Categories: TRAVEL

Carolina Renaissance Festival in Huntersville, NC

A 16th Century marketplace will be coming to Huntersville, North Carolina in October. The Carolina Renaissance Festival will take place in Huntersville, just north of Charlotte, NC.

The Carolina Renaissance Festival and Artisan Marketplace will be filled with lords and ladies, gallant knights in armor, wenches, merchants and all manner of characters from the medieval times of england. The Carolina Renaissance Festival is a chance to leave the worries of the modern world behind and slip into a past time full of colorful characters and merriment. The festival will take place north of Charlotte on weekends from October 6 to November 18, 2007.

The medieval village with its 16th century marketplace comes to life with over 500 costumed characters. Ten Festival stages feature ongoings performances to the delight of the crowds.

The 20 acre village features elaborately costumed characters recreating a 16th century European Marketplace. The 16th Century village is nestled in the forest and meadows. On the grounds are castles, cottages, kitchens and pubs.

Wild Sky Productions will be presenting the Ancient Art of Falconry, with a variety of birds-of-prey, some of which are endangered. The Falconer will display the unique skills that fascinated nobles hundreds of years ago and made falconry the sport of kings. Musical entertainment can be found around the grounds, with Bathos the muse, Blackenshear the Minstrel, Charlatan Heston, Kathleen Finnegan and her Celtic Harp, Pucherbrush Players, Rosewood Guild, Starboard Watch, Sarah Mullen on harp, Scupper the Pirate and The Washer Wenches. There will be comedians, acrobats, medieval musicians, storytellers, magicians puppeteers and dancers performing constantly for 7-1/2 hours. . New this year is The Pirate Shanty Man & His Bonnie Lass.

Gallant Jousting Knights in armor are a favorite at the Renaissance Festival. The Jousting show is a pageant full of knights, thundering steeds, Sir Galahads and Sir Lancelot. The jousting knights are regular performers at more than a dozen “renaissance Villages” around the country.

The origins of jousting are believed to be in classical Rome. The “sport” rose to its greatest popularity in 1400’s in Europe. The mock battles served to hone fighting skills, while providing popular diversion. The joust was considered a way to prove,which of two knights was the better warrior. The training of a knight included exercises such as spearing a small ring.

There are artisans selling adornments including jewelry, chain mail fashions, and hair ornaments. Renaissance clothing, Gypsy clothing, belly dance outfits and cloaks and capes will be for sale. There will be all kinds of ware, basketry, leather works, metalwork’s, weaponry and whimsical trinkets for sale.

The festival offers rides and games of skill that are fun for the entire family. Not your usual midway, the Renaissance Faire rides include Da Vinci’s Flying Machine, Jacob’s Ladder and the Pirate’s assault Catapult. Games are rides are pay as you play, prices run between $1 to $5. Kids will love the petting zoo, Toddlers’ Swan Swing, Woodplay Children’s Pays Area and La Petite Academy’s Craft Area.

The Royal kitchens serve a varied feast with giant roasted turkey drumsticks, steak-on-a-stake, bread bowl stews, pizza, salads and more. New this year will be crepes, Beverages, such as wine, beer, ale and soft drinks.

The Festival in located just north of Charlotte, between Concord and Huntersville on Highway 73 at Poplar Tent Road. is open on weekends, Saturdays and Sundays from October 6 through November 18. Festival hours are 10:00 am to 5:30 pm. Admission is $17 Adults and $6 children. Parking is free.