The Top Ten Reasons why one should visit the KC Renn Faire

10. Nikolai Boleynand his crazy gypsy accent.
Or any of his brother's crazy gypsy accents. All the sons of the maestro have to be heard to be believed. Nikolai should be one of the maestro's sons wandering around, possibly freezing, with a half-vest, one yellow pants leg, one blue pants leg, and a yellow gypsy scarf. He may or may not be in the process of wooing young women.

9. Queen Elizabeth, who is great.
She's a fun sort of character meeting those who curtsy with a, "Well met, rise." This year, she's entertaining a French suitor who has plenty of fops which also must be seen and played with. I didn't get to play with many of the actors, but it was fun indeed. Also, if you choose the "Tea with the Queen" package at the beginning of your visit, the fee also includes your ticket into the faire, so you might as well visit with royalty, no?

8. Tambourines of Flame: The Gypsy Show!
No, it doesn't feature Nikolai, but it does headline his brother, Adonis. An esoteric show in the fashion of old-old-old school song and dance, it's lots of fun and worth a watch.

7. Turkey legs.
There. I've said it. Turkey legs are easily one of the best reasons to go to a Renaissance Faire. As are Scotch Eggs, Mead, and Sausage-on-a-stick. Faire fare, delicious.

6. Jousting.
Yay jousting! Horses and weapons and even a joust to the death at the end! With spurting blood! Huzzah!

5. Christmas Shopping.
Oh, I know that it may be a long way to travel for Christmas shopping. But truth be told, if I'd had enough time, I would have found something for all of my friends at the Renn Faire. We just spent most of the time trying to figure out the map to get from show to show, so we didn't get to shop as much as I had hoped. (Pay attention to the key at the bottom... the line goes north-east/south-west, silly!) Then again, I know that there was no possible way that we could catch all of the shows- and jousts- and shop- and catch Nicolai- all at once. But we tried! We really tried!

Anyway, there are 162 shops, including one that disappeared while we were at the festival. If you don't hit them all, no sweat. Just come back next week!

4. The Washing Wenches: The Wench Show.
Oh, good times... good times indeed. If you go, and sit in the front rows, be prepared that you might become sprinkled at some point in the show. Bawdy, clean fun. Bawdy, soapy, dirty, clean fun.

3. Games, Games, Games...
Like any good fairground, there's a veritable plethora of games to choose from, including- but not limited to- knife throwing, star throwing, dart throwing, hatchet throwing, "guess the weight", and so on. If you win, you get a sticker, bragging rights, and nifty prizes to boot.

2. Fae, Farmers, Mages, and Fops.
Upon entering the park, you can notice two types of people. Those dressed for the party, and those who aren't. Now, take a look at the ones gussied up in character. Actors? Visitors? Can you tell the difference? Between the Vulgarians, who dress to impress, and the computer programmer who wakes up one morning and says "I think I'll be Gandalf today," half the fun is elbowing a wizard in the ribs and asking him to hex your ex. And if not, be sure to play fetch with the doggie-beggar.

1. The Grand Finale.
At the end, there is a small mass exodus to the front of the grounds, but mostly because everyone else is there. All the entertainers move towards the front, bringing everyone else with them. The Vulgarians, the Pirates, the Maestro, even the Queen creating a rousing party that shouldn't be missed if you intend to spend any part of the day. Complete with a gypsy revel at the end, it is worth your time and your feet.