Wednesday, April 14, 2004

15th Century activities land this weekend

By LINDSAY BIANCHI
lbianchi@TheCitizenNews.com

If Walt Disney had lived in the 15th century, his theme park may have looked a lot like the Georgia Renaissance Festival in Fairburn. With so many new added attractions this year, the entire family could easily make a day of it. And what a different day it is when surrounded by fair maidens, brave knights on horseback, jugglers, jesters and many other colorful characters. Yet there is much more to the famous festival than costumes.

A 32-acre Artisan Market featuring Renaissance apparel, face painting, calligraphy, jewelry and adornments, musical instruments, pottery, candle-making, stained glass, glass blowing, swords and knives, metal smiths and many other arts and crafts characteristic of the Middle Ages await the curious.

Over a dozen new attractions have been added around the festival grounds to entice veterans of the fair and thrill newcomers as well. The birds of prey attraction, “Parrots of the Caribbean” housed in a free-flight aviary give onlookers a chance to get up close and personal with these exotic birds.

The Sturdy Beggars Mud Show is sure to be a hit. Who could resist some good, old-fashioned mud slinging? If mud isn’t your thing, a rope walking and balancing stunt show, sword swallowing, an African dance and drum show and a gigantic swing called “The Hippogriff” are all new experiences this year.

“The True Myth of Robin Hood or It Ain’t Easy Wearing Green” is an action-packed theatrical comedy featuring the adventures of the legendary highwayman. When the shows over head to the human catapult where bungee cords fling you high into the air or take a spin on the colorful Caracello swing chairs.

For those who want to keep their feet on the ground, the English Water garden is a great place to relax and spend a peaceful or romantic moment and the Children’s petting farm will grab the attention of the little ones in the crowd. The Beefeaters of London will also make their Georgia debut as they greet guests, provide information and march in grand formation at the park’s front gates.

Many returning favorites such as the world famous Hanlon-Lee’s Jousting Knights, Hack and Slash the swashbuckling swordsmen, The Tortuga Twins Twisted Tales, The Zucchini Brothers Danger Theatre and magician Blackenshear the Curious make for exciting entertainment.

Don’t forget the music of the original fab four, The Lost Boys, The Three-Quarter Ale trio’s bawdy ballads and Lochanside’s pipe and guitars of the Scottish Highlands. The Awalim Belly dancers and Mickle-A-Do’s Irish dancers are back with performances that mesmerize and delight their audiences.

No visit to the 15th Century would be complete without roasted turkey legs to feast on. Everyone will get their chance to do their best impression of Henry VIII with over 40 tons of the juicy drumsticks being consumed at the Georgia Festival. There’s plenty of other tasty morsels waiting to be devoured as well. Chicken on a stick, sausage on a stick, broccoli and cheese pie, fish and chips, meat pie and feast of fowl taste great with some cold ale, cider, wine or soft drinks and lemonade to wash them all down. A dozen deserts from dirt cake to blackberry cobbler will tempt the taste-buds of the sturdiest souls.

It’s all happening April 17 through June 6 from 10:30 a.m. to 6 p.m. Adult admission is $15, seniors $11 and children 6-12 only $7. Kids five and under get in free. Discount tickets are available on line at www.georgiarenaissancefestival.com or at Kroger checkout registers with a Kroger Plus card. For more information call the Festival Hot Line 770-964-8575.

What-Georgia Renaissance Festival

Where-Ga. Highway 74, Fairburn

When-Saturday-June 6

Cost-$15 adults, $11 seniors, $7 children 6-12 years

More info-Georgiarenaissancefestival.com