Are you looking for a novel way to entertain your beloved this Valentine’s Day? Visit the Bay Area Renaissance Festival’s opening weekend with its theme of “Wine, Romance and Song.”
The festival begins February 15, Valentine’s Day weekend, when Queen Catherine Parr (the wife who kept her head and outlived hubby Henry VIII) welcomes visitors to the 16th Century European village of Fittleworth.
“We’re having ‘Wedding Wars’ the first weekend,” said Kim Heidger, Marketing Manager, for the Bay Area Renaissance Festival. “ Couples compete in games, and the top four will be able to get married at the fair.”
The winning couple has a private ceremony; three runners-up participate in a group ceremony. Of course, couples must have a Florida marriage license to complete their vows, officiated by a licensed person, so all is legal.
Bay Area Renaissance Festival Weekends
From Feb. 15-March 29.
MOSI grounds, 1315 N. 46th St., Tampa.
813-983-0111. bayarearenfest.com
If you’re not in the mood to get hitched, couples can join a romantic pie-eating contest, or enter the Cupcake Crusade, where bakers win $100 first prize for the tastiest cupcake. And Chocolate Fest, with a variety of vendors, should delight Valentine’s Day chocolate lovers.
There’s a different theme each weekend at the Ren Faire (as patrons call it); weekend two is the “Highland Fling,” with caber-tossing and other Scottish games; contestants come from all over the state to show off their prowess, and dancers perform the traditional Highland Fling. And if you have a kilt, here’s your chance to join the “Men in Kilts,” so dust off your sporran and join in the fun.
For weekend three, “Pirates and Pups,” bring your pup (if it’s well-behaved and on a leash) for the wiener dog races. Dog rescue groups will be on site. “Barbarian Brew Fest,” the fourth weekend, focuses on Viking culture, educating folks in a variety of Scandinavian crafts with a lesson in natural dyes from barks and berries. There’s also a beard contest and an archery competition.
“Shamrocks and Shenanigans” weekend on St. Patrick’s Day celebrates all things Irish. Two local pipe bands will play along with the Blue Skye Pipe and Drum, an all-woman group, and St. Andrews Pipers.
“Jousting is one of the most popular events at the faire,” said Heidger. “We schedule three tournaments daily, so everyone can see it.”
The medieval hand-to-hand combats are also very popular, where knights compete with maces, swords, axes and other weapons of yore. And the human chess match draws a crowd.
Twelve stages offer musicians, magicians, jugglers, acrobats, comedy troupes, and even Shakespeare spoofs. Local magician Deane Lasseter performs as Johnny Phoenix, and many other local folk don costumes annually to take part. Visitors get a schedule at the entrance for the various performances. There‘s so much to see many folks make several visits during the faire’s seven-week run.
This year a new event “The Hawk Walk,” spotlights birds of prey. Visitors can hold some of the birds and learn about them from their handlers.
“The Hawk Walk happens daily, beginning at 9:30 a.m., half an hour before the gates open at 10 a.m.,” said Heidger.
The last weekend, “Wonders of the World,” features fantasy and steampunk, with prizes for the most inventive costumes.
This is the 20th year for Caroline Jett as Queen Catherine Parr, and the first year for her consort Gary Conner as King Henry, who replaces the former longtime King Henry who retired last year.
Of course not only royalty wanders the lanes of Fittleworth. Varlets lurk and wenches abound, alongside roving bands of gypsies. Troupes of fairies and other fey creatures entreat visitors to join in their antics, and children love the fantastic characters and eagerly enter the fantasy.
If you’re hungry, grab a turkey leg, or enjoy beer, wine or mead at one of the fair’s half-dozen pubs. Seek out a soothsayer and have your fortune read.
The marketplace overflows with delightful oddities like Avatar staffs, clothing with a medieval twist, and for m’lady, a marvelous collection of handmade hair ornaments, magical rings, pendants and brooches.
The festivities culminate with the Royal Ball, a ticketed event limited to 100 people. But no matter when you attend, you’ll find fun for everyone.
The Bay Area Renaissance Festival is located on the MOSI grounds at 1315 N. 46th St. in Tampa. Call 813-983-0111 or visit bayarearenfest.com.
This article appears in Jan 30 – Feb 6, 2020.