Oregon has been invaded by the Renaissance Festival

[Howdy]

Opening day for the Oregon Renaissance Festival was fun.  We attended as a family, five of us ranging in age from 14 through 63, and expected to be entertained, amused, and perhaps even to enjoy ourselves.  The Oregon Renaissance Festival did not let us down.

Entering the Washington County fair grounds we were met by wandering folk in period costumes expounding in well versed and colorful speech while keeping up a high energy level that did not seem forced.  Everywhere we wandered there were opportunities to participate in fun games and skills to try your hand at, yummy food ranging from smoked turkey legs that were wonderful, deep fried macaroni and cheese not so much and many others.  There as music in air that tickled our ears whether they be human, elf, fairy, or what have you, and visually enticing tents for many purposes.  We were entertained by watching festival goers interacting with actors, vendors, and volunteers (if you didn't come dressed for the event and wanted to share in the experience, costumes were available for rent), of course even vendors ready to part us with our coins.

The traffic flow was well thought out and we wandered past booths hawking food, jewelry, accessories, crafts, fortune tellers, actors entertaining, fairies bewitching, beautiful maidens abounding, dancers, musicians, and enough excitement to encourage even the most weary to stay and rest while simply people watching.  As people flock to the festival the fairgrounds offer enough open space to accommodate growth and even more enhancement. 

Items to purchase were well made and not the usual cheap junk often offered at other fairs for high dollar to be tossed before you even leave the grounds.   Kids and want-a-be knights could secure very good wooden swords, shields, and dirks for reasonable prices, ladies were offered clothing and accessories that would be welcome in any closet, and everyone could find something that would help them remember the event.

The entertainers showed skill and the jousting event is not to be missed.  How the Knights had the nerve to gallop at one another and hit their foe hard enough to explode their lances amazed us.  Afterward the people filling the stands were given the opportunity to interact with the Knights and their horses which enhanced the event even more.  We only wish we could have taken home a piece of a broken lance as a souvenir but we were too timid to ask. 

Our only regret was that didn't schedule enough time to stay and enjoy everything there was to offer.  We are looking forward to attending this gathering again.  This is the first year for the Oregon Renaissance Festival here in Hillsboro and it should be a welcome experience for everyone. 

[thecfarm]

Sounds like it was a very fine time.

[submarinesailor]

Howdy,

I have 2 daughters and 2 nieces that just finished the Hood To Coast run.  This was part of one of the nieces wedding plans as she is getting married next Sunday.  The wife and I are flying out for the wedding on Wednesday.  First time in Oregon.

Bruce

[samandothers]

Never been to one of the festivals.  My daughter usually goes every year and dresses in period stuff and elf ears.  She usually comes home with something interesting.   The festival is about 40 minutes away north and east of Charlotte NC.  My wife has gone a timer or two and stated it was very entertaining.

[thecfarm]

Howdy,I really enjoy reading your posts. Kinda reminds me of Tom's posts.  You both could make shoveling manure sound like a good time.