The last month of summer in the Hudson Valley means it’s time for the annual New York Renaissance Faire. The 37th season begins on Aug. 2, and runs every weekend though Sept. 21, giving you ample opportunities to drive up to Orange County with your family.
Like other Renaissance fairs and festivals across the country, this event attempts to recreate a Medieval village. The buildings give the illusion that you have stepped back in time. Everyone working in “the Shire,” from the performers to the concessions staff, are in period costume and always in character. They will greet you and your children and try to engage you in light-hearted, often humorous conversation.
The atmosphere is definitely Elizabethan England, complete with 16th century games, rides, arts, crafts, food, music and dance. There is enough to see and do to easily spend four or five hours working your way through the different areas, such as Greenfield Common, the Village Green and Queen’s Landing. There are performances taking place on 20 stages, and more than 100 craftspeople.
The admission fee lets you watch as many of the shows as you wish, and the entertainment is constantly rotating on the stages and performance spaces. You’ll see magicians, comedy troupes, storytellers, birds of prey demonstrations, rope walkers, aerial acrobats and more. Several shows are especially suitable for children, including Arsene Dupin, Brother Donald Storytelling, Earthquest’s Birds of Prey, Dextre Tripp’s Thrill Show and Jayna Lee’s Aerial Acrobatics. This year, a new stage and more performers are being introduced to the line-up.
We Went
Last summer, we took our two kids, ages 13 and 6, for their first Renaissance fair experience. They enjoyed watching the parade in the Village Green, a daily event where the “townspeople” sing and dance their way along the street. We checked out the vendors selling everything from pottery to pewter to perfume. At the St. George’s Dragon Orphanage, we got to hold “baby dragons” (lizards) before they tried to sell them to us as pets.
There are several games of chance, for an additional fee, and both my kids tried their hand at archery. You can also sign your kids up to participate in the “Kids Quest” interactive adventure — recommended for kids ages 4 through 12 — which takes place four times each day and costs $5 per person. The ongoing “Boffer Wars” program offers knight training sessions for kids 8 though 12, at $5 per person.
But the highlights of our day were two shows that you can only enjoy at this type of event; the jousting by “knights” on horseback on the Roselawn tournament field, and the living chess match between Robin Hood’s Merry Band and the Sheriff of Nottingham’s crew. Queen Elizabeth and her Court appear at both events, as the competitors square off both verbally and physically in lively action to earn her praise.
Age Appropriate
Our daughter, who was decked out in her fairy attire, was also awestruck by the faerie coven we encountered in the Enchanted Forest, especially when they tried to communicate with her with their unique language of trills. I knew enough to have her wear the costume she already had at home, because she would have been sorely tempted by the beautiful and pricey costumes on sale there. You can find all the elements to create your own get-ups for your little fairy, princess, pirate, prince, or knight. You can also rent costumes for the day at The Bellrose shop.
Our teen, who is generally harder to impress, was hysterically laughing at the dry humor of Arsene Dupin, star of the “Magikhana” show. At his age, he was much more aware of some people’s daring costumes. Overall, however, the environment during the day was very family-friendly. The show program is very helpful to determine which programs are most suitable for kids; there are some with subject matter that is clearly not appropriate.
The fair site has paved pathways, and nearly all of it is accessible with strollers. Diaper-changing facilities are available in the restrooms. There are many types of kid-friendly food available, including pizza and hot dogs, as well as Renaissance fair staples such as roasted turkey legs and “Steak-on-a-Stake.”
Frequent contributor Traci L. Suppa blogs about her family’s travels at GoBIGorGoHomeBlog.com.
When You Go…
New York Renaissance Faire
Sterling Forest, 600 Rte.17A
Tuxedo Park, N.Y.
845-351-5171
renfair.com/ny/
Dates & Times
Every Saturday, Sunday and Labor Day
From Aug. 2 – Sept. 21, 2014
Hours: 10 a.m. – 7 p.m.
Admission
Tickets at the main gate: $24 adults, $11 children ages 5 through 12, free if under 4. Tickets purchased in advance online: $22 adults, $10 children.
