The Pennsylvania Renaissance faire is a world full of wonder, awe and constant stimulation. The storytelling of our journey will occur through one hour chapters. Through our weekly attendance to this season’s fair, each entry in this blog will be an hour of the day at the Ren Fair. This will not only give insight to our fellow travels about what a day at the Renaissance faire entails, but also an entire summary of this year’s 45th season of the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire.
11 a.m.
The first entry and already you are getting a little bit of a bonus, as the start of the day at Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire (PRF) occurs much before the entry time of 11 a.m.
If you are traveling to the PRF, chances are you are taking the PA Turnpike. Much like the price you pay to a troll to cross the bridge, the price to cross the Susquehanna (if going eastbound) is more expensive each year; however, it is the most direct route. We suggest you plan an extra 10-15 minutes to your travel time as the traffic on the off ramp in both directions often backs up. The four lanes at the toll plaza merge into one right-turning lane. Though this can be chaotic at times (even with the local town’s guards manning the stop lights), it’s always fun to look at fellow travelers in their respective carriages: wizards, heroes, fairies, and others as they finish last minute preparations and the anticipation builds to a boiling point. Upon arrival at the faire's grounds, the parking attendants (or the Lords of the Lot, as we call them) can be prickly, brute and intimidating; however, not only is parking free, they are experts at what they do as long as you follow their quickly shouted instructions.
Once parked, its usually a mad dash toward the mansion and the front of the entrance gate. It should be noted that the Queen cares for the welfare of her people (especially during those last few hot weeks of summer), thus, free water is provided throughout the grounds. Of course you can still purchase water at most food stands for a hefty price, but we recommend bringing a water bottle for free refills. Yet, heed our warning: all containers must be empty when entering the Royal Guards' check point. The best location for water fill up is the Fountain of Youth water barrel in front of the bathrooms next to the Birds of Prey. This was one of several small improvements this year. The barrell now dispenses from both sides limiting any waiting. You can also fill up your bottles in any bathroom sink; however, we have found most bottles do not fit. Additional tips for passing by the Guards without incident: those without strollers or wheelchairs stay left where you can pass quickly through metal detectors. If you have a large weapon accessory, you will have to have it “peace tied," which the guards will administer with plastic zip ties.
Be sure to wave to Rip the Grave Digger and Hob the Troll, the unofficial greeters of the Shire. Though gates for the Shire are scheduled to open at 11 a.m., if its hot or seems very busy, they graciously tend to open the gates 10-15 minutes early. We recommend using this time to your advantage as the first twenty to thirty minutes of the day in the shire is our favorite: the quietness, the morning dew on the human chess board and there’s something magical seeing the peddlers open up their shop in preparation of the selling of their wares. Once through the gate, head straight to the Informistress hut for your map/schedule and any free giveaways. Today, we were able to snag a nice PRF towel (another sign of the Queen’s generosity! All Hail the Queen!). At this point, its about 10:50 a.m. You are inside the gates. You have the map. But you become instantly enthralled by the lively chatter and happenings of this place. You see peasants conversing with poets, wizards arguing with winos, the knights of the court pleading with the kneaders of the bakery. It can be an overwhelming first few minutes upon entry. It’s at this point, that Lotti and I turn right and head toward the large yellow pirate ship. One thing the Shire is not short of is places to procure your adult beverage. The A&M Wharf, between the Anchor and Mermaid restaurant and the Pyrate Ship is our go-to bar, especially for the first libation of the day. There are two sides to this bar, with a total of four bartenders so even if the line later in the day can be intimating, it moves quickly. However, at a few minutes before 11 a.m. this morning, the veteran slingers of all things alcohol offer warm greetings. This bar also has the biggest selection of their beer and cider among other drink specials. It is the only bar that offers all the Swashbuckler Brewing Co. beer selections, including both IPAs. With the time still being within the breakfast hour, Ax recommends the Blackwater Stout. An oatmeal stout with hints of chocolate, it’s a smooth way to begin the day. Lotti chooses the Wicked Ale IPA, the less hoppy of the two IPA’s offered. Morning beer in hand, we are off on a morning stroll through the Shire.
As the crowd shuffles in, the Queen’s Court pre-show usually starts around 11:15 a.m. in front near the Public House (seller of chicken fingers, our favorite!) and Just Legges (home of the giant turkey legs of legend). This small gathering of characters is a fun way to start the day before the more formal Queen’s Court show at 11:30 a.m. Usually through songs and dancing, we get a brief introduction of not only some of the side characters, but also the Queen. It is then followed by the Queen’s procession to the Globe stage, the largest of its kind in the shire. Be sure to bow or curtesy appropriately as the Queen passes, and if you aren’t sure how, no worries! The next event will show you how! See below for some candid shots as the Queen passes.
The Queen’s Court starts at 11:30 a.m. and is officially the first show of the day! It not only formally introduces the Queen and her court, but also sets the story and theme of the season’s Renaissance Faire. Each season at the PRF is a season of joy and revelry. And though this year is no different, there is a bit of serious business to the Queen’s presence. This year, the Queen wishes to name her successor to the throne. We are introduced to the two top contenders: Lady Arbella of Stuart and James VI of Scotland. Throughout the half hour, we learn more about each of these contenders as well as their own advisors and those close to the Queen. Challenges throughout the day are set with the final decision to be made at the conclusion of the day! With Lotti and I recently returning from highlands of Scotland, we have chosen our choice of successor, James of Scotland. As court is dismissed and anticipation of knowing that a successor to our great Queen will be chosen at the end of the day, we eagerly look to our schedule to see what next adventure shall we choose for the hour of twelve…
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