It seems that our recent step behind the scenes at the Renaissance Faire has left some travelers hungry for more, as all good escapes should. As the ever-dutiful tour guide, I think a brief history might be in line, to sate yourself until our arrival. Thinking this to be great fun, an escape they would like to take more often, they decided to do it again, collecting facts on foods, costumes, and craft making from wines to coins, music and weapons. By the mid-seventies, this idea had spread, though sporadically, through the south and up the east coast of the United States where small upstart Faires crept into unsuspecting rural areas. These faires, once lucky to get 200 hundred people through their gates, are now witnessing waves of thousands of people a day eager to pay whatever the dues to be allowed in.
Small faires are popping up everywhere it seems.
Small towns hope to boost commerce with weekend-long faires. They are still present. They are more of a membership-driven society focusing on historical reenactments, although entertaining as well. Ren Faires have become more about pure-entertainment in the guise of historical representation. So far, I've spoken generally, but not all Ren Faires are created equal.