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This website is developed by and is property of : Callisto/Annika the 9thValkyrie/Julianna. Contents, images (photos) are protected under the U.S. Copyright Act, and may not be copied, redistributed, or altered without written permission of author. Said acts without this permission are in violation of U.S. copyright laws. Copyright ã2000, 2001, 2002, 2003, 2004

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8/30-9/01/03 wkd.-Labor Day Wkd.

Ohio Renaissance Festival: Located South of Dayton, Ohio, this faire usually runs end of August into late October (9 weeks), Saturday and Sundays (including Labor Day Monday), open from 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM. We have attended this faire at least once a year since 2000 (some years even 3 weekends); it is a very inviting faire. Similar in size and feel to Bristol; 2002 season is its 13th year. The faire is the village of Willy Nilly on the Wash. It consists of a a very nicely laid out area with trees and a creek-also quite spacious. Again, Ohio Renaissance Faire has a very quaint/warm atmosphere, including the court/Queen that is very approachable and friendly. This year also marks the first year of the Viking Invasion Weekend; and one is expected next year too-so the Viking influence is growing, as well as the Viking/faerie feuds. There are two very nice pubs: the smaller Jouster's Pub, and the much larger Aleing Knight Pub-with a lively pub sing at the end of the day. There is a different variety of merchants than some of the other faires. Some personal favorites are: Faerie Citadel, Lost Viking Hoard, Pirate's Treasure and some nice leather shops too. . The entertainment is also good-including: The Swordsmen (Dirk & Guido), Tartan Terrors, Naughty Navels. The ale of choice for us was Bass,, Guiness and Wood Chuck Cider. Food fare includes turkey legs, bread bowls, schnitzel sandwiches, potato pancakes, apple dumplings, King's wiener, fried mushrooms, onion petals. Weapons are allowed when peace tied.

Stronghold Olde English Faire: This faire is located 1.5 miles north of Oregon, Illinois (Rockford is the closest major town). It runs one weekend in October. The faire is located in a scenic woody area by the Stronghold castle. There are different merchants present than one sees at a major faire. It is a dry faire (no alcohol permitted on site), but weapons area allowed. Some of the more interesting merchants this year were: Heavy Leather, Crimson Chain and Astral Sea LTD (ASL) pewter, Happy Viking. There are also various shows which included this year, Seelie Court, A Knight to Remember, and Danse Macabre. To many Bristolians, this is an event to 'continue' Bristol for one more weekend. Food is very reasonably priced (burgers, chillli, beef stew, funnel cakes). Castle tours are conducted throughout the day for those that interested. The scene around Stronghold is a very nice fall scene.

This is a fairly small faire and is sort of a joint effort by the Illinois Historic Preservation Agency and SCA. It is located just Northwest of Peoria, Illinois in a State Park. It is held for one weekend from 10:00 to 5:00 PM. This is a 'dry faire' so there are no pubs or alcoholic beverages served. I was very surprised by the quality of the musical acts. Specifically, to have Owain Phyfe and Gypsy Guerrilla band at such a small faire was a very pleasant surprise. The 'street acts' are also entertaining, and they interact well with the patrons and playtrons. There are also a fair number of merchants at this faire, and the prices are mostly competitive. Since there is no ale, we tried the home made root beer which was very good. It is served in an old fashioned bottle with a cork, and refills are even cheaper (water, and other soft drinks are also very cheap compared to other faires). There seems to be the usual faire fare-mini donuts, turkey legs, gyros, shish- kebabs. vegetarian dishes, and pastries. Overall Jubilee is a pleasant small faire with plenty of wooded areas. Since it is usually close before the Bristol Renaissance Faire (our home faire), it is a good way to distract from the impatience for the new Bristol season.

