For over three decades, the Faire has been the retreat of Queen Elizabeth I, but this summer the gates will open to an earlier part of history, welcoming Her father, one of the most famous British monarchs, to the throne. This season, an outpouring of “Long Live the King” will be accompanied by shouts of “God Save the Queen.”
The festivities planned for the 13-week season of the Faire feature over 90 shows daily on open-air stages and the village streets with music, dance, and action-packed performances. The Revels Schedule features something for all ages including the Royal Falconer’s birds of prey, winsome wenches and handsome rogues singing tales of love and drynke, archery demonstrations, musicians, jugglers, hypnotism, children’s trunke shows and more.
The entertainment is endless as the citizens of the Shire fill the streets with improvised song, swordplay, and even mud begging. Man-powered rides, a Gaming Village, the Fight Circle, a Dungeon Museum and an Amazing Maze all add to the thrill of the Shire.
2014 also marks the introduction of the Faire’s newly constructed Human Chess Match Stage Arena. The $400,000 project boasts state-of-the-art sound, ground and bench seating for an additional 1500 guests with clear sight lines and convenient access to food and beverage concessions.
Scores of merchants and handcraft artisans throughout the Shire offer unique wares for the shopper in everyone. Twenty-four Royal Kitchens dot the Shire promising to satisfy any Faire guest taste serving a variety of foods and libations. Delectable foods originate from around the globe ranging from Giante Turkey Legges, to Italian and German favorites and BBQ ribs, pork and beef. Luscious desserts including cupcakes, cheesecakes and ice cream to the newest Shire addiction, funnel stix will please any sweet tooth.
The day’s events culminate in an action packed Ultimate Joust, a preeminent blend of equestrian skill and hand-to-hand combat. Pyrotechnics light up the sky and harrowing stunts create the drama of a joust to the death. Knights, steeds, villagers, nobility and the Royal Court, each play a role in this breathtaking spectacle while onlookers cheer on their champion or mourn them in defeat.
Each of the 13 Faire weekends is especially themed, making a return visit a must. Each theme welcomes different performers and entertainment with special contests and activities to involve Faire patrons.
Themed weekends include Time Traveler’s Weekend, Chivalry and Romance Weekend, Invasion and Return of the Pyrates, Heroes of the Realm, Children’s Fantasy, Scottish & Irish weekends, Oktoberfest, Wine Harvest, and three Halloween Daze & Spooky Knights Weekends. Return to the Past Passes are available for purchase each Faire day after 2:00 PM at the Informistress Booth at a steeply discounted price providing the opportunity for visitors to return and return again.
Event Dates and Admission Details
At the Finale in Song, guests join the entire cast in a musical extravaganza celebrating the end of another fun-filled day in the Shire. The wondrous fantasy that is the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire is held Saturdays, Sundays, and Labor Day Monday, August 2 through October 26, 11 AM – 8 PM.
Adult admission is $29.95 and child admission, ages 5 to 11, is $10.95. Parking is free, but games, rides, foods, beverages, and crafts have additional costs. Visit PaRenFaire.com for complete show details, advanced click-to-print discount tickets, and helpful tips for a fun-filled Faire day. Information is also available through the Faire Box Office by calling 717-665-7021.
Giveaway
I'm excited to give away a family four-pack of tickets to visit the Pennsylvania Renaissance Faire this season. To be entered to win, complete this form.
Rules
All entrants must be at least 21 years of age and a subscriber to Lebanon Macaroni Kid. Deadline for entry is Tuesday, August 5 at noon. Winner will be randomly drawn and notified by email. Winner has 48 hours to respond or a new winner will be chosen.
Click here for complete rules.
