The Sterling Renaissance Festival
Written: Jul 15 '00
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Product Rating:
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Pros: Authentically demonstrates life in Elizabethan times, allows visitor involvement, actors stay in character for the entirety of the festival
Cons: None
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| BLM500's Full Review: New York |
This absolutely magnificent summer festival is in its 24th year in Sterling, New York, and, for the life of me, I don't know why I never was aware of its existence before 1997. I only know I am extremely glad I heard about it when I did and look forward to frequenting it every summer until it ceases to exist-- or I do, which ever comes first.
As you approach the location of this marvel, and travel the long road to its country existence, it becomes apparent from the parking area that this is no ordinary festival. With colorful flags, reminiscent of royalty and days of old, to help remind you of your parking area, the parking attendants are dressed in garb like that seen in plays like Shakespeare or Macbeth.
Once you have paid your admission (last year's adult cost was $12.99 and I believe it has gone up this season) you enter the gates of a small country village of Warwick, England, and go back in time to the year 1585. The first time I went to the Sterling Renaissance Festival the feeling was absolutely surreal.
This seemingly authentic village is the setting of what portrays a replica of what a day of celebration must have been like in the days of Queen Elizabeth, her court, and the townspeople of the day, both middle and lower class. A professional corps of actors portray the citizens of Warwick and its royalty in such a realistic way that visitors attending this festival find it easy to get involved in the adventure of the day by simply quietly mingling with the townspeople or by partaking in the food, games, and events offered, or by interacting with the actors in a variety of ways.
Noticeable throughout the day while exploring the village of Warwick, you will hear and be greeted by the townspeople, using the Elizabethan language of the day, such as "Good Morrow," (Good Morning) or "Come thee hither" (Come here.) A listing of the most commonly used phrases are listed in your program guide, along with a performance schedule and map to help you find your way to the areas of interest in the town.
In what is called Interactive Theatre, each day of the festival is comprised of scenarios and stories of comedy and intrigue, which unfold over the course of the day, and can change with the input of the audience-- yes, us, the visitors-- if we should wish to interact, adding our own uninhibited creativity to the outcome.
If you are like me and just want to have a very laid back approach to the day, you'll delight in the spirits and feasting (food and drink) and entertainment of the day, all of which are endless. It's not unusual to see people walking around with giant charcoal- roasted turkey legs, which have been seasoned to perfection, their smell permeating the air at the festival, along with the smell of hot apple dumplings with cinnamon sauce. My favorite is the fish and chip platter, with a generous piece of fried haddock and fries. However, the latter are only a sampling of the extensive offerings of foods and desserts at the Sterling Renaissance Festival. In addition, there are treats being carried around by wandering townspeople, such as hot pretzels, freshly baked chocolate chip cookies, pastries or pickles. Hearty beers and wines as well as traditional beverages are available.
The Renaissance Performing Artist Guild along with their troupe of common players comprise the villagers of Warwick, and make the experience an authentic realism of stepping back into Elizabethan times by becoming immersed in their characters without fail throughout the day. To me, it feels as close as one could come to experiencing life in the 1500s.
Whether you follow the timed performance schedule of the day or simply wander the paths of Warwick to enjoy the food, entertainment, games, rides, or arts and crafts of the village, this is a delightful way to spend a day or more for young and old.
As you walk along Queen Path you can test your skills at archery and strength, or become involved with thrashing a devilish rogue of the village by hurling tomatoes at him in what is called Tomato Justice. If you choose not to become a participant thrasher, you can count on the rogue hurling insults in some form at you or the other members of the crowd. Or, you can go to another personal favorite of mine, the Frogge Pond, where citizens can watch the Trial and Dunk, where the Sheriff of Warwick tries his local law- breakers and carries out his sentences by dunking them in a pond filled with frogs, fishes and murk. The dialogue that is exchanged by the characters involved is thoroughly entertaining, and sometimes hints at adult innuendo.
If you are into the Knights in shining armor era, then the Field of Honor event called the Gaming Joust is a must for your agenda, as fully armored knights entertain the crowd on horseback, in combat with lances.
So as not to forget, I need to mention the fact that clothing of the Renaissance Period is available for sale or rental for those festival goers who wish to get into the ambiance full swing. Hairstylists are available to make one look as if they just stepped out of the 1500s.
At Wyldwood Stage, plays can be seen throughout the day and you must stop by the washpit to view the washer wenches in character. Mudbeggars, jesters, and burly minstrels stroll the grounds, while games of older days are underway everywhere you look, such as the Elephant Ride, Ladder of Truth, and Old English dart throwing.
The Sterling Renaissance Festival is truly a wonderful way to leave your cares and troubles behind for a day, and enter a world of clever play and feasting and old world entertainment. And don't forget to stop in the Ye Remembrance Shoppe on your way out to get a keepsake of your adventure in Warwick, be it a trinket or T- shirt or a choice of any number of items. I believe once you have gone to the festival it will captivate your creative side enough to put a yearly visit to Sterling on your calendar for years to come.
Recommended:
Yes
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BLM500
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