Scarborough Renaissance Festival

We had a great time this Saturday attending a Renaissance Festival. It's a permanent location only open a few months out of the year. Upon entering it's quite the scene. Actors in costume mingled with visitors in costume; then those of us who are too nervous to dress up could be found in our street clothes. I felt a part of me wishing I had a costume. (You know, you all have it, that secret side of you that wants let go, get dressed up and go out in public. Well, this is the place for you.)




We watched a Carillon bell performance set to pre-recorded background music—base and percussion. The performer was a little over dramatic but I could hardly blame him. According to him, his is the only traveling Carillon performance in the world—mainly because Carillon bells are usually found in bell towers as permanent fixtures, as they are very heavy. If I remember correctly, this entire instrument weighs over 5 tons. Impressive.

We listened to several pieces, among them were Carol of the Bells and another famous Requiem piece—sorry, having trouble remembering which one. I can't get Mozart's Requiem out of my head, and I know that's not the right one—but it was fun to watch the musician (carillonneur) pound away on the keyboard (baton console).



One of the last activities we attended was a joust. Unfortunately the King and Queen were not in attendance, they were busy playing human chess.


There was a lot to see and do, so if you have a Renaissance fair close to you, make sure and go.