In the magical villages of Scarborough Faire Renaissance Festival, the
sound of a weapon striking body armor rings with realism, making visitors
wonder when the show stops being make-believe. For the knights, it’s a game of
insults and challenges until the weapons are drawn. Then it becomes a serious
business of scoring points and not getting hurt.
Not every game at Scarborough Faire is as rough as those on the tournament
grounds. Most of the games are designed for non-combatants. This a 16th-century
village in a meadow on the Texas prairie near Waxahachie, about 30 miles south
of Dallas, where young and old imagine the days of knights and maidens.
It takes the better part of a day to wander the grounds at a leisurely pace,
and that does not include visiting all of the shops and catching all of the
shows. You won’t want to miss the jousting or the comedy team, the Flaming
Idiots. You might be asked to be a part of juggling act at the Don Juan and
Miguel show at the Canterbury Theater, or hold a falcon as part the
Birds of Prey show. For dirty humor, find some shade and watch the mud
pit shows. Most shows are presented four times a day.
Visiting the Renaissance village is not as bad as going to a costume party and
finding you are the only one not in costume, but sometimes it’s hard to tell
the guests from the employees. The bagpiper in kilts is an off-duty fireman
from Dallas who bought a season pass, but the strolling minstrel is a member of
the company. It’s all a part of the fun and fantasy. Most guest wear shorts and
T-shirts.
Indulge yourself with food and drink fit for a king from 10am-7pm on Saturday
and Sunday through June 18 (including Memorial Day). Outside food and drink are
not allowed onto the grounds, but you are welcome to bring strollers or wagons
for young children, or you can rent them there. No pets are allowed, and the
show goes on rain or shine. Scarborough Faire is about three hours north of
Austin off I-35 East.
Tickets are available at the gate, $10 for adults and $5 for children. If you
attend more than two days, the season pass can be a bargain. For more
information on the Faire, call 214/938-FAIR. For information on lodging and
historic Waxahachie, call 214/938-9617.
Coming up this weekend…
National Combat Jousting Tournament adds more realism to the jousting
at Scarborough Faire on Memorial Day Weekend when contestants compete for
points and national ranking, May 27-29.
The Kerrville Folk Festival begins its 24th year of concerts and
singing around the campfires on Memorial Day weekend. The first weekend, May
25-29, includes Bill Morrissey, Kelly Willis, Jimmy LaFave, and Bobby Bridger.
Go for the music; stay for late-night campfires and a chance to explore the
Hill Country. The evening concerts run through June 11. Single-day tickets are
available at the gate, but often sell out, especially for Saturday nights.
Parking and camping are free to those with multiple-day tickets, which begin at
$35 for three days. Although the staff and volunteers try to make visitors as
comfortable as possible, this is a rustic setting, and you should plan and
dress accordingly; bring your own beverage cup. The festival takes place at the
Quiet Valley Ranch, a few miles south of Kerrville on TX16. For information and
a schedule of performers, pick up a brochure at most Austin record and music
stores, or call 210/257-3600.
Texas State Arts & Crafts Fair at Schreiner College in Kerrville
presents over 200 selected artisans and craftsmen May 26-28, June 3&4. For
information on the arts & crafts fair, call 210/896-5711; information on
Kerrville, call 210/792-3535.
Coming up…
The Feed Mill Cafe has replaced Tommy’s Fried Green Tomatoes in the
Feed Mill Mall in Johnson City. The new owners, Arleen Collins and Kevin
LeBeau, have expanded the menu, but retained the roadhouse atmosphere. The cafe
is open 11am-9pm with live music until 11pm on weekends. 210/868-0395.
The Old Coupland Inn’s barbecue restaurant is open again after months
of remodeling. The family-style restaurant north of Elgin off TX95 is open
Friday & Saturday, 5pm-9pm. The dancehall next door provides the best in
country & western music until 1pm. 512/856-2226.
Annual World Champion Fiddlers Festival in Crockett, 52 miles west of
Nacogdoches, turns fiddling around into a competitive sport for contestants
ranging from four-year-olds to those well over 65, June 2-3. 409/544-2359.
– Gerald E. McLeod
This article appears in May 26 • 1995 and May 26 • 1995 (Cover).