The Fayette Citizen-Weekend Page

Wednesday, April 18, 2001

Georgia Renaissance Festival returns for 16th year

By MICHAEL BOYLAN
mboylan@TheCitizenNews.com

Pirates have invaded the kingdom, kidnapped the queen and stolen the royal diamonds and that's just the tip of the lance at this year's Georgia Renaissance Festival.

Now in its 16th year, the Georgia Renaissance Festival brings area residents a way to travel back in time and spend a day in the atmosphere of a 16th century European country fair. Patrons can listen to music, watch comedy shows, cheer on knights in a joust, watch craftsmen and shop in the Artist's Market, eat turkey legs and other assorted sundries from the period.

There are also rides and games, a petting zoo and colorful village characters to interact with.

There are many new attractions at the festival this year, as well. Cast in Bronze, fresh off a two-year stint at Walt Disney World, will perform. This musical act is the only one in the world to feature a carillon, a four-ton instrument composed entirely of bells. Other acts include hypnotist Rick Stratton, Celestial Circus which explores the stars and planets through the eye of Galileo, Flying Pigs and Other Oddities, The Tortuga Twins and their irreverent brand of storytelling, The Four Horsemen of the Apocalypse Combat Show and a new Moroccan-themed area.

Of course all of the old favorites are back as well. Ded Bob and his dummy, Smudge, perform their comedy show, while the Great Cats of the World show will continue to thrill audiences with power and grace. The Lost Boys will perform their unique blend of comedy and song and patrons can take in a round of battle chess.

The 16th annual Georgia Renaissance Festival is in Fairburn Saturdays, Sundays and Memorial Day through June 3. Travel on Ga. Highway 74 north, pass over I-85 and follow the signs. Tickets are $14.95 for adults and $5.95 for children 6-12. Discount tickets can be purchased online at www.georgiarenaissancefestival.com.


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