This season I had the pleasure to return to the Maryland Festival in Crownsville for their Pirate Weekend. This meant not only getting to watch and socialize with the Pyrates Royale, but also guest performers the Crimson Pirates as well as my friends the Corsairs. There was also the added treat of the first of a 2 weekend engagement of the Mediaeval Baebes from England. The site was fun with huge crowds-more than 20,000 each day I believe for that weekend. There were plenty of variety of stage acts from acrobats, jousters, street performers and a noticeable number of family oriented acts. There was also a noteworthy number of magic and mime acts on site. This faire has quite the cross section of entertainment. The shops are of a nice mix as well although I didn't get to peruse those too much. What's also nice is the affordable cost of food and drinks. It's a pity the weather got humid but no rain, so there were a number a people affected by dust and such. Anyway, I regret not being able to stay for another weekend.

The previous description and all these wonderful images are brought to you by Frank Hui. Because of his devotion, I have nothing to add. --Robyn Sotherby

For information regarding the faire, check out the Maryland Renaissance Festival's Official Website.

As Always... click on the image for a larger view...

Gigi the Mime	Crimson Pirates Jack "Mad Dog" Daniels, Gracie O'Malley, Tiny Tom Collins, McCoy & Rosy Rumbottom at O'Shucks	Mayor Harry Bailly and Mistress Goodlief Bailly	The Fool named O w/some patrons prior to his show
A little balancing and flute playing	Playing with bubbles	This is hard to explain	1 of the plays put on by the faire, The Servant of 2 Masters
This girl, Beatrice, is impersonating her dead brother to collect some money and search for her love	Her dead brother's servant engages a new master.	Or rather one in addition to the disguised Beatrice. That gentleman happens to be Beatrice's love who is searching for her.	This maid was promised to Beatrice's brother but loves another. Beatrice confides her secret and they maintain a sham.
That fellow is determined not to lose his love	He nearly loses his life	He comes to believe his love has become untrue, much to the lady's chagrin (shakespearean, isn't it?)	The 2 searching lovers come across each others' affects via a long chain of events. The servant inadvertantly makes them each think the other is dead.

This Page Last Updated:   9/27/02