Going
to a Renaissance Fair has been on my bucket list for a while now but luckily I
just crossed it off. So, I’m a Renaissance Fair noob but the experience I had
at KY Highland Ren. Fair blew my mind! Tickets were reasonably priced, it wasn’t
too far of a drive to Eminence KY and the place was very well decorated. We got
our tickets and our map with everything labeled accordingly the bathrooms were
even labeled Privies! Some vendors had tents but since the Ren. Fair is held
here every year they have standalone old time buildings as well.
While
the scenery was nice I still wasn’t sure what to expect from the people. Were
they going to just be dressed up and not fully acting out the part or would it
be a full on back in time experience? As soon as I got in the first vendor was
selling little mechanical dragons and boy, he was good at his job. He was in
full costume, speaking in an old accent and addressing everyone as lad and lass
or lord and lady. This was going to be the real deal. Among seeing some sword
fighting, human chess, black smithing, the best part was the music and shows!
The
first act we saw was Fool Hearty. Marquise & Ima Nutt, can’t help but
laughing while typing that, were fantastic. There show was light comedy for
family settings but still very enjoyable. They choose an audience member, which
just so happened to be my boyfriend this time, and take them to “fool school”.
After his graduation and dress up, Marquise also does fire eating. They were a
hoot. Besides the Fool School they do a magic show and an untrained dog show. http://www.foolhearty.com/
We went
to the bar area pretty promptly, only 21 & up allowed due to content. All
of their drinks were 5$ and worth it, normally most event places are a rip off
with alcohol but here they gave you a very decently sized plastic cup. I had
the Queen’s tea which was excellent, honey mead mixed with Strongbow. Seriously
considering making this home when I want. While we were in the bar this little
old guy dressed as a Friar called Friar Finnegan’s Floggers started playing
music. It was raunchy! So if you’re into old men singing about letting them in
the back door because you love Jesus, he’s the guy for you.
We
grabbed some turkey legs and went to the main dining hall to eat. Shortly after
starting our meal we hear bag pipes and a drum, the music was invigorating. The
short show didn’t last long but the band invited everyone to their adult show
in the bar area. The music was so good and alive. The drummer, who I’m guessing
is the leader of the group, is electric when playing.
Above
is a photo of the trio, called Tartanic, yes kilts! They are incredibly
hilarious and if you get the chance to see them you should. I however got to
see them in a different way and it’s called a Scottish car wash. Ladies be
warned to do this if you want to know what is actually under a man’s kilt. https://www.facebook.com/tartanicofficial/
The
last person I got to see that day was Donal Hinely a man who knows how to play
the water goblets. I had never actually seen someone play these in real life
and it was beautiful music. He plays by ear and can usually do it on the spot.
One guy requested the Star Spangled Banner and never playing it before he was
able to pick it up instantly. I asked for Under the Sea from the Little Mermaid
but he didn’t want to disappoint so he’s working on it for next year. What he
did play for me though was When you Wish Upon a Star. I could have listened to
him forever, he so talented. http://www.donalhinely.com/
It was an amazing weekend. I plan
on going next year, to be honest I didn’t want to leave. If there is any way to
see one of the performers it is a must, they are really talented people. http://www.kyrenfaire.com/
