Join Mary, Queen of Scots, at Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire

Hear ye, hear ye:

Prepareth ye to revel with the queen and lords, jesters and paupers at the third annual Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire. The Faire begineth on Aug. 6, and lasteth for three consecutive weekends. Each adult patron must proffer $18 at the door; each child reveler costeth $10. Discounts are available on www.washingtonfaire.com.

This year, the faire grounds and camp are moving to. “After two short seasons we had outgrown the parking lot area, the Faire area and needed on-site camping,” said Amy Forsyth, who manages the Faire performances.

Although Kelley Farm is not within the Bonney Lake city limits, the City of Bonney Lake received notice about safety requirements and other concerns from Pierce County. Construction will begin during the week of July 26. During the Faire, the campgrounds will be subject to a noise curfew of 11 p.m.

“We want to produce an interactive family event that combines learning and history,” Forsyth said.

The nonprofit Washington Renaissance Arts & Education Society, based in Gig Harbor, has been aiding and organizing faires for more than 12 years. The cast, crew and merchants are composed of more than 1,000 people from all over the U.S. Last year, the Faire attracted more than 30,000 patrons in three weekends.

The Washington Midsummer Renaissance Faire is set in the Scottish village of Stonehaven in the year 1561. Mary, Queen of Scots, has been widowed, at age 19, and is searching for a new husband.

What can patrons expect?

“Mary, Queen of Scots, brings Her Court and wanders the village greeting the patrons and villagers alike,” described Forsyth. “Music … dancing … the clash of steel of the Joust with Knights in armor competing in a full contact competition of fearless bravery and strength … magic in the streets, [and] pirates raid[ing] the pubs.”

“They can also enjoy a turkey leg, home-made root beer and sasparilla, an ice-cold pickle, a pretzel, crepes and gyros, or barbecue brisket as they wander the village and enjoy the performances on seven stages throughout the day.”

This is not to mention the alehouses, merchants selling everything from fairy wings and corsets to swords and chainmail, or carnival games.

Each weekend of the Faire is themed. The first weekend, Aug. 6-7, is Pirate Weekend; Aug. 13-14 is Faerie and Fantasy Weekend (to be attended by noted artist Amy Brown); and Aug. 20-21 is Masquerade Weekend.

Patrons are encouraged to come in costume and stay in character.

More information can be found on the Midsummer Renaissance Faire’s website, Facebook and Twitter.