by Tiffany Turner

Created on: January 20, 2007   Last Updated: April 09, 2007

Why do you go to Renaissance Faire?
My family and friends ask this question wanting an answer they can understand. But it's truly hard to explain why someone chooses to make "playing faire" a hobby. It could be the dressing up and becoming someone else. It could be leaving your normal life to enter another world. It could be that you forget your problems for a weekend. It could be that you love to stroll around and have others look at your costume and interact with you. You might love relating in character with others, teaching others about history by acting it out, or simply you love the children that enjoy meeting and joining in the fantasy world created by a Ren. Faire. It could be all these things. No matter what the reason, it is a hobby that can be addictive.

What Is FAIRE?
Welcome to the world of Renaissance Faire. It is a place to get away and act out your fantasies. The first Renaissance Faire began in Southern California. It was created in 1963 by Ronald and Phyllis Patterson who were teachers who wanted to teach history while combining the interest of crafts. The Renaissance Faire was created from this extension to teach classes and later developed the Living History Center in Southern California. The Center helped lead the current format of the Renaissance Faire, which is often now divided into "guilds" or acting groups. The groups help provide the entertainment and living history. The Renaissance Faire idea spread throughout the United States and is now popular in many communities as an annual event.

What is a Guild?
A Renaissance Guild is often a group of people that are organized to perform, sell, or participate at a Renaissance Faire. Many guilds have a specialty in their performance area. Some guilds are made up of musicians and street performers. Some are even demonstration fighters trained in the use of sword, lance, and other period weapons. The guilds range from pirates, nobles that present a court, or demonstrate fighting in a mock battle. Many guilds have websites with information on their schedules, ways to join, and booking information.

What Happens at Faire?

Faires have evolved to one weekend events in most areas. Though the original format of permanent faire sites still exists, these Renaissance Faires run for 6-8 weeks and then the fun has to wait until next year. What has been happening are the weekend events that include Celtic Festivals and Scottish Games, are becoming venues for other dates. Though there are guilds that specifically

• 1
• 2
• 3
• Next Page >>