This past Labor Day weekend I ventured to a new faire. I along with several folk from Scarborough were guests of the long running Minnesota Ren Festival. About 30-40 minutes from the Twin cities, the show was an interesting mix of plentiful shops, amusingly oddball street characters and bawdy stage acts. In fact I would say this faire had a noticeably higher number of bawdy and racy acts than the typical faire. These were good acts but they would definitely raise an eyebrow or two. The weekend itself was quite the radical excursion.Friday had temperatures comparable to Texas, followed by nasty thunderstorms in the night that left 90% humidity the next day. By Monday the weather was quite ideal, cool and accomodating even the heaviest of garb. Despite the extreme weather I had a very enjoyable time.

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 this faire, check out: Minnesota Festival's Official Site

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

The gorgeous garb on this Lady includes some phenomenal bead work all along her underskirt	This custom mask came from the Bronze Jewlers	The von Der Dudelschlaeger boys are always at it	This was at the entrance of the children's area
Reve du Faun at the Queen's Pub	The hobbits seem to be amused	Came across this Mechanical Man	For every action he needs to crank himself, just like a Model T
Also came across some vocals by some of the townspeople	I got to admit, I liked this	Members of the court having a silly moment	or is that an inebriated one?
Looking at a coconut sculpture of the Prince	I guess she's the town crone	A little dance to enliven the crowds before parade	Lady Lucille commenting on these people's lunch
Musician Mark Pilon accompianed by his daughter Renee in a song	This is actually Johnny's PG show.	A little fire eating	A more traditional trick

This Page Last Updated:   9/16/04