Michigan Renaissance Festival Celebrates 32 years
The Michigan Renaissance Festival comes to Holly, Mi again this year. The festival runs every weekend through October 02, 2011. Each weekend has a different theme.
The setting is the shire of Hollygrove. Recreating Renaissance (circa 1586-1600)
Guests attending the festival will be greeted by belly dancers, sword swallowers, sword fighters and musicians all dressed in period costume. MANY guests like to dress up in costume as well. It's encouraged to partake in the festival spirit and join in the merriment. If you don't behave, you could find yourself locked up. Then you have to beg for money to get released.
There is fun and games for the kids. All of the "rides" are period as well. There is no electric carnival rides. They are all man powered. You may have to pull a rope to get going or slide down a wire to put your jousting pole through the ring.
There is even knife, ax and star throwing. Try climbing Jacobs ladder as it twists with your weight on it. Or you could try to knock someone off of the sitting pole into the hay with a bag stuffed with rags.
JOUSTING. One of the main attractions. Gallant knights in shining armor have a live jousting duel on horseback, defending their honor, right in front of you complete with the king and queen of the court. There's also a live chess game where knights have sword battles to claim a space on the board.
The numerous stages are filled with jugglers and hecklers. Go ahead. Throw some tomatoes at the heckler. if you can take the verbal abuse. One of my favorite shows is the Ded Bob Show. A few audience members are brought up on stage and used to portray a little humorous skit.
What would a festival be without vendors. In the marketplace you can find costumes, swords, shields and many other handcrafted wares. You can even have your palm read. If you get hungry, you can feast on a turkey drum stick or many other foods. Sorry, no utensils. You eat with your fingers as if you were living in the past.
Take a trip back in time to Hollygrove and enjoy the festivities.
Look for discount tickets at Kroger and Walgreens stores.
