Travel back to a time of kings, queens and knights by visiting the 28th Annual Texas Renaissance Festival, which will occur every Saturday and Sunday, rain or shine, beginning Oct. 5 through Nov. 17, from 9 a.m. until dusk. The event will be held at 21778 FM 1774 between Magnolia and Plantersville.”The festival is held in a 54 acre recreated 16th century English village known as New Market Village,” said Cheryl Vinson, an information consultant for the Festival. “The Village is holding its annual harvest festival honoring the visiting King Henry VIII and his queen, Catherine of Aragon.”For entertainment, 27 stages will be set up on the grounds, each with a different act such as sword fighting, juggling, music and dancing and acrobatics. Demonstrations in glass blowing, book making and armor crafting will also be available. Full contact jousting and mud wrestling are highlights of each year’s festival.Magicians, face painters and other performers offer entertainment in addition to the shows. These performers walk around talking to and amusing festival patrons all day. Lords and ladies also parade around the grounds as mobile entertainment, along with villagers and commoners.Shows and townsmen are not the only form of entertainment at the Renaissance Festival. There are also games and rides that people may participate in to join the fun. Patron involvement is encouraged. Visitors can even get married at the Festival in a royal wedding.There are over 300 shops where patrons can purchase novelties from “far away kingdoms” and “strange lands of yore.” More than 60 food shops offer old world snacks such as turkey legs, steak on a stick and grilled chicken. Soft drinks, tea, water and Miller Lite products are also available.The Renaissance Festival is home to many gardens representing medieval times. Water gardens and a War of the Roses commemorative garden are available for touring.Packages are offered for special events occurring at the Festival. The King’s Feast is held every Saturday and Sunday from 11 a.m. to 2 p.m. This feast consists of a full, six-course renaissance style meal, dessert and your choice of ale, tea or water. It is all you can eat and drink, and the guest receives a commemorative pewter mug. After the feast, an entertaining variety show is provided. This package is $89 and includes the meal, entertainment and admission for two to the Festival.The Texas Renaissance Festival also offers the King’s Wine Tasting, which is also held every Saturday and Sunday at 1 p.m., 3 p.m. and 5 p.m. Guests 21 years of age or older can sample eight different wines, a cheese and fruit tray and will be entertained with a variety show. The package is $40 per person, and includes admission to the Festival.A two-day package may be purchased for $119 per person. This price includes admission to the Festival for both Saturday and Sunday, and admission to both the King’s Feast and the King’s Wine Tasting on either day.For more information, visit the Web site at http://www.texrenfest.com.
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