Held at the N.C. State Fairgrounds in the Village of Yesteryear/Heritage Village Area, this year’s Faire opened its gates to visiting lords and ladies on the weekend of March 31. Constructed around a storyline featuring marauding pirates and reigning monarchs coming head to head amidst period-based fun and festivities, the three-weekend-long event is open to children of all ages.
A Shakespearean troupe of verse-savvy minstrels, a baby dragon hatching and seasoned knights battling “to the death” for their ladies’ honor make up the content of three unforgettable weekends in the Raleigh-Durham area.
The Renaissance Faire offers many demonstrations including ancient
Staffed by trained actors and expert craftsmen and wares merchants, history and fantasy collide in a full agenda of activities. An Elizabethan gallery of artwork and artifacts, wandering musicians and choreographed jousting tournaments transport visitors back to the reign of Queen Elizabeth I while mischievous elves recall visions of the legendary Camelot and its enchanted sword.
For those over the age of 21, a German-style Biergarten [“beer garden”] has been set up, and for those who deem themselves too old for the Medieval games, magic shows, balancing acts and belly dancing, the rows of vendors peddling jewelry, sweets, clothing and hand-crafted pottery alongside tents of henna artists and fortune-telling palmists are in no short supply.
Anyone wishing to embrace their Scottish heritage is encouraged to attend Tartan Day on April 6. A special Easter celebration will be held between 2 and 6 p.m. on April 8.