My sister and I had a splendid time at this year's Southern California Renaissance Pleasure Fair, May 4, 2008. The Fair is now held at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area in Irwindale, CA and it's a vast improvement over the old site near San Bernardino, which was always too hot, dusty, windy, and generally uncomfortable.
And the Fair has a NEW young Queen Elizabeth I! A charming, regal, eloquent maiden, indeed, who wore -- for a time anyway -- a delightful Queen of the May headress of garland and leaves. (see the photo).
This year's theme was "The Royal Port of Deptford and there was many a fish, eel, crab, and octopi monger strolling amid the wending streets, along with the usual assortment of pirates, wenches, vendors and craftsfolk. It was interesting to see so very many fairies flitting about (it seems to be a new trend of fair goers) -- and who doesn't adore a pretty fairy? There was also the usual satyrs and an immensely tall jinn (pic in my public gallery).
I wanted to post this pic to show the superb open style Medici ruff our RPFS Queen Elizabeth I wore. I can't imagine the work it took to make such a huge ruff.
Forsooth, it was a goodly Sunday outing betwixt I and my two sisters (and reluctant bro-in-law wore his garb I'd made as well, so Huzzah!). My garb, as you see, 'twas simple yet befitting an emissary of the Cortes of Catalunya and many there were as recognized and called me "My Lord."
Twas an interesting Faire this year with much emphasis on the wearing of masks and also a large number of entertainers from the Arab peninsula (still much Terra Incognita). Twas merry, indeed, to see so many children, from babes in arms to adolescents, well-draped in garb. As usual, there appeared to be a shade too many patrons dressed as pirates (Have they no faires of their own!).
I shall post some of the 483 photos and five videos I shot soon! Be ready!
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