SPARKLES AND SPELLS: The rather nice thing about a large Renaissance fair is that it usually features a fair amount of activities and entertainment choices for those who like their medieval lore with a healthy dose of magic. Sure, you may see a lot of knights and queens and leather workers and jesters, but you'll also spy the occasional dragon and winged faerie as well. But what if that's all you wanted? No knights, no jesters, just the whole spectrum of sparkly, supernatural characters and weird, wonderful pursuits? There is a specialized fair for that, and while it may have a few overtones of a traditional Renaissance festival, it definitely arrives with a heavy dose of pure enchantment. It's the San Jose Fantasy Faire, and it is set to alight, like a pixie upon a petal, on Saturday, April 13 and Sunday, April 14 at Guadalupe River Park.
WHO WILL BE THERE... The list of characters set to show at the faire is a colorful one: Snow White, Sleeping Beauty, Troll, Goblin King, Ogress, Viking Gods, Rumpelstiltskin, and Satyrs are just at the top of the list. More mythical beings and beasties with a flair for the fantastic will wander the park. The entertainment schedule includes "Myth & Magic" and the "Barleycorn Country Dancers," but plan on being very entertained by the costumes and whimsy on display. Other happenings include bocce, "steampunk shenanigans," and tea with the Mad Hatter. It is all a matter of narrowing it down, which can be hard in anything. Someone should develop a magical spell for that, to at least make it easier.
If you still long for a bit of traditional Renaissance action, the Southern California Renaissance Pleasure Faire is currently rolling every weekend through May near LA. And the Northern California festival? That's at Casa de Fruta come September and October.