Wkd. 10/06-10/07	Page 1	Page 2	Page 3	Page 4

Ohio Renaissance Festival: Located South of Dayton, Ohio, this faire usually runs end of August into late October (9 weeks), Saturday and Sundays (including Labor Day Monday), open from 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM. The faire is similar in size and feel to Bristol. It is the village of Willy Nilly on the Wash. It consists of a a very nicely laid out area with trees and a creek-also quite spacious. The faire has a very quaint/warm atmosphere. There are two very nice pubs: the smaller Jouster's Pub, and the much larger Aleing Knight Pub-with a pub sing at the end of the day. The Queen of England is visiting the village. There is a different variety of merchants than some of the other faires.. Some personal favorites are: Faerie Citadel, Pirate's Treasure, Journeyman Leather Doublets, Gypsy Jewelry, Lost Viking Hoard. The entertainment is also good-including: The Swordsmen (Dirk & Guido), Dragon Tales, Tartan Terrors. The ale of choice for us was Bass Ale. Food fare includes turkey legs, fish and chips, bread bowls, schnitzel sandwiches, potato pancakes, apple dumplings. Weapons are allowed when peace tied.

Michigan Renaissance Faire: Located outside of Fenton, Michigan, in the village of Hollygrove, this faire runs 7 weekends into end of September, Saturday and Sundays (and Labor Day Monday), rain or shine from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. The Michigan Renaissance Faire is a highly enjoyable faire in every way. The scenery is very charming with numerous trees, and quaint little winding narrow roads. The atmosphere of the faire is also outstanding. There are many playtrons in garb, specifically Renaissance, warrior, Viking, Gypsy, faeries/fantasy truly enhancing the very friendly as well as playful atmosphere. There are two Queens at this faire, Queen Elizabeth as well as Mary Queen of Scots. Their interaction with the public and with each other is entertaining. Both queens are regularly seen in the Guinness Pub which is also a favorite anchor point for many playtrons. This pub is actually covered, with a stage adjacent to it, also has the pub sing at the end of the day. Robin Hood and Maid Marion are also seen around the village. The jail also provides entertainment for some, in addition to some suspense about who might get arrested, and who issued the warrant for the said arrest. Kid's Kingdom is also excellent with a castle, and some 'hobbit houses.' The free petting zoo attracts many children. There is also a good variety of food that is very reasonably priced compared to other faires (cheap), some favorites include: turkey legs (not small or bland), scotch eggs, spinach feta pie, stuffed crab, cannolis and other excellent bakery items. The ale of choice was Bass Ale, mead is also served at various pubs. A nice variety of merchants, some highlights include, Jiva Originals (a guest artisan for part of this year), Domba Costumes, Wazzail Wood Wizardry, Pendragon Costumes, Son of Sandlar, Authentic Wardrobe, Widdershins, Skin and Bones, Fellowship Foundry, K. Dopita Studio, Faerie Citadel. Some of fine entertainment also includes: Owain Phyfe, Celtic Roots and other musical acts that vary depending on the theme for the weekend. Pets are allowed when registered. NO weapons allowed. Parking is free.

Bristol Renaissance Faire: Located at the Illinois/Wisconsin border in Kenosha Wisconsin, this faire runs 9 weekends during the Summer, Saturdays and Sundays, rain or shine, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. This is our "home faire," and point of reference for other faires. Bristol's atmosphere is quite conducive for rennies since there are numerous playtrons that are in a variety of garb (Elizabethan, medieval, fantasy, Norse/Viking, Scottish.), and many return for most weekends (season's passes are available). This presence enhances the atmosphere and the general feel of Bristol. There is also a variety of good entertainment, musical, comedic as well as a very entertaining Queen's Court. Numerous food vendors are around the site. Good ale (although our favorite Hacker Pschorr Weiss is no longer sold in Bristol) located in the Giovanni Gardens pub, Mead, and Cider also at other pubs. Some food specialties of this specific faire are Garlic Mushrooms, Shepherd's Pie, ribs - and of course Turkey Legs. Also a good selection of garb/weapons merchants; some of my favorites: Chain Maille Fashions, Pendragon, Nagle Forge & Foundry, Excalibur, New Wineskin Leather, Starfire Swords, Dreamshoes ( very comfortable) Heart's Delight . Bristol also has the Friends of the Faire, with special Friends of the Faire privileges, including: Friends of the Faire Garden, feasts and other activities. For more information, see FOF website link. Also some fun activities for children. The Drum Jam at 6:30 is a great way to conclude the day, although turnout seems lighter this year than in prior years (various theories exist on the reason for this). Weapons allowed when peace tied.

