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The Folsom Renaissance Faire not only has a historical theme; there's an entire backstory. Supposedly, William Shakespeare is suffering from a ferocious episode of writer's block. Unable to come up with an idea for his next play, he becomes part of a royal progress, a state visit, in the company of Her Royal Majesty, Queen Elizabeth. Consequently, Lions Park is transformed into an Elizabethan town for the weekend.
There are more than 900 costumed entertainers. In addition to strolling players, there are scheduled acts on three stages throughout the weekend, including dancers, magic shows, acrobats, fire-and-sword-swallowers, jugglers, and animal acts. There's a special area set aside for children in The Queen's Glade. The Dauntless, a model pirate ship, has several special performances throughout the weekend, including the Great Gun Cannon Loading Drill. International teams of armored knights on horseback joust in the Arena throughout the Fair.
More than 100 shopkeepers and artisans sell handcrafted wares, including period fashion clothing, a variety of jewelry in historical styles, much of it available in custom versions. One vendor specializes in Celtic style jewelry. Other craftspeople offer leather goods, hand-crafted bronze and iron work, hair ornaments, hand-made brooms, hand-forged historically inspired weapons and gear, medieval and renaissance game sets, medieval ad renaissance style outerwear including cloaks and hats, a variety of pottery and hand-blown glass wares, including mugs, bowls, and ornamental sculptures. Other artisans sell handmade soaps, candles, sachets and potpourri.
Throughout the fair there are live encampments with costumed participants portraying various characters, including Scottish warriors, English knights, Welsh archers, craftsmen and artisans, tavern keepers and cooks (with food for purchase including sausages, kettle corn, crepes, pasties, and even turkey drumsticks), court jesters, mimes, and fools; even strolling musicians. Many of the performers live at the Fair for the weekend, and cook and entertain while in character and in costume. This is a bit unusual, but some of the "guilds" have been coming to Folsom Renaissance Faire for years. Folsom Renaissance Faire is held on an autumn weekend, at the Lions Park in Folsom City, California.
To learn more, visit their website: http://www.folsomfaire.com
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