This was my second consecutive year attending Sherwood Forest Faire, the annual Renaissance Faire in Central Texas. Many things remained the same, but not embarking on the scavenger "quest" granted more time to relax and enjoy the shows. This event is themed after Robin Hood, with an ongoing series of shows featuring Maid Marion, Prince John, and many other colorful characters, including the famous bandit himself. The little I saw of them was the same as last year's, allowing returning guests to focus on other performances during those time slots. Food vendors had tongue-in-cheek names that matched the theming, including "Ramen Hood," which was a popular lunch stop at this year's faire.
One show I caught this year that I only saw in passing last time was Merlin the Wise, a magic show featuring the renowned wizard of Arthurian lore and his pet owl, Archimedes, which was essentially a talking muppet controlled by an actor shrouded behind black robes. Archimedes was the comedic relief of the event, making snarky comments throughout the show and interacting with all the audience members. He asked if he could call me "Purple Nurples" because of my purple dress, and I said I prefer "Lady Violet," so he referred to me as "Lady Violent" for the rest of the show. Most of the tricks were pretty childish, but there were a few surprises, including real doves that appeared on the stage.
I also caught a fun Shakespeare comedy performed by
The Court Imposters of a story that's near and dear to my heart, thanks to
the book I wrote last year. It was an abridged version of
A Midsummer Night's Dream that was hilariously performed with rapid costume changes and the occasional actor talking to himself to take on multiple roles. The plot remained loyal to the original except for one funny gag in which Puck made Lysander and Demetrius fall in love with each other briefly. Last year, I saw the same group perform a musical version of
Romeo and Juliet, in which they could only perform melodies to songs in the public domain with equally hilarious results.
As usual, many talented vendors were selling their wares throughout the forest. Fantasy artisans presented their interpretations of mermaids, fae, and dragons. Other vendors displayed unique medieval weapons, costumes, and leather creations. I purchased a lovely necklace resembling one I had when I was younger, of a glass tube that was filled with different types of glitter. I requested purple, representing unicorn blood, aqua, representing mermaid tears, white, representing pixie dust, and pink, representing flower faery petals. Each color came with a tiny scroll that revealed the magical properties of its matching colored potion.
The Sherwood Forest Faire is a great way for residents of Central Texas to travel back in time and experience the adventure of Robin Hood, the magic of the fae, and the savory delicacies of the past. I've attended many Renaissance Faires around the country, and I always have a great time. It's also a great opportunity for cosplay. I even saw a few video game characters walking around in the woods. Do you have a favorite local Renaissance Faire in your area? Let me know in the comments below!
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