By Jake Russell
Photos Courtesy of the Maryland Renaissance Festival
Hear ye! Hear ye
Ladies and gentlemen, the Renaissance Festival makes its long awaited return Saturday at 10 a.m. after a 10-month hiatus!
This season's story line is based on Revel Grove, Oxfordshire, England in the year 1520.
King Henry VIII, Queen Katherine of Aragon, and their royal court take a trip to Revel Grove as part of their annual summer progress. The English Court is joined by Italian visitors from Ferrara and Mantua. Rivalries begin to develop between members of both nations, some civil and some not so much.
Francis Yaxley has been appointed the new Mayor of Revel Grove and appoints his son, Walter Yaxley, as the new village sheriff. Sheriff Yaxley's biggest responsibility is to maintain a peaceful village for visitors amongst the feuds as King Henry VIII and the royal court learn about the area's summer progress.
While the storylines play out all around you as you venture through Revel Grove, the bountiful supply of events and tasty delicacies can easily keep you occupied all season.
A short sampling of the large menu includes mugs of ale, large turkey legs, crab cakes, peasant ead, fried ice cream, meatpie on a stick, funnel cake, fish ‘n' chips, steak on a stake, hot apple dumplings, beef stroganoff, and so much more.
The festival consists of eight performance stages where musicians and entertainers like Wolgemut, The Wayfaring Willows, Gazzo, The Pyrates Royale, Barleyjuice, Piperjones, Roxanne Bruscha, and The Mediaeval Baebes put their talents on display.
Among the top events and sights are jousting, the children's knighting ceremony, archery demonstration, barely balanced, militia tent, and The Apple and the Arrow.
Saturday the 24th and Sunday the 25th is Children's Weekend, which means all kids 11 and under get in free.
From August 24-September 15, ticket prices are as follows: Adult Gate (Ages 16 – 61) $17, Senior Gate (Ages 62 +) $15, Child Gate (Ages 7 – 15) $8, Group Adult $15, and Group Child $7. Ticket prices from September 21-October 20 are: Adult Gate (Ages 16-61) $22, Senior Gate (Ages 62 +) $19, Child Gate (Ages 7-15) $10, Group Adult $18, Group Child $9.
The Renaissance Festival takes place at 1821 Crownsville Road in Annapolis. Contact 410-266-7304 or visit rennfest.com for more details on how to plan your medieval weekend adventure!
