Back to the Future

A- was home from the University of Maryland for the Labor Day weekend. We decided to hit one of our favorite Maryland diversions: the Maryland Renaissance Festival.

I'm not one for contrived entertainment. I love to wander through national parks and cities unfettered by what corporate America thinks is fun and exciting. I'm sure I'm the only person in the US who actually hates Disney World. I despise theme parks. And I'm pretty sure I'd have a low tolerance for cruises if I ever go on one.

But the Maryland Renaissance Festival is the exception that proves the rule. They've built a whole medieval town in the woods of Maryland. You wander around from show to show, most of which are bawdy and can border on "adults only". Many of the revelers are dressed in period costume including the occasional maid dressed in chain mail and brass bustier. That always grabs your attention. There's real jousting, which, believe it or not, is the Maryland State sport, kings and queens roam the glade, mimes, grovellers, wenches, dandies, and even the occasional strumpet.

We spent the day. It was dusty so I had a beer while watching a Celtic band. I had a wonderful time. I even managed to take a few pictures. Click on the link below to see the thumbnails; click on the thumbnails to see an enlargement.

Pity I can't live there.
K-