Touch Grass: Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire

While in a Reedies mind, the idea of a Renaissance Faire conjures thoughts of Renn Fayre, our own end-of-year celebration, the term is much larger than this. Non-Reed Renaissance Faires happen in many places during the warmer months, including one in Oregon that is coming up this weekend: The Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire. Happening annually in the early fall, this year's fair will be held September 14–15. While this is short notice, if it’s too late to go this year, there is always next year to plan for!

Celebrating its 28th year of “Teaching History Through Faire Play,” according to its website, the faire is open this weekend from 10:00am–6:00pm both days, with tickets available online and at the gate. The faire is located in King’s Valley, a 1.5-hour drive south of Reed, and is joyfully secluded from modern life. It is easy to get into the spirit of the past at the faire, with high trees all around and not an ounce of cell signal. Shrewsbury boasts over 60 merchants, 18 food vendors, and 33 performing acts. With names like Nik Naks 'n' Klik Klaks, Pirate Tacos, and The Bardy Brats, there is plenty to see and do.

One of the faire’s main attractions is, of course, jousting, which happens twice a day. There are also various educational history resources on the faire’s website, for those that are interested in having more Renaissance in their faire. If not, fairies, pirates and mythical princesses abound, frolicking through the merchant stalls and hiding in the trees. It’s a proper day trip, but a great experience to share with friends, all for the price of $22 per person, parking included. To learn more visit the faire’s website.

 So, go out and touch grass at the Shrewsbury Renaissance Faire!