Rapunzel in the Renaissance

Visiting the Renaissance Festival has become an event Marina and I look forward to every summer. This year, she decided to dress as Rapunzel. We arrived shortly after the gates opened. It was Kids Weekend, so we saw plenty of other Disney Princesses throughout the day.

Marina wanted to start the day on some rides. She also tried out the maze. While in there, she spoke to a local newspaper reporter about it. But we were sure to make it on time to see the first joust of the day. Sir William is still her champion. We made sure to sit in his section.

Before lunch, we spent some time shopping. Marina loves checking out the stores. We also came across members of the royal family. She chatted with Princess Elizabeth and Princess Erin of Ireland. She also met with Queen Anne before the parade began. By then it was lunch time. We shared a turkey leg and watched the parade go by.

We didn't sit and watch many shows today. Instead we caught bits and pieces of some. Marina was particularly interested in the musical performances. She's developed a love for bagpipe music. We also enjoyed the costumes of many of the other Festival goers - we saw and spoke to people dressed as Rapunzel and Flynn Rider, the Lone Ranger and Tonto, Captain Jack Sparrow and Princess Merida.

As usual, Marina wanted her face painted. The line for our favorite booth was long all day. We finally decided we'd wait in line for her. While waiting, Marina fell in love with a hair wreath at a neighboring booth. It went so well with her outfit I couldn't resist. And the face paint just complemented the whole outfit.

By then it was time for the next joust. Of course, we had to be there.Marina cheered loudly for Sir William and booed his opponents. We took time to meet up with Twig, her favorite fairy, before we headed to the pavilion for children's knightings. Princess Elizabeth did the honors for Marina. By then the weather was turning a bit. It was cloudy and sprinkling a bit of rain.

We were a bit concerned that Princess Elizabeth's tea party might be cancelled. Fortunately, the weather cleared up enough for the tea party to go on. The girls talked about what they had done at the Festival today. Then they played a story telling game. Marina played the princess in the story. She really got into the acting part.

After the tea party, we checked out the kids area. She is now too tall for most of the rides there, but she was able to ride a horse on the carousel. We also took a look at the animals in the petting zoo. Marina still doesn't want to feed them, however.

It was time for us to find a spot for the final joust of the day - the joust to the death. Sir William was set to battle Sir Sancho. Marina obviously enjoyed watching the combat. And she was happy that Sir William came out as the victor. The "death" part didn't bother her in the least. Even later when was saw Sir Sancho she thought it was silly that I pointed out that he was okay.

On the way out, we caught the end of the fire eater's act and she rode one last ride. But before we could leave, we had to meet up with Sir William. He greeted her with a warm hug. He is always so gallant with her!

As we left, we got the see the cast's song and dance. This year, Princess Elizabeth and one of the fairies brought some of the girls out of the crowd and danced with them in a circle in front of the performers. Marina was thrilled!

By the time we finally reached the car, we were both very tired. It was a quiet ride home after so much fun today!