Top 10: Plenty to do at Ren Fest

Kings and Queens, Court Jesters and Jousters, Knights and Peasants and maybe even a visit from Cinderella herself. Throw in entertainment, food and crafts and the result – the Kansas City Renaissance Festival.

It is a magical place, Portia Bowers, who is Queen Isabella and has been a part of the Renaissance Festival for 10 years, said of the village of Canterbury: “It truly transports you to a different time, a happy time where our guests can make so many memories.”

And with the festival opening this weekend in Bonner Springs, Kan., many wonder what are the best things to see and do at the annual event. This year’s theme is “Once Upon a Time There Was You.” The story this year follows Cinderella the day after the ball.

“People should come to the festival for the great food, good shopping and, of course, the magnificent entertainment,” said Jim Stamberger, entertainment director of the Renaissance Festival. “The entertainment is a mix of performers who have been doing this for 30 years and those who just got started this year, so the audience can see old friends and new.”

Here are the top 10 things to see and do at the Renaissance Festival:



10   Renaissance festival events.

There are several events during the Renaissance Festival including the Phantom’s Feast, Hounds of Canterbury, Columbus Day and Pirate’s Feast. In addition, there are daily royal events that include a royal wine tasting and royal smoker, hosted by the Lord Mayor’s Company and includes premium cigars. Some events require tickets and reservations. For more information, visit the festival’s Web site at www.kcrenfest.com.



9 Children’s Realm.

The family friendly area includes free activities for children throughout the day with take-home crafts, games and even a children’s parade.  



8 Shopping in the market area.

There are more than 150 exhibitors who put a 16th century spin on everything from ceramics and jewelry to clothing, blown glass and toys. Among the offerings are hair braiding, fountains and leather work.

“There are some great shops that everyone will like,” Stamberger said. “They have great presentation as well as great products.”  



7 Frilly costumes at Ophelia’s.

Among the various shops is Ophelia’s. Costumes for young and old alike can be found at the store, so that everyone can fully embrace the renaissance spirit.



6 Sonic Sidhe.

An entertainment group at the festival, Sonic Sidhe includes tribal drums, guitars, melody instruments and singers along with fire performers.

 

5 Romani Dance at the May Pole.

The dance takes place during the Romani Adventures weekend Sept. 25 and 26. In addition to the dance around the May Pole, other events include an arm wrestling competition, chocolate vendors and sampling, beer sampling and other musicians and dancers.



4 Dine with the Queen at her Royal High Tea.

Each day, the Queen invites guests to have tea with the Court Ladies. Admission is $9.95 per person and includes tea and refreshments.



3 Cheer at The New Joust: Joust Evolution.  

Live armored jousting takes place at four times a day throughout the festival by the knights of the Joust Revolution.



2 Legend Quest.

Another of the themed weekends, Legend Quest will be the first, free all-day live action role playing game at the festival. Guests will be able to choose a role to play, becoming characters at the harvest festival. During the festival, a person or group of people has made off with the King’s treasure. Guests must find out what has happened to it before the King discovers it is gone. Visitors will be able to sign up online to get a character assignment and clues. As many as 1,000 guests are expected to play each day.

In addition, the Pirates Cove will be hosting the first RENCON, a convention geared toward role play gaming and comic books.



1 Eat, eat, eat.

It is estimated that 90,000 pounds of turkey legs will be consumed during the Renaissance Festival. In addition to those turkey legs, there are soups, seafood, batter-fired steak bites and asparagus, Bangers and Mash, giant cupcakes and other tempting deserts, Wherever someone goes, there is another food treat just waiting.

“I enjoy the whole environment,” Stamberger said. “All of the aroma of turkey legs cooking, the lilting sounds of the lane musicians, the cheer of the crowd at the joust and the blare of the trumpets as they herald in the next exciting event. All of this assaults our senses as you move through the lanes of the festival. Not to mention the opportunity to talk with villagers of our shire called Canterbury.”