A Day At The Faire

This past Saturday, we took a trip down to Waxahachie and back in time to the 16th century, visiting The Scarborough Renaissance Festival.

The weather was beautiful, the air was crisp and the excitement of entering into a fanciful realm, full of nostalgia and pageantry, wafted in the air as we approached the castle gates. The crowd of festival goers had begun to gather at the front gates waiting for the cannon to fire signaling the opening of the faire. Costumed characters strolled through the crowd welcoming the guests as the Royal Court was being announced on top of the castle walls. As the Queen was introduced, a cheer went up claiming, "God bless the Queen!", a small voice could be heard in the back of the crowd asking, "what did she do?". This went on a few more times with those in the back of the crowd laughing at the comedy of it all. Finally the cannon fires and the crier calls for the gates to be opened.

Entering the castle gates you feel like you have crossed the line between the 21st century and have been transported back into the 16th. The sights and sounds were very welcoming. All through the Shire, there are numerous stages where Renaissance performers are eager to entertain you. Everywhere you look there are shops selling period crafts and goods, there is a nonstop choice of food vendors and pubs to whet your appetite and strolling performers are all around providing ample opportunity to be entertained. There is a large choice of period games and rides that the kids can have fun playing on. Crafts People abound all around the park that are happy to demonstrate their various trades.

We found a small shop that was selling Heraldry products and were able to purchase a plaque set that has the Renfro & Reis family shields, our names and wedding date and a history of each family printed out in full color. The boys were able to find kilts and period shirts that fit their fancy.

This was, without a doubt, one of the best trips that we have made in a long time. I highly recommend taking the trip, this will definitely be a yearly destination for our family.