This past weekend we attended the first ever Wyndonshire Renaissance Festival. Organized in collaboration with the Winchendon Recreation Department, the faire took place in a large public park. The venue was spectacular. Very large with a variety of wooded paths, open fields, paved walkways, water-views, and even an amphitheater.
There was limited parking at the gate, a centrally-located handicap lot, and two overflow lots with shuttles running all day. We made sure to get there before opening to get space in the lot at the gate so that it would be easy to go back and forth from the car. The staff was all helpful and polite and local police were directing parking traffic.
The vending areas were spread out over the expansive park, the fairies and children’s areas near the entrance along with an oracle and hair artists. A relatively long stroll down a wooded trail led past witches, seers, and vikings. During one of my crossings the witches attempted to kidnap and eat a friend and I, which was entertaining but not so much appreciated. Emerging back into the sun there was a small, no sharps weapons-area where children could throw foam axes and fight a knight with boffer sticks. Just past the mermaids was the amphitheater who’s speakers were too loud and the food and drink area.
Turnout for year one exceeded expectations. Excellent weather combined with this being one of the first fairs of the season drew a lot of people! The food options were limited and food did run out two-thirds through the day. There were three food trucks and two confectioners stands, plus mead, cider, and fruit wine. Adjoining the food court was the main vendor field with rows of vendor booths that opened on either end to a small stage and a large combat field. The combat field was encircled by reenactor camps where there were a few weapons demonstrations and live combat. Further afield there was said to be a pirate ship, but I didn’t make it that far because it was outside of the area in which alcohol was permitted, and my drink timing didn’t align with the schedule openings for swashbuckling.
For a first-year fair the entertainment and coordination was excellent. The trash barrels were emptied multiple times a day, the signage was clear and plentiful, the lines were manageable. The performer schedule did not run on time, but there was usually always something to watch, and actors were ready to fill in for one another on shot notice. The music was very good, some of the same stuff you’d hear at the regionally known King Richard’s, including ambient market players and Meraki Caravan. I appreciated our good parking spot so that we could walk back to the car easily for snacks since there was not enough food at the fair.
What we wore: Having recently finished a new and fancy gown that I worked on all winter, I was eager to make its debut. Rust color, bell-sleeves, heavy twill just barely light enough for the temperate spring weather. I paired with my green Moresca Kadija top and a brown belt and frog around the imddle. The dress has big pockets for phone, wallet, keys, so I didn’t need a big belt with pouches. I did also wear my new wicker backpack for the first time so that I could easily carry water, snacks, paper fan, and parasol on my back instead of on my waist. This distribution of weight is easier on the body for a long day. I received many compliments on my dress for its size, construction, and authenticity.
Jake was a mashing of stripes. A light acetate base-layer paired with his super-light satin harem pants was a good airy base for the Crimson Chain Leather jerkin. This fair did not allow sharpened edges, so he carried no sword, but two pouches and a heavy ceramic tankard on his belt. I love that tankard, which I found thrifting, because it has ornate Spanish knights on it. His floppy hat completes the look if you discount those teal sunglasses as the finishing touch.
