Arts & Entertainment
Midsummer Fantasy Renaissance Faire Is Designed To Inspire Imagination [PHOTOS]
My first experience with a Renaissance Faire was both magical and fun.
Ansonia, CT - The Midsummer Fantasy Renaissance Faire opened this weekend at Warsaw Park in Ansonia. The weather was cloudy on Saturday morning, but the festival remains open rain or shine and there are plenty of covered spaces in which to seek shelter. The 2017 season of the faire will run three weekends.
Upcoming dates include Sunday June 18th, Saturday June 24th, Sunday June 25th, Saturday July 1st, and Sunday July 2nd. The hours each day are 11:00am to 6:30pm with special Saturday night events from 7:00pm to 9:00pm. All three weekends are open rain or shine.
I donned my Elizabethan gown to explore this interactive fantasy world, and many other attendees were in costumes. Some people greeted others with a "my lady" or "my lord," but most spoke in contemporary English.
Find out what's happening in Oxfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Live shows with the 'Peace Talks' storyline that run continuously throughout the day rotate through the various stages in the realm and there is an opening gate show that I missed. I caught a cheeky performance by The Creepy Bard and then got to experience the fire show put on by Daniel Green Wolf. I also enjoyed the quiet harmony of the a capella singing group "The Voices." The entertainment included drama and storytelling, comedy, music, magic and stunts (as in fire eating,) and combat. The shows for mature audiences take place in the Flippin Bird Tavern that opens at noon.
I enjoyed browsing through the a huge assortment of vendor and artisans from across the country. Some crafters were demonstrating their specialties. Live steel combat was ongoing.
Find out what's happening in Oxfordfor free with the latest updates from Patch.
Free games were available for kids to enjoy. A full cast of interactive village characters strolled about the grounds. There were several options of delicious food including turkey legs and pickles for sale; I highly recommend the macaroni and cheese with pulled pork and bacon. Seating is available at Momma's Place. The Flippin' Bird Tavern serves beer, hard cider and mead to adults.
Pick up a schedule and map of the realm in the entrance tent to help plan your visit.
More details about the Faire are here. Parking is nearby and easy. Click to purchase tickets in advance.
Presented by Patrick Colleton in association with GreenWolf Magic Entertainment
Midsummer Fantasy Renaissance Faire: Inspire Imagination.
All photos by Nancy Sasso Janis