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...

Sunday morning, the Corsairs singing a new piece, "The Sloop John B"	The audience responded excitedly almost at once	The Pyrates w/ their new member Ensign Molly Stubbs (second from the left)	Razzing Drake during his performance of "The Liverpool Packet"
Bigger than ever, the Pyrate encampment	Performing at the Dragon Inn	A bit of a dispute going on	On the Fortune Stage is Fight School w/Nymblewycke, Julienne Romero, Dash Rippington & Hamish Stuart
This show teaches about the history of armed combat	Romero and Rippington demostrate broad swords	Later Nymblewycke and Stuart give a demo	They work with shields and bastard swords
A popular ride, this slide is located at the back of the faire site	I got to see old acquaintences Hack and Slash	Performing their crossbow stunt on a nervous volunteer	The ever popular Rogues performing with Nelvis

This Page Last Updated:   9/27/02