Last Sunday, I told my children that we were going to England for the day. Of course, they did not believe me. But when I told to them that we were staying in California but going back in time to a little village in England named Wellington where we would meet Queen Elizabeth, I finally got their attention. All dressed up in our not so Renaissance clothes, we headed south to Hollister (1 hour and a half drive from San Francisco). Our 7 year old decided to wear the T-Shirt she bought in London two years ago and brought with her her Corgi and Beefeater plush animals. At least, we were bringing British citizens with us! (Made in China but that’s a different story, at least, they were bought in London)
Thais in character
An hour and a half later, we were not in California anymore! We were in Wellington and we felt like Jacqouille la Fripouille in Les Visiteurs (a famous French movie where Renaissance characters are sent in the future).
We could not believe our eyes as we walked our way to the Joust tournament, surrounded by Renaissance men and women with ‘uplifted’ torso. This was the beginning of a fun day.
What we liked
Almost everybody is dressed up in Renaissance outfits, it is marvellous. We felt a little bit silly at first in our jeans and people pointing out at our cameras asking what it was but it did not last long. You can rent Renaissance costumes for $15, it is just in front of you when you arrive in the village.
Everybody plays a role and plays it fully. And that makes it so much fun! We were stopped by two lads who were looking for someone to hire them. It took us a minute to realize that we had to play the game: they made me read a letter of recommendation that they could not read themselves as they did not know how to read. The letter did not flatter the lads and the P.S. stated: RUN RUN NOW. So, we ran away laughing.
My daughter Thais who is a big fan of London and history wanted to talk to the Queen and take a picture with her. We had to ask 5 persons of her suite and none of them would ask the Queen directly. Eventually,one asked and her Majesty was gracious enough to listen to my daughter telling her about her Beefeater and Corgy story.
You have to love the audience participation at the shows, especially when it is not you who has to go on stage. The show ‘Manly Men in Tights’ had us bursting into tears and my children telling me: I did not understand everything. Well, I hope you did not understand everything!!!!
Loved the Jousting, and cheering for our team: the German team who won.
Our favorite performer was Moonie. We watched his show twice, the guy is HILARIOUS. We could not stop laughing. He must have said 10 words total during the 30 minutes that the show lasted but the mimics and whistling made up for it. His facial expressions are priceless! Go see him, you will have a great time.
The quality of the arts and crafts vendors is great. It was not a second class craft fair. Our favorite: the wands by Wilrlwood Magic Wands. Holding one makes you feel like a wizard. The wands are handmade and start at $14.
The shade! You are in a forest and the food court is located in an open area is protected by veils that bring shades. There is plenty of food vendors and as you sat in the food court, you can listen to the pipes players and dancers, and watch the Suspended Reality show.
There are enough shows and animations for everybody all day long. Children will enjoy Moonie, the Queens Royal Reception, the jousts, the Suspended Reality, the Pipe and Bowl dancers, the Piccolo Puppet Players, as well as the Knightings.
Click here to see more photos of the Faire.
What I did not like too much:
There are many extra activities inside the village and you need to pay extra for them: games and other medieval activities like the ax throwing. They are not overly expensive but you may want to warn your children beforehand if you are on a budget.
Is the the entrance fee worth it?:
$25 per adult, $10 per children: is it worth it? I believe it does. It is better than a musem: you get live music, shows, people stroll around and act the way they did at that time. History comes to life: Queen Elizabeth,Sir Francis Drake, and Shakespeare play their role beautifully as well as the whole Royal Court. You are IN history, you are part of it for a day or two and your children GET it. My children loved it and they are talking about going back again next year, In fact, they want to go back next week for the Pirates theme but we can not be everywhere.
Do not forget to bring change to tip the performers.
FAIRE INFORMATION
When: Every Saturday and Sunday from September 12 to October 18th, 2009
Time: 10 am to 6 pm
Where: Casa de Fruta, 10031 Pacheco Pass Highway, Hollister
Cost: $25 for adults, $10 for children 5-12, chuldren under 5 are free
Week-ed pass is $35
Website: www.norcalrenfaire.com
There is a different theme for every week-end and a different band playing too at 6:00 pm. The concert is free with the Faire ticket.
September 19-20
Pirate invasion
Band: Avalon Rising
September 26-27
Bacchanal and Masquerade
Sunday is Gay Pride Day
Band: Brother
October 3-4
Romance and Revelry
Band: Wicked Tinkers
October 11-12
Octoberfest
Band: The Young Dubliners
October 17-18
Closing week-end: last opportunity to escape to romance and revelry
Band:Tempest
The Faire organizers gave my family complimentary tickets . I received no other compensation besides the tickets, and the Faire organizers did not express any requirement that I express a particular point of view.
