The Renaissance Faire is a pleasure
By Dave Schwartz davybass@dabelly.com
Photos By Young Lu

Hail and well met! Good madam and good sir, this month we visit the largest and perhaps the oldest renaissance faire in Southern California. For your enjoyment, the 39th annual Southern California Renaissance Pleasure Faire is open!

Glen Helen Regional Park, Devore is the home of the granddaddy of the Southern California faires. With an eight week run through June 17 this year, this event has long been the main of the attraction of renaissance enthusiasts. And with a never-ending host of activities from handfasting to the home-brew competition; jousting to feasting, there is something for everyone. But at the end of a long day be careful where you lay your head to rest, for this is a land where the trees come to life!

The Troll and his dog are back with sand paintings that delight young and old. For years, the troll has stalked this pleasure faire offering a variety of "entertainment" for those who watch. Maybe you'll be fortunate and catch him jamming with some of the musicians. Be it on the ground or sleeping in the trees the troll is always on the prowl.

The Queen and her royal court are always the center of attraction. And each year at faire, the story of Queen Elizabeth and the renaissance period unfolds for all to witness. Her daily duties include her grand arrival, presiding over the feast and, of course, the full contact jousting tournament.

Is there an undisciplined shrew of a wench that you have your eye on? The stocks are made available for those who do not abide by the rules of the land. Like many things at the faire they may seem rather daunting at first, but rest assured that discipline is administered with a gentle hand and a smile.

A subtle change of venue and a relentless heat wave quelled much of the enthusiasm during last year's faire, but the growing pains seem to have subsided. Improvements to the grounds and a cooler climate this season have brought the crowds back in force. This is good news to the 164 artisans, craftspeople and patrons alike. A walk of the 25 acre site reveals increased seating areas and shade. Welcome additions indeed.

http://www.renfair.com/SouthernCA/index.htm