Renaissance Festival returns to SLO

By Paso Robles Press · Sat Jul 01 2017

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Hail the Renaissance!

[dropcap]T[/dropcap]he Central Coast Renaissance Festival returns to San Luis Obispo's Laguna Lake Park on July 15 and 16, 2017, with over 500 costumed entertainers and four stages of continuous live entertainment. Entertainment director Rick Smith of Cambria says that there are over 25 stage shows performing continuously. “Expect lots of music, dancing and comedy,” he emphasizes. “We brought back some of the most popular acts from the past, including the Merry Wives of Windsor, Out of Kontrol and the Bawdy Juggler,” Smith says. “We also make this fun for the little ones, so we have a magic show, storytelling, games, a parrot show and a pirate ship. Kids can climb aboard and learn swashbuckling with balloon swords. Sunday is “Pirate Day” and the vendors participate in a free treasure hunt for the kids. We even give them booty bags to collect their loot.”

Smith adds that guests can not only watch the entertainment, but also get involved with games, a juggling school, fencing lessons, street dances, archery and more.

Vendor coordinator, Barbara Shrum of Grover Beach, says that there will be a variety of food and beverage vendors with many appetizing food options, along with beer, ale, wine and mead. “We’ll have over 60 vendors offering costumes, crafts and artwork.” She explains that shopping at the festival will be a unique experience, as the vendors are selling wares that could have existed in England in the late 1500’s.

While costumes are not required of festival guests, she explains, should they wish to get into the spirit, there are vendors who can help them with everything from period hats to shoes and anything in between. “Participants wanting to be pampered can get their hair braided or get a henna tattoo. If they’re inspired by the Queen’s call to arms, they can purchase leather goods, armor, or swords, or if they’re just looking to whet their whistle in historical fashion, tankards and goblets are for sale as well. There’s really something for everyone.”

The festival opens at 10 a.m. each day with a parade and ends at 6 p.m. with another parade. More information is available at CCRenFaire.com. For more information contact promotions director Rick Smith at Rick@CCRenFaire.com or 805-927-0199. [/et_pb_text][/et_pb_column][/et_pb_row][/et_pb_section]