The New Jersey Renaissance Faire was created in 2009 by John Williams, T.J. Miller and Phil Leipf who had bonded over their mutual love of Renaissance fairs. Andy Pritkin joined them as the executive producer of the event. The fair is held at Liberty Lake Day Camp in Bordentown Township, Burlington County, New Jersey. It runs for three consecutive weekends, the last weekend in May and the first two weekends in June.
The New Jersey Renaissance Faire is set in the 16th-century fictional village of Crossford in Nothumberland, North East England. A village like any other in the English countryside in the 1500s, it is inhabited by merry people who love their country. Most of the year, Crossford indeed is just another English village, but everything changes between the vernal equinox and summer solstice.
During this time, ancient woods around Crossford become a magical portal to different times and the village welcomes mythical and historical figures who visit Crossford because they need help. These unexpected visitors include Robin Hood and Maid Marian, King Arthur and his knights, D’Artagnan and the Three Musketeers, William Wallace, William Shakespeare, Francis Drake and his pirates, Queen Elizabeth and Vikings. Each season of the New Jersey Renaissance Fair has a new scenario and visitors, which is always unexpected, exciting and fun.
Like other Renaissance festivals, the New Jersey Renaissance Faire at Liberty Lake features an Artisan Village with numerous merchants and vendors who offer clothing and fashion accessories, arms and armor, artisan crafts and goods, food and drinks, and other products. The fair also offers over 25 amazing and talented entertainers and acts performing on 10 stages. The entertainment program encompasses stunts, swordsmanship, fire shows, living history and comedy acts, live demonstrations, singing and musical entertainment. There is something here for everyone regardless of their age.
Photo: New Jersey Renaissance Faire
