LOUISIANA RENAISSANCE FESTIVAL
        YEAR BOOKE 2003
        by Barbara Brown


        Fifth Weekend/Thanksgiving


        Thanksgiving day was rainy and chilly. About 150 on-site merchants, entertainers, rennies and cast shared a mega-potluck under the welcoming shelter of the pub tent. By this weekend, the opening gate ceremonies -- parade, welcome, and speech (Photo, Above) are thoroughly ingrained, yet so well-written was it that it is presented as fresh each morning, eliciting appropriate chuckles and mirth when intended. Huzzahs all 'round to its author, Margaret, as well as the good Baron of Albright, guard Stephen, Lord Angelis, the Lord Mayor, our King and Queen and their attendants for a pleasant spectacle. Friday, Saturday, and Sunday (the much dreaded triple-threat) were delightful, thanks to cool and dry weather. A brisk temperature allowed energies to maintain the 3-day pace. The weekend saw visits from the Bilge Pumps, the Rogues, and Renaissance Magazine. Because of the one-weekend visits, there were more kilts than you could shake a shillelagh at, and more pirates than normal (if "pirates" and "normal" may grammatically co-exist.)








        "Gate Jam" (Photo, Above) was again an event not to miss; a constantly varying collection of musicians who gathered at 3:30 to "jam", creating one-of-a-kind entertainment, weaving sounds and instruments in a unique, inspired performance. Honored visitors from North Carolina, in noble garb, spent a goodly amount of time taking beautiful pictures of the faire and participants. These gracious playtrons hope in the near future to spend their retirement traveling the Renaissance Festival circuit, and to make their way by snapping photos professionally. We look with much anticipation towards the fruit of their labor of love. Speaking of love: Richie Hight, at Sunday afternoon joust, proposed marriage to his love, Lee. She saved the day by readily accepting his proposal, his love, and his ring!!!







        Closing Weekend

        A weekend as bitter cold as the opening was scorching; climactic extremes book-ended our festival experience, at least offering us the opportunity to wear all the options that our garb possessed (Photo, Above)! (We know that pink sweats and military-issue thermals were unofficial mates to doublets and hoops.) Our good friend Ryleh attended for the third weekend in a row, all the way from Texas, and he advised your humble Scribe that he feels adopted by us all, and that we remain his favorite Renaissance Festival!! We love you too, Ryleh. Saturday, the Queen and some of her ladies and gentlemen of the court did attempt to present a graceful and charming dance program, and elicited much jocularity and good humor. Peasant Court continues to delight and confound patrons with the plights of injustice visited upon the lower (not lesser!) classes. Who can forget a gaping chasm so deep (how deep was it??) that the hounds of hell could be heard baying? Whether public drunkenness, gossip mongering, broken promises, property neglect, or other cases, the over-the-top acting, twisted logic, and hearty cries of "Justice!" did constantly entertain all. 'Twas more than a Fair show.








        Last day of the Season became the first day of a marriage between two of our local cast members, Virginia Weinberg and John King, Jr. Within the guise of a "bit" (Photo, Above), John was arrested outside the gates for poisoning food, and then escorted within the Village of Albright as the normal gate opening proceeded. As the Royal Party passed John, in stocks, the King in conversation with the High Sheriff dispensed swift sentencing -- that of hanging from the neck until dead. John maintained his innocence, and with the emotional plea of Virginia to save his life because she loved him, the King offered John the choice of death or marriage. Considering glances and mental pros-and-cons were struggling upon John's visage, until at last he chose marriage. The party continued on to the Royal Court at which time the King did (legally) present a renaissance-era reading of a wedding ceremony. Village Smithy, Larry gave the bride to be married. "Buxom and bonny in bed and in board" provided chuckles from the modern-day crowd, and a nice blush from Virginia. It was the first time that John was seen to smile, as well (Photo, Right). Among other vows, both ancient and holy, Virginia did promise to "obey". Gypsy Kristina played her harp during the ceremony to add a lyrical touch. A guards' sworded-arch was presented upon their departure from the court, with crossed swords interrupting their exit, as the King demanded another kiss be witnessed by all. Said demand being heartily fulfilled (at some great length and passion) the couple continued on their merry (marry?) way!







        The afternoon saw an almost-tragedy occur. As the King was on his rounds, a great hue and cry from the rear of the Dripping Dog Inn was heard. The Lord High Sheriff in a bloody encounter did foil an assassination attempt upon the person of the Village Miller! A bloodied and brave Sheriff, brandishing a dripping sword, assured the King that the despicable culprit was sent to hell, then the Sheriff collapsed most dramatically. In short time it was a relief to the party to know the Sheriff would be fine, at which time he was sent for and raised to the Peerage for his loyalty and bravery. A strange cruise on the royal yacht ("Dragon's Breath Ferry") found the Water Wizard, Alan, conveying the King, Lady Lucia, Gabby Chattemoore, Java Phyllis, Madame Ettienne, Louis-Phillipe (etc.), Duchess Annelise, and others as they serenaded Neptune with water songs such as "Row, Row, Row"…"Alan Pull the Boat Ashore," and other salty songs. Great views of Albright were enjoyed from the "sea". After cannon fire on the last day, one last viciously funny skewering was performed by Christophe the Insulter upon Scaramouche, of the Tortuga Twins. The best examples of the humor are unable to be printed, however. Scaramouche was so impressed by the wit and cruelty of tongue, that he did on at least 3 occasions donate contributions to the Hat in sheer admiration!!!




        RETURN to Ryleh's Renaissance World...


        Standard Disclaimer: This webpage is strictly an *Unofficial* look at the Louisiana Renaissance Festival held near Hammond, LA in the Parish of Tangipahoa. All opinions expressed herein are strictly this author's own. Unless noted otherwise, all photographs are copyright ©2003-2004 by Barbara Brown.

        This page created 3 April 2004