Arizona Renaissance Festival 2013

My friend, TJ and I went to the Renaissance Festival Monday, President's Day.  We totally miscalculated how many people would be off work and willing to drive to Gold Canyon for the day, even for a half price entrance fee.  It took 90 minutes to drive the 25 miles to the Festival site.

But it was worth it.

I've been to the Festival in other years.  They have it here every February and March.  No one in their right mind would dress up in period clothing for an entire day any later in the year.  It was already quite warm Monday.

Lots of dressed up people.  I couldn't always tell which were the festival participants and which were fair-goers playing along.  Well, the two guys dressed as Ghostbusters complete with proton packs were probably not part of the fair.

It's been three years since my last foray.  I swear every time I go the Festival is bigger.  There were artisan shops that I don't remember ever seeing.  It was really hard to resist buying this striking leather, ankle-length vest.  But seriously, no matter how cool it was, where would I wear it?  It wouldn't look right with my usual uniform of t-shirts, jeans, and sneakers.

We watched an amazing demonstration of glass blowing.  I hadn't realized how little air is needed, nor how many layers of molten glass.  It's probably a good thing the equipment is so large and expensive, or I would have myself yet another hobby.  I also resisted buying any of the beautiful glass.  I know it's worth the price, but I would be devastated if I broke a piece that I spent that much money on.

The shows were awe-inspiring.  I had only ever been to the first of the three jousting matches.  This time we only made it to the second.  I hadn't realized each show was different.  We got ourselves a seat at the top of the bleachers where we could lean against the backboard.  Then I spent the entire joust leaned forward to watch the action. Beautiful horses.  Lots of cheering and yelling.

The Barely Balanced Acrobats (Barely Balanced) did tricks I had never seen before.  In one, a man laid flat along the feet of the bottom man, and the girl stood on top of him to juggle fire.  I can't imagine how strong his abdominal muscles must be to hold himself level.

Our favorite was The Tortuga Twins, a trio of three unrelated guys doing improvisational pirate comedy.  We made it to their second show, which is considered their PG show (or Loose Cannon in "medieval" parlance.) We enjoyed it so much that we went back for the final show, which is considered their R (or even XXX)  adult show.

They take people from the audience to participate.  I don't know if these people have been approached before hand or not.  I would expect so.  Not all women would appreciate being kissed by strange (very strange) men.  And they teased different audience members.  A couple times I think the comedians were taken aback by the enthusiasm of the people they approached.  If it was planned, it was well-played.

The humor was very raunchy with many gay references and so funny that TJ and I both laughed until we cried.  Probably not everyone's cup of tea, but we liked it.  (The Tortuga Twins)

That took us to the 6 pm closing time.  We wended our way back to the front gate.  There were drummers pounding out a beat while the King, some wenches, and some audience members were dancing.  Just as we stepped out of the gate, the closing cannon went off.  Very loud.

The drive back wasn't quite as bad.  Still it took an hour to get home.

All in all, a fun, hot, tiring day.  I can't wait until next year.

Renaissance Festival