Arizona Renaissance Faire: Located in Apache Junction, at the foothills of Superstition Mountains (southeast of Phoenix), this faire runs from February through March, 8 weekends, including President's Day (3 day) weekend. Hours are from 10:00 AM-6 PM. This is a fairly large faire with some very scenic views of mountains around it. Needless to say, the weather can be very pleasant (low 70's, sunny, and dry), and fortunately it was for us during the President's Day three day weekend. The Court of King Henry VIII presides over the faire. Entertainment includes: A Bird of Prey (falconry), Tortuga Twins, Singing Executioners, Ded Bob Show, Hey Nunnie Nunnie. Numerous food vendors, highlights: turkey legs, pickes (according to my resident pickle critic, the juiciest so far), wurst feast, chocolate maker confections, cannoli, baklava and of course, pizza. Ale of choice at this faire: Caffrey Irish Ale, and Mead. Since this is a fairly large faire, there are numerous merchants also, some favorites: Pendragon, Jiva Originals, New Pterodactyl Leather, Chain Maille Fashions, Rena's Leather, Ballena Bay, The Horn Shop, and Fairy Winks. Weapons are allowed when peace tied.

Texas Renaissance Festival: Located in Plantersville, Texas (about 50 miles northwest of Houston), open 7 weekends (late September to mid November), open from 9:00 AM-8:00 PM. This is the nation's largest faire. Nevertheless, the size of this faire doesn't compromise the genuine atmosphere. Not only is this faire very large (spread over 50 acres) but is very diversely scenic. Lush scenery with an abundance of trees, formal gardens, cobblestone pathways (and yes, there is more rugged terrain for those rennies that require dust/mud on their garb to get that right feel) provide a very pleasing site. Also, nice seating areas, taverns with musical entertainment also enhance the atmosphere. This faire also has a new Greco/Roman amphitheatre, where Merlin performs (this is his last year). There is also a definite fantasy element at this faire. Faeries, warriors, and barbarians have a significant presence here, in addition to the courtly characters. The playtrons too provide a good mix/blend of fantasy and Renaissance. Also numerous entertainers and musicians, including: Merlin the Magician, the Gypsy Guerilla Band, Wilhelm Bonn, Wild and Thorny, the King Oberon's Faerie Gathering. A good variety of ethnic foods (located by nationality), goulash, shrimp etouffe, and jalapeno sausage on a stick were popular (and of course turkey legs). Also a good assortment of imported ale; my personal favorites: St. Pauli Girl Dark, and New Mead. Also, as expected such a large faire has numerous merchants, including: Pendragon, Excalibur, Heart's Delight, New Wineskin, Fellowship Foundry, Ballena Bay Pewter, Dream Shoes. Weapons are allowed when peace tied. A fireworks display concludes the faire at 7:45 PM by the Jouster's field.

Ohio Renaissance Festival: Located South of Dayton, Ohio, this faire usually runs end of August into middle October (for 2001 one more weekend is added), Saturday and Sundays (including Labor Day Monday), open from 10:30 AM - 6:00 PM. The faire is similar in size and feel to Bristol. It is the village of Willy Nilly on the Wash. It consists of a a very nicely laid out area with trees and a creek-also quite spacious. The faire has a very quaint/warm atmosphere. There are some very nice pubs: the Jouster's Pub, and the Aleing Knight Pub. The Queen of England is visiting the village as she is being wooed by Duc D'Alencon. So the court is entertaining to watch. There is a different variety of merchants at this faire than I have seen at Bristol or Minnesota. A nice variety. Some personal favorites are: Faerie Citadel, Pirate's Treasure, Harlequin Leather, Gypsy Jewelry, Lost Viking Hoard. The entertainment is also good-including: The Swordsmen (Dirk & Guido), Dragon Tales, Menagerie, Tartan Terrors. The ale of choice for us was Tennents. Food fare includes turkey legs, fish and chips, bread bowls, apple dumplings. Weapons are allowed when peace tied.

