What is a Ren Fair?

**Jock Scot** · 27th October 16, 06:55 AM

So alright then, what is a Ren Fair? I am not even sure if I have got the spelling right! This seems to be an American style event? Do other countries have them? What happens there? Do they have a serious point? Just a fun thing? Educational? What? Is the kilt not really the point of these shows, but just one of those events where kilted people go and post picture on websites such as this?

We don't seem to have them over here(do we?) and yes, I have looked at the many pictures of them and "participants" published here, so I do have a somewhat muddled impression of what they are about. But?

**Wareyin** · 27th October 16, 07:05 AM

It's short for Renaissance Fair, and no, there is nothing serious about it. People lump in Medieval and Renaissance and Fantastical clothing styles together, walk around and enjoy performances by comedians, jugglers, acrobats and the like. Yes, people wear kilts there, but it is not at all about the kilt. There are also those in knights armor, people in fairy costumes (wings and all), and more.

**Tomak** · 27th October 16, 07:33 AM

It is not just an American thing. I went to a really great one in Germany in the 80's. It was held at an actual castle, which really added to the experience. Some people try very hard to dress in appropriate Ren period clothing, but others just wear what they like. Here in Southern California we also see several iterations of The Doctor. But since he's a time traveler, I guess that works.

**JasonMc** · 27th October 16, 07:47 AM

At a very well established Ren Faire in Northern California, I remember seeing groups attending in full regalia who would represent Mary Queen of Scots and her coitery, while another group posed as Queen Elizabeth's Court. The costuming of the folks did have a tremendous amount of effort and money put into them, so the outfits were incredible... although I'm not sure they would they stand up to an OCRichard inspection.

The ren fairs do provide an excellent opportunity for individual craftsmen/women to set up shop and sell their handmade goods.

There's also a growing community of 'Pirate' folks who do the same thing since the 'International Talk Like A Pirate Day' (September 19) first started back in the early aughts. All in good fun.

**neloon** · 27th October 16, 08:09 AM

Here's another weird one that might amuse you, Jock. Some version of "highland dress" is frequently incorporated into the game.

https://en.wikipedia.org/wiki/Societ...ve_Anachronism

Alan

**Luke MacGillie** · 27th October 16, 11:38 AM

To me a Ren Faire is an event that is put on as a way to make vendors of nick nacks and proto-historic clothing money, and provide a good time for the people who attend, and to also allow the public to pay and make money for someone? It is usually, but not always detached from any sort of educational organization or museum. This allows people to pretty much do what they want, crocheted chain mail, elf ears, and well, to do things they way we wish they were, not the way the most current peer reviewed documentation of the period shows life was like. You will see all kinds of quasi Scottish impressions, but they usually involve a modern kilt, a 2 handed claymore, leather vambraces and a pair of Apache boots.

I have no issues with folks doing what they want, but at the same time, these Ren Faires use a loose association with "Historical Education" to justify to the public at large what is really Live Action Role Playing, swinging and well you get the picture......

That sounds very judgemental, but really it is not. When I put on 18th or 19th Century historic clothing and go someplace to engage in public education, that is what I do, and then at some other time and place, outside of the pubic eye, shenanigans and debauchery can take place!

**walkerk** · 27th October 16, 11:42 AM

And pirates. No matter the event, there are always people dressed as pirates who show up.

**Geoff Withnell** · 27th October 16, 11:58 AM

Michele and I go to both the Maryland Renfair and Pennsylvania Renfair, and enjoy it immensely. The PA Renfair is a tad better (paved walkways and flush toilets vice portapotties). There are amid the almost countless purveyors of schlock, a few actually talented craftspeople. Some of the musical entertainment is quite good. And I enjoy people watching (wenches, lots and lots of wenches!) I am normally kilted, and some folks seem to have trouble understanding that I am not in "garb", the Renfair term for costume, but just in my normal clothes.