Renaissance is a faire to remember

Cheer charging knights on mighty steeds in the full contact Joust on Horseback.

Georgia is all smiles when she is first confined to the stocks. After all, this is only playing, right?

By Monica Pardee
On-line Forty-Niner

Lords and ladies, knights and swains, hear ye, hear ye, hear ye! Get your bodices laced up and don your weapons, it’s time for the 42nd annual Renaissance Pleasure Faire!

Located in the beautiful, and often sweltering, San Bernardino County Glen Helen Park, the Faire captures all of the bawdy humor and bare bosoms you need, while including a good-sized dose of history. Whether you enjoy battle reenactments, humorous Shakespeare parodies or just an extra big helping of bratwurst and sauerkraut, there’s something for everyone at the Faire.

For the knick-knack collector or the active anachronist there are dusty paths lined with stores full of all sorts of treasures, domestic and foreign alike, all possessing the charm of cottage crafts and the spirit of artistry.

For the eater or the drinker there are stalls emitting all kinds of smells, whether they be the exotic tastes of the East or just a rather large sausage drowning in onions and pickled cabbage. Nothing like shepherd’s pie on a nice hot day in Southern California.

Battles between the warring states and knightly jousts go on all day, even though the poor knights must wear full armor through the hottest hours of the day and battle at the same time.

During the displays Faire folk explain the historical significance of the armies dress, weaponry and battle tactics. An excellent chance for children to learn a little something about some of the common English idioms as well, and have a little fun at the British army’s expense at the same time.

The best part of the Faire is the wonderful actors. Nothing beats an encounter with a friendly Scotsman or a demure, or not so demure, British peasant woman.

Without the excellent participation and friendly old world banter of these folk who sacrifice their own comfort (so many layers of clothing must be very hot) to provide entertainment and good, dirty fun for all must be honored accordingly.

So go to the Faire. Let go of your New World ideas, embrace a day of fantasy with open arms and play along, it won’t hurt.

The 42nd Annual Renaissance Pleasure Faire in San Bernardino at Glen Helen Park will run every weekend through May 31. Tickets are $19.50 for adults, $17 for students and $9.50 for children.