Day Trips

Photo by Gerald McLeod

Sherwood Forest Faire outside of McDade has food, games, and shows – all the things needed to make for an enjoyable spring afternoon in the country. In its inaugural season, the fair takes its visitors to a fantasy version of merry old England.

Shaded by a thick stand of oak and pine trees on a sandy hillside, the fair is a blend of imaginary ethnic groups. Ladies and lords converse with fairies, elves, and centaurs; knights escort maidens in flowing gowns; and odd-looking creatures mingle with the crowds. There are so many people in costume that it's hard to tell who is on the fair's payroll and who is a guest. It is all part of the fun as you stroll around the grounds.

As if people-watching weren't enough, there are 22 stages delivering continuous entertainment. At the Elven Hill stage, Circa Paleo offers lively Celtic fiddle music that gets every foot tapping. The magic show and the archery demonstration are as exciting as they are amazing. Twice a day the knights mount their horses to meet on the jousting field.

It is hard to tell if the tomato toss is a show or a game. A head sticking out of the wall hurls good-natured and funny insults at passersby until someone takes the challenge and buys a soft tomato from the wench to throw at the offender. Miss the target, and you get more insults thrown back. Hit the talking head, and you get more insults thrown back at you.

Not all of the games are as violent or as hilarious. Patrons can ride a human-powered swing, try to ring the bell with a swing of a sledgehammer, or wander through a maze. The games are geared toward a variety of ages and skill levels.

All that activity is bound to make a lad or lass hungry, and the fair has many types of foods to choose from. Fairgoers can feast on veggie or steak kebabs, tacos, or Greek gyros, among other selections. The fair's bakery offers a diverse menu of delectable foods, including a decent shepherd's pie.

For those who like to shop, the fair has goods from around the world from more than 100 artists, artisans, and merchants. Mixed in with the typical renaissance festival fare are enough unique vendors to possibly initiate some early Christmas shopping.

The Sherwood Forest Faire is open Saturdays and Sundays from 10am to dusk through April 4. The fairgrounds are off U.S. 290, east of McDade. Tickets are $15 for adults and $8.50 for children, with discount tickets available at most H-E-B grocery stores and online. There is also a campground available for those wanting to spend the night. For more information, go to www.sherwoodforestfaire.com.

975th in a series. Day Trips, Vol. 2, a book of "Day Trips" 101-200, is available for $8.95, plus $3.05 for shipping, handling, and tax. Mail to: Day Trips, PO Box 33284, South Austin, TX 78704.