This was my first visit to the Maryland festival, and I must tell you, the food was the finest I've ever had! Steamed crabs, crab cakes, fried oysters, raw oysters ... I was in seafood heaven! Who needs turkey legs when you can have beer and oysters? I was able to keep my personal vow of eating only crab and oysters for the entire weekend (if you ever find yourself in southern Maryland near Nanjemoy, go to Cap'n Billy's or Cap'n John's and order the all you can eat steamed crabs; you won't be disappointed).
A good Renaissance Faire Junkie always takes her camera, too.
I've got lots of pictures to share with y'all.
My sister took her camera, too.
She took this picture of the Troup of the Horse.
Before we get started, I need to make my standard disclaimer: I am in no way associated with the Maryland Renaissance Festival except as a satisfied customer. All views expressed here are my own.
OK, let's get going. Remember to click on the small images if you want to see the full-sized picture. Step back in time with me and visit the village at Revel Grove ...
It's 1541 and
Henry is still the King.
He has a new Queen,
Katherine Howard
(Katherine is King Henry's fifth wife).
But, there are rumors about her fidelity.
Are they true? Is the Queen having an
affair? Can she keep her head?
Court intrigue! How delightful!
Princess Mary,
Henry's eldest daughter, is visiting
the festival, too.
Could she be behind the rumors of Katherine's
infidelity?
I always have to visit the local glass blower.
Even though it was chilly and everyone else was
bundled up,
it was hot at the Art of Fire.
I had to visit my friend
Eric at
Catskill Mountain Moccasins.
In fact, I spent a lot of time here, getting fitted for a new
pair of boots.
I ordered a 9-button pair with a custom designed rose
emblem to match my tatoo.
That's how you can identify
me in costume, I have a small rose tatoo on my right shoulder.
At least that's how you can identify me in one of my warm weather
costumes.
One of the reasons I like Renaissance Faires is the fun
of watching people enjoy themselves.
This man brought his daughter to the Festival.
Doesn't she look adorable in her costume?
I also like meeting new people.
This is
Colin McGhee, Master Thatcher.
He offers thatched mail boxes, bird houses and
butterfly houses.
I really liked the butterfly houses, but the only
one he had was sold.
Colin does big items, too. He had a
thatched playhouse
next to his booth.
It was beautiful! I wish I'd had one as a child.
Colin has a web site, too!
Visit him at
http://www.erols.com/mrthatch
and find out all about thatching.
Performing in woods at the
Chapel Stage is
Mimi the Mime.
I've always liked mimes, and I think Mimi is
very good. I really enjoyed her show.
My sister and her friends said I had to see the sword
swallower, Johnny Fox.
They said his show was fun, and he looked like Mel Gibson.
Well, I'm not sure about that, but the show was
fun.
The Festival boasts many entertainers such as these
musicians.
Harp music is so very peaceful.
And the flute can be so bright and cheerful.
These are just two of the strolling muscians I saw at
the festival.
Wherever you find musicians, there are always singers
nearby.
The Pyrates Royale
entertain both on stage and in the tavern.
How come every faire I've ever visited has a pirate
singing ensemble?
What is it about pirates and singing?
Magicians are always a favorite with the children.
Mike Rose was no exception.
See that big blue thing behind him on the
Lyric Stage?
That's a
pipe organ!
Maryland is horse country.
Historical Horse Play
demonstrated skills and games of
horsemanship.
The arena at the Maryland Festival is in a bowl; there
isn't a bad seat in the house.
The 16th Century meets the 20th.
What more can I say?
12 September 1997