I recently had the opportunity to photograph a Renaissance Fair in Wake Forest, NC. My only experience that was even close to attending a Renaissance Fair was when I was a kid and my entire family went to Medieval Times Dinner and Tournament. We were in Florida on vacation visiting Disney World in Orlando Florida. I do vividly remember having quail, drinking root beer out of a huge metal mug and that our knight (The Red Knight) won.
My nieces and mother were visiting from out of state this month and had never been to anything like a Renaissance Faire before so I decided to take them to one in Wake Forest. We had a blast and met a lot of fun quirky characters and genuine, nice people. It’s a 16th Century style medieval faire, with over 110 artisans and lets you step back to the days of Her Majesty Queen Elizabeth I.
I couldn’t resist taking a bunch of photos. Some of the costumes were really elaborate and my hat goes off to the organizers for pulling off a fantastic event. More info can be found at the North Carolina Renaissance Fair website at www.ncrenfaire.com. You can also go to the Historical Enrichment Society of North Carolina for info. If you missed this event I encourage you to visit with friends and family next time.
I also found another Renaissance Festival in the area called The Annual Carolina Renaissance Festival – www.royalfaires.com/carolina/ If I’m missing any others let me know and I hope you enjoy the medieval photos.
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A nail biting moment that hopefully doesn’t happen too often. The horses were accidentally set to joust in the same lane. They knocked over a lot of the track but thankfully no one (and no animals) were harmed due to some quick and perceptive thinking from the knights.
Another round of mead malady!
Retired greyhounds living the lap of luxury.
I really love this photo and all of the youthful energy in it.
This poor girl got wrapped up in the ribbons and had to get her mom to help her out.
A really cool suit of Japanese armor.
I really like this photo a lot as well… Yet besides what’s a renaissance faire without “Gandalf the fatherly wizard.”
The Colorful Waves bellydance troupe provides performances and instruction and also hosts bellydance workshops and parties. They showcased some great hypnotic music and unique moves. You can visit them at www.colorfulwaves.com
Medieval cylon? Don’t worry little girl… Ol’ bullethead won’t hurt you.
A Dragon Egg hunt to win prizes. One of the kids was rumored to have found Eragon.
This was my favorite shot of the day. I captured the exact moment that the bull whip snapped the strands of spaghetti into shreds!
These folks were VERY fun to watch! I had a great time chatting with Sir Cowl Smith and Dame Jennifer Perry They shared with me that they have to train for 9 months before they can use a real weapon! They are called the European Medieval Arts of Arms and can be found at www.emaaknights.com
These kids were hilarious. They would chant the characteristics of the knight that they wanted to win. There was “Sharkman” and “Pumpkinboy” because of a their respective logos on their back, but my favorite was when they started chanting “Bucket Head! Bucket Head!” to cheer on a formidable dark knight!
Don’t make me get “medieval” on you!
Old school kite flying.
You can never have too many bellydancing photos. Love the colors!
Nothing says “tough and gritty sea hardened pirate” like a pink parasol!
I love the reaction from the guy in the front row after she tosses the cards in the air. You can almost hear him pleading “Please spare me, oh King and Queen of deck fifty-two!”
The Sir Isaac Fawlkes magician show was quite entertaining and enlisted the help of an adorable “dragon assistant.”
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