By Luis Olguin, May 2, 2023
Take a step into the past and view the wonders that await you. The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire has returned to Southern California from April to May. The fair is a haven for those who are adventurous and seek a peek into the past, offering simple pleasures that can reduce one’s daily pressures and responsibilities.
The fair is accepting to all and is rather diverse, unlike in the old days. The event provides attendees with beautiful performances, work by local artists and delectable cuisine. The fair will operate only on Saturdays and Sundays from April 15 to May 21 from 10 a.m. to 7 p.m.
The Original Renaissance Pleasure Faire started in 1963 in Agoura Hills, California. Today, the fair is held at the Santa Fe Dam Recreation Area, a facility of the County of Los Angeles Department of Parks and Recreation System and a facility of the United States Army Corps of Engineers, in Irwindale, California.
First-time visitor Pearl Reese expressed she was overwhelmed and intrigued by everything at the fair.
“The fair was very unique, and I didn’t know what to expect when coming to it and now I realize I should have come dressed up too,” said Reese.
This year, the fair introduced theme weekends, adding another element of amusement for its visitors. Every weekend is devoted to honoring the pleasure and spirit of the Renaissance.
Goods from hand press coins, handcrafted necklaces or merchant forge weapons were sold by craftspeople, dealers and merchants. Visitors are given the opportunity to observe demonstrations of traditional crafts including pottery throwing, leatherworking, candle making and glass blowing. People can also rent out faerie attire costumes to use on the spot or permanently purchase it. Children can get their faces painted or have their hair braided. There are also multiple activities and human-powered rides that all ages can enjoy. From archery to ax throwing, there was no activity that wasn’t hands on at the fair.
Karina Sanchez, a first-time visitor, expressed feeling like a princess in a foreign land with several fantasy themes around her. Sanchez encouraged others who are interested to visit this fair.
“I loved this place and I wish it would stay open all year. Who knew a place like this existed?” said Sanchez.
There is also an abundance of food and beverage options throughout the fair. Not to mention the great collection of savory and delicious sweets available for the finest foodie. Most food booths offer and cater to vegetarian, vegan, gluten-free and wheat-free options.
There are alcoholic beverages and activities available for those who are of age. A popular activity that gets sold out fast is the Pub Crawl. This is a beer game where one can go around the town streets to several great pubs and public establishments, join the boisterous and lusty pub crawl group and bypass the huge lines. As you jiggle with joy at the sexiest songs, jests, jokes, stories and riddles the shire has to offer, try not to spew. The Pub Crawl tickets can only be purchased online, which start at 11:30 a.m. and 1:30 p.m., with a cost of $65 additional to general admission.
Isaac Canales, a first-time visitor, expressed his hopes of coming back again on another weekend. He expressed he felt there was so much he couldn’t do in one day and felt he was in a video game with the number of people dressed up.
“I did not expect to have this much fun, and it felt as if I was in a ‘Bloodborne’ game,” said Canales.
There will be two more weekends left to visit the fair and join the theme weekends. After that, the fair will not be back until next year. Ticket prices are $42.00 for Adults and $21.00 for Children. Children four and under are free to enter and students can get a discount if they take their school ID.
Feature image courtesy of Stephen McFadden