The New York Renaissance Faire was founded in 1977. It is currently owned and operated by Renaissance Entertainment Productions that produces two other Faires: the Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire in Irwingdale, California and the Bristol Renaissance Faire in Kenosha, Wisconsin. Another event produced by the company is The Forest of Fear, a Halloween-themed event in Tuxedo, New York.
Like most other Renaissance festivals, the New York Renaissance Faire has a unique setting and storyline. The event is set in a fictional English village during the Elizabethan era. Costumed characters in period clothing interact with attendees, creating an unforgettable atmosphere. Some of the characters you may meet at the Faire include Queen Elizabeth I, Lord Robert Dudley, Robin Hood, Lady Marian, the Sheriff of Nottingham, the Merry Outlaw Band, Oberon, and others.
What does the New York Renaissance Faire has to offer? Naturally, there’s plenty of entertainment going on. The program includes the joust, historical reenactments, dancers, singers, musicians, acrobats, comedians, magicians, jugglers, and other performers who amaze the visitors with their skills and talent. They perform on several stages across the festival grounds.
The Faire also features an artisan marketplace where over 125 talented artisans display and sell their goods and demonstrate their skills. Here you can find armor & weaponry, dolls & puppets, glass & pottery, soaps & candles, clothing & costumes, jewelry, musical instruments, souvenirs, wood & leather, games & toys, and more. Food vendors serve food and drinks, both authentic period delicacies and modern snacks. Finally, there are games and rides for visitors of all ages and skill levels, from archery and knife throw to carousels and swings.
To keep things more interesting and make visitors want to come back the next weekend, the festival hosts special events and theme weekends. For example, the 2017 Faire featured Opening Weekend, Kids Admitted Free Weekend, Marketplace Weekend, Celtic Weekend, Time Travelers Weekend, Pirates Weekend, Romance Weekend, Masquerade Weekend, and Oktoberfest and Harvest Weekend. Each theme weekend offers special evens such as contests and competitions, auctions, performances, games, and more.
Photo: Buddy Scalera
