A Day At The Arizona Renaissance Festival

Jousting on Horseback, Lots of Cleavage and Big Turkey Legs!

From Merriam Webster

the Renaissance : the period of European history between the 14th and 17th centuries when there was a new interest in science and in ancient art and literature especially in Italy

While the "new interest" may have been found "especially in Italy", it seems we Americans are totally fixated on the Renaissance in England. In fact, there are over 50 Renaissance festivals  / fairs held in the US annually. Some are relatively small and some are huge. Some are newcomers and others (Irwindale CA) date back over 50 years.

Here in Arizona the annual Renaissance Festival began in 1989, takes up 30 acres and is held during February and March in Gold Canyon. 

I have lived in the Copper State now for almost 20 years and, until this year, have never gone to the festival.  

Mostly because I can be such a pretentious and arrogant twit. 

I just figured it would be a magnet for the same folks who attend ComiCon's. Except (I assumed) they'd be favoring 17th century garb designed to showcase lots of cleavage.

And, indeed there was a lot of boob and a full legion of StarWars storm troopers inexplicably walking around (yes, Virginia, even in the Renaissance......?!). 

But, mostly there were lots of folks having a great time.  

The grounds are huge and you should plan to spend most of a day. There are 13 stages with rotating performances of drummers, magicians, flamethrowers, jugglers, you name it. Besides the shows and meandering performers, there are some really amazing craftsman present. This is a stupendous place to discover some really cool one-of-a-kind handcrafted items to stockpile for Christmas gifts (like hand turned magic wands and exceptional leatherwork).

Tickets may be purchased in advance at Fry's.

While the Highway crowds leave no doubt that lots of folks have the same plans as you, take heart the crowds are easily absorbed in all those acres.

Parking is free and there is a lot of pretty decent food too......

The Festival Entrance

Lots of Magic For Children

Loved the Living Tree

Mother Goose's Duck

Amazing Handicrafts

Rocking Horse on Steroids

Lady Tess 

Fashion Advisor to Nobility

The Coolest Briefcase in the World

Some Jousting

Adding Some Fire 

So even jaded Roadboy strongly advises that the Arizona Renaissance Festival is not to be missed. Take a hat, slather on sunscreen and wear comfortable shoes!

Roadboy's Travel © 2014