“Take Me To The Faire: The Bristol Renaissance Faire”

Let’s drive north ( on either the tollway or Edenes/41) to Bristol (in Kenosha Wisconsin), get off the highway and turn back towards Chicago on Frontage Road until we get to the 1590’s at The Bristol Renaissance Faire! Once you park and head towards the kingdom, you will find youself going back to another time, another era. Today, July 9th was the start of the 2022 season. On a beautiful day like today, with hundreds , many dressed in full costumes, Jane and I  made the trek. It was an easy drive of under 30 minutes and parking was fun. They have three ways to park- Reserved ( prepaid on line), $10 (cash) where you get fairly close to the grounds and then they have the $5 fee ( includes a little more walking).

We chose the $10 spot and were close enough to the front gate for our easy entry. Once you buy your ticket and enter, you can pick up a map that not only shows where each area ( shops and dining) is located but also the stage areas and on the back of the map, all the show times for the week-end. They are only open on weekends from 10 am- 7 p.m. RAIN OR SHINE.

Each day they have an opening ceremony, some maypole dancing and then at 1:45 music and dance and at 6:45 a closing parade. There is a great deal of walking, so make sure you wear comfy shoes. Also, I suggest you bring lots of cash. They do have ATM’s but why pay the fees? Some areas accept credit cards.

There are many games ( each with its own charges) and they do have scheduled shows with music throughout the area which I believe is 40 plus acres of grassy area. Many of those in attendance were in full costumes. Many others purchased costums of the period as one of the shops at Saint John’s Crossing or along Farnham Way.

There are many food shops/stations. The turkey drumstick looked fabulous as did the curly fries. Jan and I shared some zesty beef ribs and a marvelous pretzel twist.

The stages were busy as were the food courts. This “faire” is in its 35th year in Wisconsin ( just North of the Illinois border). I think it had a different name years ago, but the location is delightful. Easy to get to, easy to park and lots of fun, good food and exercise ( we walked several miles).

Both young and old were costumed. I spoke to several younger people in full attire. They told us that they were generational. One young man said his father had been employed there as was he, but now that he is out of college and working a regular job, he comes back every year in his dad’s costume to keep his dad’s memory alive. Another young person from Texas, said that he has been attending these since he was 7 and looks forward to them wherever he travels. He is glad the “pandemic” is just about over so this tradition can continue.

To learn more and to purchase tickets, visit www.renfair.com/bristol/theme-weekends/

They do parties and even weddings. Take a trip through the time tunnel known as Route 41 or the other, Route 94 and visit Bristol ( a suburb of Kenosha Wisconsin) where it is  1591!

Step back in time and forget about all the modern world. Leave the chips (phone or I-Pad) in the car and enjoy a drumstick, a steak on a stick or even cheesecake on a stick. No forks needed!