Imagine stepping back to a time where real knights roamed the countryside and people didn’t have the internet to entertain themselves, instead relying on fire-eaters, dancers, jousting, jugglers and other 16th-century activities.
On Nov. 2 – Nov. 4 of this year, UCF Knights will have the chance to walk among the medieval knights at the Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire. KnightNews.com is working with the organizers to spread the word about the fun and educational charity event that benefits the Education Foundation of Lake County.
In addition to the typical village environment, filled with speciality food vendors, artisans and games, college students will be able to enjoy an 18-and-up only section where organizers promise you’ll be able to “party like it’s 1599!” That section, dubbed “Lord Edward’s Pub and Smoker” will feature the beer, wine and mead served throughout the grounds, but will also have exclusive entertainment including “The Bawdy Boys” and “The Washing Well Wenches” — hilarious and bawdier entertainment for adult crowds not typically seen at this otherwise family-friendly event.
There’s plenty of other entertainment planned as well at the faire, now in its 11th year. Entertainment Director Michael Dempsey and co-founder of the faire is astounded by how much its grown.
“When we started, we had a cast of twelve,” Dempsey said, reflecting on the faire’s success. “Now, we have over a hundred volunteers who learn the language of the period, don authentic 16th century costumes and interact with patrons to help bring the faire to life. Our musical and comedic entertainers are among the best in the country and our jousters are world champion professionals. Many of our performers are sought after by Renaissance faires all up and down the East Coast but they tell us they love coming to Lady of the Lakes because it feels like home to them. We’re like a family that reunites once a year.”
Faire organizers released the following list of those returning to the entertainment lineup this year: “Empty Hats”, “Washing Well Wenches”, “The DaVinci Brothers”, “Blackbeard the Pirate”, “Emrys Fleet”, “Raptus & Krane: Monster Hunters”, “Matilda’s Ladies”, “Psaltry Harpers”, the group “Celtic Mayhem”, a Celtic power trio with an Irish rock twist, “Johnny Phoenix”, and “Flight of the Rapture”. Shane Adams of the History’s Channel Full Metal Joust will also be returning with “Knights of Valour”.
Food is another avenue by which the Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire captures the spirit and authenticity of 16th century England, organizers say, boasting that “specialty food vendors will be on hand this year to delight fairegoers’ palates with everything from traditional turkey legs to scotch eggs.”
Those attending the faire will also get a chance to shop. Vendors and merchants set up shop at the faire, and each year, new artisans and merchants join the returning shopkeepers to offer faire patrons an ever-changing variety of period attire, jewelry and other wares. Patrons can look forward to more than 60 artisans filling the village, working in mediums such as pottery, leather work, blacksmithing, sculpture and candle making, just to name a few, organizers say. The crafts and entertainment combine with thematic games and foods to create a glimpse of marketplace celebrations and life in the 16th century.
The event is also very family friendly, for UCF Knights looking to take their family out to a unique event that stands out from traditional Orlando-area entertainment. Children will be delighted to engage in various games of skill that will challenge both young and old alike including archery, crossbows, sword challenge, knife-toss, as well as a variety of kids’ crafts, according to organizers. There’s also a new pirate stage and Pirate Cove this year, where fairegoers will feel that they have come face to face with the salty swindlers from the sea.”
Of course, it is children who benefit form the faire’s proceeds, as it has served as one of the primary fundraising events for the Educational Foundation of Lake County, since 2005. And education is a key goal.
“Our emphasis has always been on making the faire a fully immersive educational experience,” says Educational Foundation Executive Director Carman Cullen. “Students and teachers are encouraged to visit the ‘Village of Shrewsbury’ located just inside of the Faire’s entrance where they will find dozens of costumed re-enactors engaged in a variety of occupations from 16th century England. Students will be able to interview the re-enactors in this living history exhibit in order to learn about life in a Renaissance village. They will also be given the opportunity to engage in fun hands-on activities that will reinforce learning.”
The 11th annual Lady of the Lakes Renaissance Faire will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. from Friday, November 2, to Sunday, Nov. 4. Regular admission is $15 for adults, $10 for children ages 4-12 with children 3 and under free. Special ticketed events include the Royal Feast Thursday evening and the Queen’s Tea on Saturday and Sunday. Senior Day is Friday afternoon from 12pm to 5pm. Tickets for seniors are $5 at the gate on Senior Day during those hours. Education Day is Friday. Discounted tickets of $5 for students and $5 for chaperones will be available at the gate. For event details, visit www.lakerenfaire.comor contact cullenc@lake.k12.fl.us .
