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Pennsylvania
Renaissance
Faire
Information
and
Review
What is the Pennsylvania
Renaissance Faire?
The Pennsylvania Renaissance
Faire is a magical event for kids of all ages. The Faire,
which started in 1980, has developed from a two-day jousting
festival to a extensive production that spans 12 weekends.
The Renaissance Faire has more than a quarter of a million of
guests that travel to experience the magic. It is located
on Route 72, in the Mount Hope Estate & Winery, which is 15
miles north of Lancaster, PA and 13 miles east of Hershey.
I have been to the
Renaissance Faire many times with my children and I find it to
be a wonderful event. It is a great way to spend the day
in a family-friendly environment. There are plenty of
activities and attractions to keep everyone entertained.
Pennsylvania Renaissance
Faire Attractions?
Once you step through the
massive castle gates at this faire you are transported back in
time over 400 years to 16th century England. Admission gives you
access to thirty-five acres filled with over 100 colorfully
costumed characters, authentic Tudor buildings, musical
performances, Shakespearean plays, a Human Chess set, Jousting,
magicians, jugglers, fire breathers, period foods, and
Renaissance merchants. The Faire has over 90 stage shows daily
on 13 stages including a replica of Shakespeare's Globe Theater.
The Ultimate Joust is held in the largest joust arena
in North
America.
.
 
The thing that is most
impressive about the Faire is that while you are there you are
not just an observer but an active participant throughout the
day. The friendly and entertaining actors in period
costumes, including Queen Elizabeth I, roam the area interacting
with the guests and they never once step out of character.
All along the streets of the Shire the interactive theater is
alive with song, swordplay, and performances. In addition,
you will also find guests, young and old who attend the faire
dressed in costume. It is a great deal of fun to interact
with the actors.
The kids will enjoy watching
the medieval games of skill such as axe throwing, and the bow
and arrow events. Guests can also enjoy a petting
zoo, man-powdered rides, elephant rides and a maze. There
may be an additional fee ranging between $1 a nd $3 for these
events.
The highlight of the day for
most is the Ultimate Joust where guests enjoy the thrill of the
event while cheering for their knight to win. Two jousting
exhibitions occur daily at 2 pm and 6 pm. These events
draw a very big audience so go to the area early to get a good seat
to enjoy the
best view.
With 90 stage shows daily It
is important plan your day. A complete schedule of
the events, a site map and vendor coupons can be found in the
Elizabethan Times which can be picked up just inside the castle
gates.
Renaissance Faire Food...
Along with the wonderful
sights and sounds there are 22 Royal Eateries where you can get
some traditional favorites. You don't want to miss the
giant smoked turkey legs which are a major attraction in
themselves. Steak-on-a-stake, fish-n-chips, soup in a bread
bowl, brick oven pizza, grilled chicken, chicken nuggets, and
fries can be found on the menu as well. For your sweet
tooth you will find fresh baked goods, ice cream, soft pretzels
and other goodies. You are not permitted to bring food or
drinks (other than water) on to the Faire grounds.
Hours of
Operation
The
Renaissance Faire is open on Saturdays, Sundays and Labor Day
from the second weekend in August through the third week in
October. Hours are from 11 am - 8pm. The event is held rain or shine.
WEBSITE:
http://www.parenfaire.com/
Things To Bring
On Your Trip To The Faire
The Renaissance Faire
requires a great deal of walking on both paved and gravel paths.
The setting does not have a lot of shade so it can get hot.
Guests should wear comfortable shoes, sunglasses, and sunscreen.
If you are visiting on weekends getting close to daylight
savings time and you plan to stay until closing consider
bringing a flashlight to help navigate the parking lots.
Although drinking fountains are available you may want to bring
water.
Cash, and Travelers checks,
as well as Visa and Master Card are accepted for ticket purchase
and in most shops. Food merchants do not usually accept
Visa and Master Card so be sure to bring cash.
Costume Discount
A discount is offered
to adults that visit the Faire in period or themed costumes. |
Admission,
Tickets and Parking
A single day admission
ticket for adults for the 2010 season is $24.95 and $9.95 for children. A
season pass, which includes admission for 25 days, a meet and
greet with performers and special coupons, is approximately $100.00 for
adults, and $45.00 for children. Children between the ages
of 5 -11 qualify for child pricing.
Due to the fact that prices
may change please visit the
official
Renaissance Faire
Website
for ticket prices.
All ticket sales are
final. There are no refunds, exchanges or cancellations.
Tickets are available in advance on their
Website or
can be purchased at the door. Advance purchase is recommended to avoid long lines
at the gate.
The Renaissance Faire has
ample on-site, free parking.
College Student
Discount
Check the calendar
because discounts are given to local college students. You
can receive $10 off the ticket price when you show your school
ID during your college's weekend at the Faire. Click here
for the
official college weekend schedule.
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Themed Weekends
Be sure to check their
official website for scheduled events. The Faire runs
themed weekends that are very popular. These events
include:
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Scottish Weekend with bagpipes,
men in kilts and Highland games.
-
Irish Weekend where you will find
Irish music and dancing, potato races and Irish culture.
-
Oktoberfest will allow you to
dance the polka and participate in the bar Olympics.
-
Children's Fantasy Weekend allow
the tots to have cake with the queen, enjoy Renaissance crafts and
participate in a treasure hunt.
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Heroes of the Realm is where Her
Majesty recognizes all members of the military, as well as police,
fire fighters and emergency medical techs.
-
Pyrate Invasion Weekend allows
you to enjoy a pirate's life.
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Halloween Daze & Spooky Nights
allows the kids to trick or treat in the Shire. This event
lasts for three weekends. Costume contest for children as well
as adults in home-fashioned costumes
Historically the events that
draw the most crowds include Pyrate Invasion, Scottish and Irish
weekends and the Halloween weekends.
Directions
Directions
to the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire can be found on their
General
Information Page.
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