HUZZAH!
I have know idea what I am doing sometimes…
Get your best fairy wings, leather armor and unicorn horns on, it’s time for the Michigan Renaissance Festival! Other than the Comic Con, the event I look forward to every year is the Renaissance Festival. Starting this weekend with “Pirates & Pups” on August 20th (WCSX is giving away tickets all season too). The Ren Fest offers a wide range of activities for everyone from young to older (we’re all kids at the Ren Fest). Perhaps you are into weapons and fantasy art? What about wizards and fairy worlds?
The Michigan Renaissance, according to clickondetroit.com, started in Clarkston in 1979. The map of the Festival grows every year and is constantly changing as new artisans and shops join the crew. I know that the “back” area has expanded far into the forest to now include more shops and shows. One show I believe is the newer “live” mermaids.
I have been going to the Michigan Renaissance for over thirty years and have yet to do everything there is to do. I try to go every year if not multiple times and I love it every time I go. But I have done a ton of things over the years and I would love to guide you to some of the best and some that I miss.
1. First, Be Prepared
Somethings to know before you come to the Michigan Renaissance Festival.- Bring good shoes, that map grows and grows and the walking increases yearly. I cannot emphasise this one enough.
- Bring a snack, maybe some water if they let you. The cost of food goes up every year too. Side note: I really miss it when they had fountain Pepsi there. So good!
- If you have a child that needs a stroller, be prepared for some seriously choppy terrain. I had several heart attacks I think navigating the wood chips, water and mud.
- Expect to spend way more than what you planned. There are so many cool things and you will want them all.
- Do not bring weapons. Yes, it is a fantasy festival, but they frown on actual bloodshed.
- Be kind to all the actors and actresses, they may be your neighbor.
- Come on, get into the fun, and yell a Huzzah or two out there!
My beautiful wife and very young daughter Hope during one of the colder days of the Festival.
2. The Shows
There are always new and exciting shows at the Renaissance. I highly suggest picking a show, sitting down and being ready for anything. Sometimes they will jump into the audience or call you to participate. My favorite shows that I have enjoyed every year are the jugglers, magicians and comedians.
In the past, there was Dead Bob (who unfortunately and ironically past away) who was one of the best and I hear may be replaced by a new Dead Bob in the future(?). DB harassing my mother about her real hair color while being forced off stage by rain will live on in my heart forever.
There are the classic Washing Well Wenches with their bawdy comedy that never stops entertaining.
I am not 100% if the Zucchini Brothers are still active, but they were quite the show to see. Which shows do you love now?
It’s the Zucchini Brothers and Hob the Troll!
3. The Roaming Stars
You will not have to go far before something amazing may happen right in front of you. Periodically during the day, there is a parade of many of the shows, artists and the Queen herself and her entourage that will go around the festival.
There are jailors ready for a few bucks to lock away whomever you wish (I locked away my mother quickly). But if your prisoner is sour about being locked away, perhaps the singing nun will make them a saint (for a few holy donations).
And as my pals, Joel Morgan and Donielle Flynn were delighted to meet Hob the Troll who literally “trolled” them by talking about other radio stations while also playing Stairway with his tiny guitar (lute?)
Locking up your mother, “Murderous Martha”, can be quite satisfying
4. The Food!
My lord, I doth protest too much! The food is glorious! Eat like a barbarian and grab that meat on the bone! Maybe a pickle from those really aggressive and humorous pickle sellers. My favorite are those apple dumpling ice cream things. Or some soup in a bread bowl. Some of the atmosphere is lost with bottled drinks and pizza, but you know most kids are not going to eat a side of beef on a stick. Check the map out before you go too far in so you know where the best place is to stop, rest and eat some grub.
It is a blessing to have time with family and friends. Especially when one of them is a nun.
5. The Shops!
You will find something, I have no doubt about it. Last year I bought a kilt because I just had to have one! But, I could easily drop so much more cash on the amazing art that surrounds this entire festival. My favs include the wax sculptors, puppet makers and illustrators.
But some really stand out as both show and art like the glass blowers. There are a few that show you how they create, like the Royal Glass Academy, your goblet, breast chiller, cup, etc are the best. I have had three glass goblets made over the years and I love everyone one of them. Almost too much as I rarely drink out of them for fear of breaking them!
The Academy of Glass making one of my many mugs (Note you cannot take it home that day because it is like a thousand degrees)
6. The Joust!
Long live the QUEEN! Goodness, I almost forgot about the Joust. Numerous times throughout the day you can witness actual jousts and battles done for the entertainment of all. Usually in front of the Queen for her entertainment also. Make sure to check what day you go though, as some days the joust is converted for the particular theme. For instance the Highland Fling, I believe, takes over that area for the fling. So there may not be jousting on that day.
The knights pledge their loyalty to the Queen.
