This spring, we took a family day trip to the Sherwood Forest Renaissance Faire near Bastrop. For the kids, it was a day of swords and sourcery (Cameron bought a “Ranger’s Apprentice”-style cape and wore it religiously for weeks afterwards). For me, however, it was an excuse to try some candid portraiture since, as a people-watching venue, I’m fairly sure you would be hard pressed to find anywhere better.
For the benefit of those who have never visited a renaissance festival, the place is basically an old-time theme park set up around a medieval village. The attractions are a lot more low tech than you will find at Disney parks, for example (axe throwing, anyone?) but all the staff are dressed and act in medieval and renaissance costume. Interestingly enough, a very high proportion of the paying customers are also dressed up in their best fantasy costumes and some of those costumes are spectacular.
I’m not sure whether this person is a staff member or guest but her fairy outfit was rather excellent.
If I have one complaint about these festivals, it’s that everyone feels obliged to use seriously fake British accents. I’m probably in the minority noticing this, though.