6 of the craziest things you'll see at Ohio Renaissance Festival

By Amelia Robinson Staff Writer

More than 100 productions are staged every Saturday and Sunday from Sept. 3 to Oct. 23 as part of the Ohio Renaissance Festival in Harveyburg.

Photo source: Don Messersmith/Facebook

 

But Ren Fest spokeswoman Cheryl Bucholtz said that’s only part of the show.

More than 150,000 people attend the festival each year, and they often get in the act.

Below are some of the craziest — relatively speaking — things you will see at Ren Fest 2016.

Admission is $21.95 for adults and $9.95 for children ages 5 to -12. Children under 5 years old get in free. Visit renfestival.com for discounted tickets.

 

Photo source: Justin Fellows/Facebook

 

 

• People who aren’t afraid of a little dirt

  
  The Mudde Show was in full swing at the 22nd Annual Ohio Renaissance Festival. (Martin Wheeler Photo)

  There are shows that involve swords and Knights of Valour and those that include a whole lot of mud during the Mud Show.

• The Federation

  
  Source: Steve Allen‎/ Facebook

   

  You’d expect to see people — performers and festival-goers — dressed like 16th century kings, queens, wenches, jesters, etc. at a festival paying homage to 16th century England, but that’s not all you get at Ren Fest.

  You’ll find folks rep-ing the breath and depth of the nerd universe.

  And when we say universe, we are not leaving out galaxies far away and in made up parts of Earth.

  Bucholtz says festival-goers’ fashion is inspired by everything from “Star Trek” to “Stargate.”

  “I am not sure how many Doctor Whos there are, but I am sure we have all of them,” Bucholtz said.

  It makes sense when you think about it… think about it.

  There’s even a weekend for it.

  Ren Fest’s  2016 Time Travelers Weekend is Sept. 10 and 11.

  Nerds (aka awesome and creative people) are encouraged to dress in outfits inspired by characters from movies, TV series, comic books, Sci-fi and fantasy works.

   

• Turkey legs as big as yo face (almost)

  
  Source: Ohio Renaissance Festival/ Facebook

   

  You can’t miss these two pounds of meat, and people can’t get enough of them. Ren Fest sells 35,o00 turkey legs each year.

  Read 11 foods and drinks (some new) you have try at Ohio Renaissance Festival.

   

• Romeos and Juliets

  
  Contributed

   

  Ren Fest’s St. Peter’s Chapel hosts more than two dozen Medieval or Renaissance-themed weddings each year.

  The festival has two “Enchanted Wedding” packages: the all-inclusive $2,000 “King and Queen” packages complete with a procession featuring a bagpiper and costumed characters; festival admission for 20; ministerial service and more as well as the low-frills, $500 Prince and Princess package.

  Click here for details.

   

• Real old school clowns  

  
  Source: Renaissance Festival

   

   There will be some real clowning around at this year's festival. 

  The clown duo Fool Hearty will have daily renaissance-themed, vaudeville-like  shows, Bucholtz said. 

   

• Men in skirts carrying around large sticks

  
  Source: Ohio Renaissance Festival/ Facebook

  First word of advice, make sure you don’t call them skirts.

  Ren Fest Highland Weekend is Oct. 8 and 9. Brush off that kilt and train for the haggis-eating contest. Mmmm, minced heart, liver, stomach and lungs.