Minnesota Renaissance Festival: Located on the southern outskirts of Minneapolis, in Shakopee, Minnesota. This faire runs 7 weekends usually from mid August through September, Saturday and Sundays (and Labor Day Monday) from 9:00 AM to 7:00 PM. This is a large fair spread over a large area with some hills. We attended the 2000 faire over Labor Day weekend, as well as the weekend of September 16-17. We had numerous 'Bristol sightings.' Although the percentage of garbed patrons (playtrons) is less than in Bristol, the total number of patrons is quite high, so we still saw a good number in period or fantasy garb. And from what we hear - it is on the increase. Some of the food specialties of this faire are: scotch eggs, beer-cheese soup, calamari, teriyaki chicken (sandwich or over rice) and of course, the turkey legs. Personal beverage favorites are: Caffrey's Irish Ale and Mead Honey Wine. Some of the same merchants as in Bristol and some new ones too, specifically some interesting leather, footwear, silk (gypsy) and bodice shops. A variety of entertainment stages also. A favorite for kids (and some adults) is the petting zoo (free admission) with sheep, goats, and roosters. And for pet owners-pets are allowed (even saw some in special garb-dogs, turtles, parrots, cats). Weapons allowed when peace tied (security adds another 'ribbon'). Again, as in Bristol, the Drum Jam at 6:30 is a great way to conclude the day.

Bristol Renaissance Faire: Located at the Illinois/Wisconsin border in Kenosha Wisconsin, this faire runs 9 weekends during the Summer, Saturdays and Sundays, rain or shine, from 10:00 AM to 7:00 PM. This is our "home faire," and point of reference for other faires. 2000 was our first year as playtrons in garb. Based on prior years that we have attended I have observed more and more people in period or fantasy garb. There is also a variety of good entertainment, musical, comedic as well as a very entertaining Queen's Court. Numerous food vendors are around the site. Good ale, our personal favorite is located in the Giovanni Gardens-Hacker Pschorr (Leinie's Berry Weiss seems to also be a favorite with many others). Some food specialties of this specific faire are Garlic Mushrooms, Shepherd's Pie, ribs - and of course Turkey Legs. Also a good selection of garb/weapons merchants; some of my favorites: Heart's Delight, Excalibur, New Wineskin Leather, Starfire Swords and Dreamshoes (very very comfortable). Bristol also has the Friends of the Faire-, with special Friends of the Faire privileges, including: Friends of the Faire Garden, feasts and other activities. For more information, see FOF website link. Also some fun activities for children. The Drum Jam at 6:30 is a must for concluding the day. Weapons allowed when peace tied.

wkd. 8/31-9/02	Page 1	Page 2	Page 3	Page 4	Page 5	Page 6	Page 7	Page 8	Page 9	Page 10
Wkd. 9/28-929/02	Page 1	Page 2	Page 3	Page 4	Page 5	Page 6	Page 7	Page 8

Photo Galleries

and Faire Reviews

Wkd. 9/22-9/23	Page 1	Page 2	Page 3
Wkd. 10/20-10/21	Page 1	Page 2	Page 3	Page 4

Labor Day Wkd	Page 1	Page 2	Page 3	Page 4	Page 5	Page 6
Wkd 9/15-9/16	Page 1	Page 2	Page 3
Wkd 9/29/-9/30(closing)	Page 1	Page 2	Page 3	Page 4	Page 5	Page 6


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