A merry old time awaits at Renaissance Faire (TX)

The Renaissance is back, in all its corsetted, joust-y glory — at least for this weekend in Kings Valley.

The Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire brings with it the aforementioned corsets and jousts, along with an estimated crowd of 25,000, based on last year’s ticket sales.

Dan Kay, the director of site safety for the event, said the event attracts people all across the United States and some from as far as Germany. He added that while costuming is much of the fun, people aren’t required to dress up.

“You don’t need garb to come play,” he said. “Some people come totally decked out, but most people come in T-shirts, shorts and flip-flops, and that’s fine, too.”

And take note: Any weapons on the ground must be “peace-tied.”

“If there is anyone that comes in with, oh, say, an ax, we make sure the blade is covered,” Kay said.

The gates are open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Saturday and Sunday. Camping is not available on-site, but there are several nearby campgrounds. Admission is $9, $5 for seniors and ages 6 to 12 and free for ages 5 and younger. It happens at Kings Valley Highway and Grant Road, at the Benton-Polk county line. For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.shrewfaire.com.

— K. Williams Brown

Days of knights will return at annual faire

BY DAVE BENJAMIN Staff Writer

LAKEWOOD — Knights in armor are preparing to do battle at the 27th annual charity Renaissance Faire scheduled to be held Sept. 20-21.

The Renaissance Faire, which is sponsored by the Lakewood Lions Club and the Society for Creative Anachronism, will be held in Pine Park, Country Club Drive and County Line Road, Lakewood.

“This is a family festival for all ages,” said Don Alemany, who is a co-director of the event with Gordon Frank. “It transports people back to medieval England. The Renaissance Faire will take you back in time to when romance and chivalry abound. You will be entering the magical world of the 16th century.”

A medieval village and events at the park will transport guests back to a time that is long gone.

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