Renaissance Festival is an event we never miss. Even though many of the vendors, acts and food are the same each year, that is one of the reasons we love going back. It's also a great people-watching venue. A nice variety of food stalls with something for everyone. I do wish someone would bring back the Pork Pockets! I also think this would be a great place to have a wood-fired bakery oven. This year there is an appearance by the Royal Lipizzaner Stallions. Other years there have been Birds of Prey, Big Cats, the Pickle Man and Ded Bob! Fun for all ages but especially if you get into the spirit of the day and try to speak in an old English dialect.

Go back in time to the days of knights and kings. Watch lots of good shows, eat overpriced turkey legs, look through the different craft stalls, play games and ride rides. I haven't been there since Coca-Cola took it over, but I'm imagining what was somewhat expensive is now very expensive. It's still fun to dress up with a couple of friends and spend a day [dressing up is not required, it's just fun]. It's open from April-June weather permitting. Also, it is on the fairgrounds, so be prepared for dirt and plenty of it. Tickets: Adults $15, Children 6-12 $7 [look for discount coupons or order online for discounts].

The Renaissance Festival is a medieval amusement park, a 12-stage theatre, a 15-acre arts and crafts festival, a jousting tournament, and a feast – all rolled into one!

The last time I was at the festival was in '99. You could buy crystal and silver jewelry, whimsical pottery, stained glass, leather clothing, and medieval apparel to get you in the swing of things.

I wasn't enthused by any of the food, so I suggest you only snack there, eat later.

The 2003 "Ren Fest" starts April 26th and runs through to June 8th. In following years you may want to check the following website for future dates (a ref="http://www.garenfest.com">garenfest.com) and to book tickets at a discount.

Parking is free.