Huzzah, Part Deux

"I never met a king before," Sis said when introduced to the king at the Renaissance Festival yesterday.

Indeed.

And they'd never met pirates, fairies, queens, knights, ladies, or wenches before either.

Though, they'd been to the Ren Faire as babes in stroller, they couldn't remember having gone and so yesterday was a whole new world. And, at first, it was rather strange and intimidating. Big, costumed, accented people kept greeting and accosting us as we entered. Fun for us as adults used to the Ren Faire banter, but a little overwhelming to a child. It all reminded me of when my sis Aunt Banana was totally freaked out by a witch at the TX Ren Faire and how upset my mom got at the woman for harrassing Banana. But we made it through the crowds and found some music at a distant stage, which was perfect for Bud. We listened to the Brigands sing bawdy songs that fortunately Bud could not decipher beyond identifying the concertina, drums, mandolin, fiddle, and guitar. He calmed down soon enough and eventually settled into the festivities and had a good time.

Meanwhile, Sis and Mama headed to the children's section, where they found the sheepdog demo area and "Bunnyville." We were soon all there marvelling at the Border Collie pup, the sheep, ducks, and different rabbits. Later in the day, we actually saw a herding demonstration where the dogs corralled the ducks as well as the sheep. Sis kept asking when the "bunny show" was. But, then, she is very partial to her own stuffed critter, a white bunny named Amy (with sisters named Meg, Jo, and Beth. I wonder when she'll figure that out.).

The kids also loved the toy vendor who wisely sets up a low table and puts out all his figurines and toys and lets all the kids play as long as they want. Two years ago, Bud and Sis had a blast at this booth, even though they weren't even cruising yet and had to be propped up against the table to see, with us nearby to keep them from falling backwards. Bud choose a jousting knight, Sis got a horse, as Mama said they could each choose one. Later, they managed to complete their sets, with Bud getting a horse and Sis getting a knight.

Just in time for the jousting. Again, they didn't understand much of the ribald banter, but they liked watching the people on horseback catch rings on long poles, slice cabbage in half, and throw spears at targets. Indeed, they would have been happy with no talk as long as the people kept riding around. But at least it gave them a better sense of what their little figurines were doing.

It's not the best festival we've been to--Texas and Bristol, WI, and Sterling Forest, NY are bigger, more elaborate, more entertaining--but it's ours now, and their first. No doubt we'll be back every year, to play with the toys, listen to the music, and watch some jousting. Maybe we'll even dress up. And sooner or later, the kiddos won't think it's strange at all.