The Maryland Renaissance Festival takes place every fall in Crownsville, not far from Annapolis, Maryland. The festival reflects the times of Henry VIII of England and is set in Revel Grove, a replica of a 16th-century English village, opening on the last weekend of August.
Maryland Renaissance Festival dates back to the early 1970s when Minnesota lawyer Jules Smith Sr organized it for the first time. The first event attracted 17,000 people and proved to be a success, and nowadays it draws about 300,000 people every year.
The fictional English Tudor village occupies 11 hectares (27 acres) and features over 130 shops and about 40 restaurants and pubs with delicious treats. There are eight theatres, four small stages and a jousting arena for 3,000 spectators. Over 1,300 participants populate the village, 200 of whom are performers.
The fair features a kid's corner with family entertainment, as well as elephant and camels available for a ride. Numerous vendors offer handmade crafts and artwork: furniture, metalwork, stained glass and much more.
Entertainment in the village includes Shakespeare’s Skum performance, A Fool Named “O”, King Henry and his Royal Court Parade. Countless minstrels, beggars, monks, bards, pocket-lifters, magicians, knights, jugglers, and acrobats perform all day long. The jousting troupe Debracey Productions shows off trick riding.
The traditional kitchens prepare a splendid feast of delicious delights to satisfy the tastes of ladies and lords. One pound smoked turkey legs, fresh crepes, gyros, stuffed chilli peppers, succulent ribs, a fresh seafood raw bar, tender sandwiches of chicken, fish, pork, beef, and crab with bountiful servings of all imaginable sides—what a feast! Refreshing mild drinks and an array of ciders, ales, and wines won't let you get thirsty.
