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Welcome to Rebel Grove. Every year when I walk through the gate of the Maryland Renaissance Festival chills run up my spine. It's like coming home to a place both my husband and I have journeyed to each fall since we were children in order to loose ourselves in a Renaissance fantasy world. Once we diligently stalked out each game, ride, and joust. Today we drink, feast, and generally cavort with an abandon not acceptable in any other venue in our modern world. Renn Fest is truly cathartic.

There is something special about Rebel Grove. The wooded grounds create a village that might have been yanked right out of merry old England. I'll never forget the first time I was there and a plane flew over head and several young wenches flew about screaming they'd seen a dragon. I was instantly hooked. The recent news that they are looking to move the location in order to expand the festival is heartbreaking, though it may indeed be for the best (they moved a few decades ago to the current location with great success). I kind of feel like they're selling the house I grew up in.

I could list here the many, many attractions at Rebel Grove but instead I will just recount my ideal day at the Fair. Before I begin, however, I should note that I am one of those people who attend in full period costume (which I highly recommend for a phenomenal experience) so my interactions with the "residents" of Rebel Grove differ quite a bit from those who show up in jeans and a t-shirt. Here is a map of Rebel Grove www.rennfest.com/index.php?opt ion=com_content&task=view& amp;id=21&Itemid=22 if you'd like to follow along.

After trudging through the rolling acres of parking lot we are finally at the gates where we are handed a guide to the village upon entering. The first thing I do is check to see what plays Shakespeare Scum is performing at the Royal Theater and at what times. What will they do this year? Macbeth in 20 minutes or Tag Team Romeo and Juliet? If I'm with newbies to the festival I also check the times when Johnny Fox will do his always entertaining (and always exactly the same) sword swallowing act and, if I'm with my niece and nephews, what time the joust begins.

The next stop is a drink but wait! before we reached the bar a toothless pirate has swooped my niece onto a scale, hoisted her high, and offered her for sale! Better rescue her before we hit the bar. And now one nephew wants to participate in the maypole while the other is running

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