Since the mid-1970s, when the Sterling Renaissance Festival made its debut, it was a shadow of what was to come. A half dozen ramshackle huts, some local performers and a huge appreciation for all things medieval was all that was need to ensure growth in future seasons.
I have been a fan since the early ‘80s and have regularly made the 45 minute trek from Syracuse to Sterling for over 30 years. I have seen high points and low marks at the festival but I will always spare a weekend or two each season to spend some time with old friends.
This year marks the 40th anniversary of the faire and yet again this season, Sterling has seen some changes. Most notably when you walk through the gate, the Shipwreck Stage has been replaced with a three story structure identified as ‘The Warwick Inn’. This new attraction will serve several purposes.
On one side of the structure, patrons will be treated to a variety of performances by the in-house acting guild. The Bless-the-Mark Players have been renamed. They are now The Wyldewood Players but they are as entertaining and funny as the previously named group.
The Inn wasn’t finished yet when I visited this opening weekend, but I look forward to seeing the finished project and some of the antics and revelry that are being prepared. The Inn will also feature a new pub location for patrons as well.
Many of the mainstay performers are back this season including Don Juan and Miguel, Daniel Duke of Danger, Zilch the Torysteller (his rendition of Jomeo and Ruliet is not to be missed), The DaVinci Brothers, Emrys Fleet and Giacomo the Jester to name a few.
Newer acts that debuted last season have returned to revel Fairegoers, including the Clan Tynker who were only at the Faire for one weekend last year. These folks have assembled an amazing collection of acrobatics, juggling and humor that it’s easy to see that this ragtag group of misfits is really a family under all that make-up.
Topsy Turvy has also returned. These two comely lasses do their own brand of acrobatic posing and contorting that will leave you breathless (and them too, quite often). And while the group Draiku did not return this year, one member of the company brings her own solo performance to the faire in a new area labeled as ‘The Green’. Called ‘Flight of Fantasy’ her performance evokes beauty and poise as she flits and floats between the branches in a grove of nearby trees.
It should be noted that an error on the souvenir program identifies one of the performance venues as the ‘Moon Star Stage’. This has been renamed this year as the ‘Swan Stage’ and appears on the map as such despite the daily schedule of events still identifying that stage by its’ former name. Just head down near the Field of Honour and you won’t be able to miss the merriment.
And speaking of the Field of Honour, the armored joust is still a signature attraction and performances are interspersed throughout the day with archery demonstrations and a real working trebuchet. On the July 23 weekend, the Field of Honour will also host the Highland Games where revelers can witness live Caber Tossing. Yes, that’s right, you can witness a telephone pole being flipped live right in front of you.
The food may well be better than ever this year. Succulent Turkey Legges, savory Steak on a Stake, signature sandwiches and delectable deserts abound at more than two dozen food stands located throughout the festival grounds. There also appear to be more drink locations than ever and patrons can choose from a variety of beers, wines and soft drinks to quench their thirsts on hot summer afternoons.
The faire has also introduced a food location in the lower shire at the Snickleway Pub located near the Bogges. Serving sandwich fare like Italian sausage, Chicken Speedies and the like, it saves revelers from having to climb a hill if they happen to get hungry between shows.
And the usual array of artisans and craftspeople have returned to the market place as well. Vintage clothiers abound to help you construct your own Renaissance garb to more easily fit in with the denizens of Warwick. You can also outfit yourself with accessories including period weaponry, shields and a fine assortment of pouches, gauntlets, hats and staves to complete your own 16th century look.
As the day wanes, festival attendees can gather with friends and the Citizens of Warwick at the Festival stage where a lively rendition of renaissance tunes brings the evening to a close and the entire company will then gather at the gate to bid farewell to patrons as they wearily return to the modern world after a magnificent day in Merry Olde England.
The faire runs weekends from now until August 14th from 10a.m. to 7 p.m. daily. Admission is $27.95 or if you plan to return more than once to the faire, a two-day pass is available for $47.95 (the passes can be used any two days during the season and do not have to be used on consecutive days). Children under 12 are $16.95 and 4 years and under are free with paid adult admission. There is also a season pass available as well. To purchase tickets, visit the website at SterlingFestival.com.
