Georgia Renaissance Festival

Georgia Renaissance Festival
Georgia Renaissance Festival in 2004
GenreRenaissance fair
DatesApril–June
Location(s)near Fairburn, Georgia, United States
Inaugurated1985
Area32 acres (130,000 m2)
Websitewww.garenfest.com

The Georgia Renaissance Festival is a Renaissance fair that recreates England's renaissance for entertainment purposes. The time period for the festival is set as the 16th century, during the reign of King Henry VIII. The festival is located near Fairburn, Georgia, United States[1] and has been in operation since 1986. Situated on 32 acres (130,000 m2) of the land, the festival is open for eight weekends during late spring and early summer, plus Memorial Day and one Field Trip Day each year for Students to experience life in Renaissance England [2]

The festival was canceled for the 2020 season because of COVID-19. From 2021 & hereafter, social distancing and wearing masks are required.[3]

Entertainment

Ten performance stages are situated throughout the festival, featuring shows for all ages. The entertainment includes jugglers, musicians, comedic storytelling, and the joust.[4] Professional cast members portray the royal court, monks, and peasants. Patrons are encouraged to dress up as well.[5][2]

The festival features more than 150 artisans, including wire bending, hair wraps and braiding, glassblowing, handmade pottery, and a coin mint. Most of the artisans offer a demonstration of their trade. There are also various clothiers which specialize in period costumes, weapon smiths, and a foundry that offers pewter items. Food vendors at the festival range from a simple lunch, such as turkey legs and ale, to dining at the tea room.[6][failed verification]

For children there are games of darts, arts and crafts, and rides like the Columbus ships or the Barrel of Bedlam. Children can also enjoy a petting zoo or the birds of prey show.[7][failed verification]

Awards

The Georgia Renaissance Festival was voted as one of the top 20 Events in the Southeast from the Southeast Tourism Society in 2016.[8]

In 1999 the American Bus Association voted the Georgia Renaissance Festival one of the top 100 events in North America.[9][10]

See also

References

  1. ^ "Historic fare at the fair Renaissance festival captures essence of time gone by". The Atlanta Journal and The Atlanta Constitution. May 4, 1986. p. J/1. Retrieved 3 April 2010.
  2. ^ a b "What's going on this week in Atlanta". The Sunday Paper. May 25, 2008. Archived from the original on January 30, 2010. Retrieved 2010-04-03.
  3. ^ Peterson, Lesli (2021-03-17). "10 Undeniable Reasons To Visit The Georgia Renaissance Festival". 365 Atlanta Traveler. 365 Atlanta Family, LLC. Retrieved 2021-05-04.
  4. ^ "Georgia Renaissance Festival - World Famous Hanlon Lee Joust". Gorddcymru.org. Retrieved 2010-04-03.
  5. ^ "Local Events and Activities - The Georgia Renaissance Festival". WhoFish.org. 2010-02-26. Retrieved 2010-04-03.
  6. ^ "Georgia Renaissance Festival". Gorddcymru.org. 2007-06-03. Retrieved 2010-04-03.
  7. ^ "Georgia Renaissance Festival". Gorddcymru.org. Retrieved 2010-04-03.
  8. ^ "Southeast Tourism Society Top 20 Events and Festivals - Spring 2010". Southeasttourism.org. 2009-04-09. Archived from the original on 2010-03-27. Retrieved 2010-04-03.
  9. ^ "Article: American Bus Association Names The Georgia Renaissance Festival One". Columbus Times. March 23, 1999. Archived from the original on November 3, 2012. Retrieved 3 April 2010.
  10. ^ "TOP 100 EVENTS, 1982 thru 2010 (pg 12)" (PDF). 2009-02-09. Retrieved 2010-04-03.