Summer Fun, The Renaissance Festival
Summertime in Colorado brings one of the best attractions for Wendy and I - the Colorado Renaissance Festival, we make a point of attending every single summer. The people, shows, food, festivities, arts, crafts, and endlessly talented performances by so many skilled people who gather each year at Larkspur makes attendance an imperative for us. While Wendy and I are legally married, we have not yet had a ceremony – one day we hope to have our Wedding Ceremony at the Renaissance Festival.
As we entered the gates of the King and Queen's realm, we were astounded by the magnificence and excellent presentation of Renaissance-era variety before us. The colorful and splendorous costumes, the scent of tasty foods, the works of talent and art and skills renown throughout the land were there for our enjoyment! The Royal realm is large indeed, with a bounty inclusive of all. Where were Wendy and I to begin? Who were we to turn to for a hint of a start?
One of the very first of the realm's beauteous and talented fantasy creatures we encountered was Oaklyn Flewinia Thistlebottom, or “Twig,” for short. She promptly put a smile on our faces as she enchanted some of the children in attendance with magical smiles of her own. She brought back to us our own childhood dreams of magic and fairydust, making us laugh and beginning an incredible day of fun. Twig very dearly touched our hearts as she gracefully interacted with not only children, but adults throughout the day.
People with Disabilities, Family Members, and Friends - there is a post by Twig I would like you to read.
One of the comments I made to Wendy concerning Twig is that I have rarely encountered a young woman who has herself together to such a degree as Twig. Not only is she highly-skilled and very talented; she is also strong as a person, and exceptionally kind and brave. Her respect for humanity is nothing short of incredible.
What would the Renaissance Festival be without a good, solid helping of Puke & Snot? Alright, alright...hold on to your Magaga! These two have mastered the art of the, 'Quick-witted Barb,' as well as expert swordsmanship (and carrots). Without question, Puke and Snot have their own original brand of, 'Mock Shakespearian Vaudeville,' and had Wendy and I cheering right along with the audience for even more Mayhem and Vegetables! One of the best things about the Puke and Snot show is audience participation; it adds unique and outrageously funny elements to each of their shows that make their show so very worth attending. Kids – we know there will be questions on the ride home later...
One of the shows Wendy and I always make a point of going to at the Renaissance Festival is the Washing Well Wenches. The Wenches prove that a Good Scrubbing and plenty of solid belly laughs are good for a person's soul! Whinny and Izzy always give the crowd plenty of laughter throughout their absolutely hysterical comedy routine. Wendy and I never miss the show because of, 'Mr. Wetums!' At times it is hard to tell who is having the most fun – the people in the audience, or the Wenches! All this and clean clothes too!
For Wendy and I the show that just couldn't be missed this year was presented by Celtic Legacy, a.k.a. “Kiltic.” The five-piece Celtic band is lead by Colorado's one and only open grade piper, Ben Holmes, who has been performing for audiences for more than twenty-four years! Ben is respected both Internationally and Nationally for his incredible skill and magnificent performances.
Celtic Legacy is renowned for its incredibly up-beat and high-energy shows; Wendy and I wouldn't have missed it for the world. The band would like you to remember a couple of things... The first is that louder is better! The second is that beer is delicious and is also a vital facet of any healthy and nutritious meal plan (whistling, 'Over the Haggis Lies a Wee Bit o' Hoose...).
There was a young lady in the audience while we were there, and if I am not mistaken, she is the daughter of one of the band members; this young lady is around ten or twelve years old. She is a person with a disability, and she was sitting right up front – enjoying herself along with everyone else. There was a young man in a power chair in the front of the next aisle. The Renaissance Festival is one that is inclusive of everyone, pleasing me to no end!
As a Veteran with disabilities, I admit that I was looking to see how many people with disabilities were attending the King and Queen's Realm – there were many of us there! While my adaptive equipment, so to speak, is fairly hidden – I used knee and ankle braces, there were people using power chairs, walkers, and other forms of adaptive equipment. Guess what else? There is disability parking, right up front and close to the gates to the realm!
The shopkeepers are the friendliest and most accommodating people I have ever met in life, willing to assist at your beck and call. I wish store owners in the rest of society were as human, kind, and caring. There are custom made canes and walking staff's available through a number of shops and oh friends and neighbors, did Thomas look at those!
The incredible variety of food and drink available in the King and Queen's Realm was truly an immense pleasure, one that Wendy and I could not resist. Pottery, jewelry, artwork, acrobats, knights in armor, woodland creatures, and animals of uncommon variety were all there for us to enjoy. One of the animals I just cannot miss visiting while I am at the Renaissance Festival is the Elephants, they are so kind and gentle-Spirited. There is a person who attends that has a Llama, and camels too!
Kids, there is a rock wall you can climb, and bungy-cords that spring you high up into the air! There are rides, and lot's of goodies to eat too! There are performers on stilts and acrobats, and by all means – stop and visit Twig! The Renaissance Festival is a highly-worthwhile experience for the whole family. Where Wendy and I are concerned, it has become a very dear part of living in Colorado, one we look forward to each and every single year.