was!  Now, I grew up with tales of dashing knights and daring swordfights, lovely ladies and grandest honour—the age of chivalry, long forgotten. 

…Or is it?  

To see such book-like scenes played before my very eyes was a treat.  The fair’s patrons and performers were truly from another time.  They might be actors, but it is easy to see that they love what they do.  There wasn’t a single entertainer that I wasn’t impressed with. Everybody was so into the atmosphere, in fact, that random squabbles, movie scene re-enactments, and snippets of Shakespeare plays popped up frequently!  I reckon that I heard a man cry out “Do you bite your thumb at me, sir?!” as I stood in line at the root beer booth!

Katie got to shoot a longbow, which was great fun to watch.  Now she wants us both to take archery lessons.  I’m in!  The two of us also got to watch a blacksmithing demonstration, from which we gleaned valuable information and hands-on experience for the blacksmiths in our book.  Katie was even gifted the rod of iron that the blacksmith had been working with.  These guys were great!  If I find their website, I'll be sure to add it here. (I have that business card somewhere!)

 






Alright, alright, I’ve tarried long enough.  We come to the crux of my story.  Oh, wait, I forgot to talk about the acrobatic routine and the magic show.  *sigh* Well, they were indeed wonderful.  Very talented people.   

 Ocarinas!  Weaponry!  Painted fans and parasols!  Food!  Handsome youth in tights!

 
But all that aside! 

Thou art not ready for this. 

I. Met. Link.  



Two of them, in fact.  Dark and Minish.  Both charming fellows, I must admit.  Be envious! 

…And!  I also happened upon the Master Sword!  Do I seem positively thrilled?  That is because I am! 

I suppose only this can truly describe how I feel.

Alas, I did not have enough rupees to procure this particular souvenir.  Another time, another time very soon.  It is at the very apex of my Christmas wish list.  I am a nerd, yes, but that needs not to be repeated. 
 

It is times like this of such peculiar and spontaneous joy and fulfillment that makes me actually pity those who are not nerds. 

All in all: an amazing day in every sense of the expression.  The experiences and memories that I gained from attending the fair were well worth the $10 entry fee.  I certainly feel compelled to attend again next year! 

Huzzah!