Ren Faires R Us

Bud defeating the Swordmaster

 Another year, another day at a Renaissance Festival!  Yep, we spent the day at the Connecticut Ren Faire.  Bud even wore a costume, complete with cloak and dagger!  We wandered around for six hours--yes, amazing on several counts!--in the increasingly overcast and chilly weather, which definitely beats the hot summer fairs we've been to elsewhere.  We took in a great birds of prey show; Mama especially loves to see the Peregrine falcons and American kestrels and various owls.  We also watched an archery show, which included demos with the long bow at more than 140 yards--really amazing (and chilling) to hear the whizzing of the arrow and the thud as it struck.  They also fired a trebuchet, which sent a boulder hurtling into the field 100+ yards away.   There were also belly dancers and various musicians.  And the German encampment of mercenaries:  a soldier took time to show Sis and Bud the various weapons and a hausfrau follower talked to us about making sausages (we checked back several times, but the pig entrails didn't get soft enough to stuff while we were there, much to Sis's disappointment).  As usual, one of our favorite areas was the one with all the games.  Sis played fling the frog and bean bag toss, as well as making it to the top of Jacob's Ladder!  Bud tried his hands at fencing, even challenging (and defeating by popping the balloons on the helmet of) the generous and patient master.  Both Sis and Bud made short work of the maze.  And Sis, Bud, and I all tried our hands at archery!  Of course.  We also enjoyed perusing the various booths--the lady who made art from gourds, the toymaker who specialized in ancient games (like King's Table, Nine Men's Morris, Fox and Geese) from whom Bud and Mama bought special tops, various clothiers (no, I didn't buy a new gown, though I'm tempted as my other is too heavy on my back!), and the "marshmallow" catapult people.  The only downside of this festival is the less than mediocre food.  The kids split a turkey leg.  And we tried a Scotch egg.  Otherwise, we subsisted on fresh-squeezed (sugary) lemonade and kettle corn.  But everything else--the shows, the vendors, the games, the always-interesting (and often costumed--this time with lots of Steampunks) crowds--were delightful on this fun fall day!

Beautiful Barred Owl

Sis climbing Jacob's Ladder

Bud learning about weapons from a German mercenary

Sis flinging a frog

Bud with a bow