David and I just returned from the Renaissance Festival in Larkspur, Colorado which is between Denver and Colorado Springs. We went to the festival about 10 years ago. I recently got some old pictures out from our first visit and it looked so much fun, we decided to go again. The festival, which runs from June 14 through Aug 3 has grown so much since we last attended. The Colorado Renaissance Festival is located on a huge open meadow off I-25.
You drive the backroads far off the highway so you really get a feeling you're going back into time. Just before entering the festival, you have the opportunity to rent a costume at the "Costumers" shop. All the employees are already in costume but it's amazing how many attendees dress in costume. If you don't have a costume, you can always purchase a hat or fairy wings in the festival just to get you in the mood.
At the top of the festival entry way, all kinds of Renaissance characters are greeting the visitors and when you walk through the archway, you become transported in time. An entire village from the Renaissance period lays before you. You can see shops shaped like a jug, a quaint home, a castle, even a pirate ship! 
Musicians fill the air with their ancient instruments, actors act out historic events, and jugglers, hypnotists, and comedians draw crowds to the various stages. My personal favorite musician of course was the harper, Matt Schwarz but the carillon player (Cast in Bronze) was fascinating too. 
The most famous of the entertainers was Arsene of Paris, a mime/comedian/juggler, who is well known throughout the world. He has performed at the White House and for Disney.
It's amazing how his entire act consists of communicating with the audience and he never speaks a word. His gestures and facial expressions are priceless. A very talented quintet of ladies called the Merrye Madrygal Mavyns sang some great songs. David video taped them and has two of their songs on VIMEO. 
Many animals roam the festival grounds. 

You'll see hawks, owls, elephants, camels, llamas, greyhounds, and even some dragons and unicorns.

(OK, the last two were in costume but they were great.) The raptors were rescued animals and the greyhounds were part of an adoption organization. As we stroll from vendor to vendor we hear "Make way for the elephant!"
As we look up, here comes a huge elephant walking right through the crowds. The elephant, camel, and llama rides are very popular at the festival. I wasn't brave enough but I did enjoy watching them.
There is so much to see for all ages at the festival. Children especially have much to do. They can start out at the "Enchanted Hat" and pick out their favorite hat. I can imagine little girls especially enjoying this. The selection is wonderful and even I can get caught up with trying on hats!
Boys will enjoy stopping at the sword and shield shop and then they can practice with a swordsman in the open area just outside the shop.
Watch out though, those swords are made of wood and not the flexible rubber you see in the toy department! A bungie area was popular and I could tell one little boy thoroughly enjoyed jumping on the trampoline and leaping high into the air with his bungie cords safely attached. There was a special area called the "Children's Realm" that had much to do for the wee ones.
The Lady and Her Spinning Wheel was very interesting. She had her basket of wool and demonstrated how she spins the wool into yarn. She invited all to feel the softness of the wool in the basket. 
A huge waterwheel adds to the atmosphere bringing a cooling and tranquil effect to those of us who have been walking around for hours.

It was a beautiful day with cooler temperatures and low humidity but by the afternoon, that waterwheel felt wonderful!
The actors were scattered about the festival in their exquisite costumes. You would often see the King and Queen and their court strolling throughout the grounds. 


The Queen's gorgeous scarlet dress and the parisols of the court caught my eye. I could imagine how hot those costumes would get, especially for the man wearing that suit of armor!
The food was plentiful and delicious. Of course, the ales and wines were quite popular but other selections such as the turkey drumstick, roasted corn, and scotch eggs sold quickly. My favorite was the cinnamon pecans (also almonds and cashews)…. YUMMM!
Did I mention that David had a great time? He looks great in his hat and poet shirt! Don't you think?
The Grand Finale of the day was the jousting. This draws a great crowd because it's such a production and it's a fight "to the death". There's a lot of cheering for "Sir William" so thank goodness he defeats his opponent!
Huzzah! Thank you my Lord and Lady for visiting my post!
