It's that time of the year again:  The Maryland Renaissance Festival

Since opening in 1977, the Maryland Renaissance Festival has grown into a large show with more than 1,300 participants and more than 280,000 visitors per season.

This year, the story is "Line is His Rose without a Thorn Revel Grove, Oxfordshire, England."

In addition to its great performers and shows, visitors enjoy the food.  Giant turkey legs are a favorite of many.

There are plenty of shopping to be done.  Visitors can purchase pottery, sandcasting, wood furniture, leather goods, jewelry, period costumes, blown glass, sculptures, quilts, masks, armor, musical instruments and much more!

Gate prices are $18.00 for adults, $8.00 for children ages 7 to 15 and $15.00 for seniors.

The 2008 Maryland Renaissance Festival Schedule is:

• August 23, 24, 30, 31
• September 1, 6, 7, 13, 14, 20, 21, 27, 28
• October 4, 5, 11, 12, 18, 19

Gates are open from 10 AM to 7 PM, rain or shine.

If you have never been to the Maryland Renaissance Festival, here are some pics from previous festivals.

It the festival is located at Renaissance Festival Field, 1821 Crownsville Road, Crownsville, MD 21032

More information is available at the Maryland Renaissance Festival Web site or by calling 1-800-296-7304.