Last weekend, for the first time, we checked out the Massachusetts Renaissance Fair at the Cummington Fair Grounds. With a name like The Massachusetts Fair, I expected a little more. The permanent fairgrounds (for county fairs and showing animals) were large, and under-utilized, making the Ren fair seem very small.
There was very little shopping to be done, though we did buy some nice spicy jam. Most of our time was spent watching the performances, as there was little else to do. The acts were fair. Several staples from the Connecticut and Vermont Renaissance Fairs also performed here, but there were some unknowns as well. I caught a fireball on camera, so that was nice.
There was not much for music or mobile performers, but the grassy fair grounds and the nice weather still made for a pleasant atmosphere. A large selection of beer, mead, and wine, but they could only be held at the bar area and at one stage, so we had to drink must faster than I would prefer.
The theme of the day for us was ‘cool and comfortable.’ The weather was quite hot, so we dispensed with the heavy layering. I braided Jake’s beard for the first time, which was a delight, and looked pretty cool too.
I wore my blue summer dress and that’s it! No heavy belt, or weapons. The dress has pockets for my phone and currency, and I carried a basket with a bento bag inside for sunglasses, a paper fan, water and snacks.
