Texas Ren Fest 2009, Opening Day

**Zardoz** · 10th October 09, 09:08 PM

This morning, (10/10/09) Shelley and I, and a couple of the girltorage, hit opening day of the 35th annual Texas Renaissance Festival. http://www.texrenfest.com/home.html
We had a great time, the weather was nice and cool, a great renfaire day!

Here we are on the way in, I'm in my X-Marks-the-ren-faire-scot outfit

First show of the day, Iris & Rose! Nothing like some racy songs and dirty limeriks to start the day!

A romantic conquistador serenades a fair lady.

The day's theme was Oktoberfest, I find the fraus!

Our friend Sandy

Faries!

to be continued...

**Zardoz** · 10th October 09, 09:10 PM

I was just thinking I had not seen any really off the wall faire costumes, then I saw the teletubby!

Shelley with Adrian from Tartanic.

Last show of the day, Circa Paleo.

I could listen to Jenny O'Conner play all day! http://www.circapaleo.com/listen/

I loves me some renfaire! Next week Fairy Weekend!

**JolyStNicholas** · 11th October 09, 03:54 AM

It looks like fun was had by all! A grand time indeed!

**Jock Scot** · 11th October 09, 05:01 AM

Alright then chaps, can you explain to this bemused Scot what a renfaire is supposed to be about? I am delighted to note that there are lots of pretty ladies about, some not wearing a lot, but as we are a family freindly site I will not persue that point further!So go on then, what else is it all about?

**Bugbear** · 11th October 09, 07:09 AM

It's all about fantasy weirdness, Jock. Alice in Wonderland is close to a description. You might see someone walking around with a seven foot sword and a tiny pink umbrella wearing a pointy hat and those shoes that curl up at the toes. They usually have food on a stick too...

**Rex_Tremende** · 11th October 09, 07:36 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Alright then chaps, can you explain to this bemued Scot what a renfaire is supposed to be about? I am delighted to note that there are lots of pretty ladies about, some not wearing a lot, but as we are a family freindly site I will not persue that point further!So go on then, what else is it all about?

It's just something fun to do, I suppose. Part fair, part absurdity, part consumerism, and an opportunity to play dress-up if you are so inclined. Wikipedia has a perfunctory explanation as any I've seen, though.

Regards,
Rex.

**dfmacliam** · 11th October 09, 10:39 AM

I am glad you had fun.. you both look great..

**Zardoz** · 11th October 09, 10:52 AM

Originally Posted by Jock Scot

Alright then chaps, can you explain to this bemused Scot what a renfaire is supposed to be about? I am delighted to note that there are lots of pretty ladies about, some not wearing a lot, but as we are a family freindly site I will not persue that point further!So go on then, what else is it all about?

Renaissance Faire is an amalgam of many things. Its partly a craft fair, partly historical, partly fantasy, partly performance art, and good 'people watching'!

People working at Faires dress in costumes (or garb) typical of the late Elizabethan period. Many patrons, like myself, who dress in costume, or garb, even though they aren't a cast member of the faire, are called 'playtrons' we just like to be more involved. Shelley and I are members of a faire clan and guilds in the faire community, we get together and do stuff at, and between faires.

At faire there are many booths selling crafts, gifts, clothing and food. Parades wind their way through the crowds. Jugglers, musicians, magicians, and other entertainers perform through the day, on stages or wandering in the crowd. You wander about, looking at goods for sale, sampling foods, watching plays, performers, contests, and of course drinking and eating food on a stick!

**celt72** · 11th October 09, 11:52 AM

Thanks for sharing the pictures. I grew up in Conroe about 20 minutes from Ren Faire and used to go every year. It is one of the things I miss about Texas now that I live in Seattle. Thanks for feeding my nostalgia.