Today we stepped back in time at the Canterbury Faire in Kent, WA. We've been going for years. It's a medieval fair but also has a lot of crafts and stuff for sale and yummy food like you'd find at a state fair. It used to be pretty authentic, the people who dressed up would dress as if they were from medieval Europe (which is the theme of the faire) but the last few years we've started to see some strangeness. People who throw together costumes that look more like togas than true period dress. There is also an abundance of "reject goth" type costumes ie. trench coats with swords and mohawks and elf ears. I never dressed up but I always enjoyed looking at the various costumes, especially the fancy dresses that would have been worn by the ladies of nobility. The language a lot of people use there also leaves a lot to be desired. I'm always embarassed for the people who don't quite know how to use the medieval terminlogy. Not that I'm an expert, but then I am not trying to speak it. I believe that the faire used to be affiliated by the Society for Creative Anachronism but it isn't anymore. The SCA were "purists" as my mom put it. They immerse themselves in the study of medieval Europe, they don't just play dress up once or twice a year. The costumes that the SCA members wear are gorgeous. They know how to speak middle age English and they are truly a glimpse into the past.
The Dungeons and Dragons type of people at the faire are a bit disappointing. There is a time and place for role playing but this isn't it. I guess I really shouldn't complain unless I'm willing to do something about it but I'll complain anyway.
Anyhow, we had a really good time. Jack even got a stuffed "Ca", which would be "cat" in English from a woman who sells pet stuff. She sells homemade dog treats, dog toys, catnip toys, quilted pet beds and much more. She donates half of the proceeds to the Ft. Lewis animal shelter to benefit abandoned animals. It was so sweet of her to give Jack the cat, he loves it. He took it to bed with him at naptime and again at bedtime. He held it all the way home and snuggled with it in the car. He's not really keen on having anything in his bed except his pillow and blanket so it was fun to see him clutch the cat as he laid down. If anyone wants to support the Ft. Lewis animal shelter or just wants to buy homemade dog biscuits just let me know and I'll give you her email address (I don't want her to get spammed so I'm not going to post it).
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3 comments:
Steve and I went to the Renaissance Festival a couple of years ago when we returned to Houston. Although they do still have auditions for the participants in the shows and pageants, there are still the spectators who show up on Lord of the Rings garb. They were heckled by the "real" medieval set.
I'm afraid there isn't much of a "real medieval set" at the Canterbury Faire anymore. It's mostly the Lord of the Rings and D&D types that are there, even the ones with booths. There's a fair out in Gig Harbor that's supposed to be pretty cool, but I wasn't going to pay $24 to get in and then pay an exorbitant amt for anything I wanted to buy. I guess I'm a little cheap.
Speaking of role playing games (ie. D&D) I remember Steve playing Mech Warrior or some kind of game when he was in junior high. He kicked me out of the game when I tried to have my guy order pizza. He never let me play again. Poo on him. No sense of humor I tell ya.
Soap site looks wonderful, i love all smelly things, umm well not ALL!
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