What: The 2009 Fishers Renaissance Faire
When: October 3-4, 2009, rain or shine, 10 a.m.-6 p.m.
Where: On the grounds of Conner Prairie, 13400 Allisonville Rd., Fishers, Indiana, just six miles north of Indianapolis on Allisonville Road (Exit 5 from Interstate 69).
Admission: Adults and children ages 13 and up, $8; children ages 5-12, $5; children ages 4 and under, free. Advance tickets may be purchased online at a $2 discount per ticket through Sept. 26. Note: Price does not include admission to Conner Prairie historic areas. Parking is free.
Faire Regulations: Alcoholic beverages will be served only to adults age 21 and over with a valid ID. Weapons may be worn with costumes; however, all blades must be peace-tied at all times. No pets of any kind are allowed.
The Renaissance Faire immerses fair-goers in the history, lifestyles, and pageantry of 16th-century England with entertainers, artisans, food and drink, and much more. New this year will be pike drills held on Norsey Field for would-be mercenary soldiers.
Entertainers
Troubadors, dancers, comedians, magicians, storytellers, fire eaters, and fairies will be among the entertainers throughout the two-day event. The festival will feature 12 entertainment sites as well as performances throughout the lanes. Acts and demonstrations will include:
- The Knights of Valour Joust Troupe: Knights astride magnificent steeds demonstrate the use of finely crafted armor and weaponry as they clash in full-contact jousting competitions.
- Molotov the Gypsy: Molotov, a crafty scoundrel, mixes magic, juggling, fire-eating, and outrageous stunts in a hilarious show.
- Hey Nonny Nonny Players: A comedy troupe of pirates engages in swashbuckling sword fights.
- The Order of St. Sebastian: The 14th-century art of the English Longbow comes to life in demonstrations and competition, showing how bows were crafted and how a specialized group of artisan soldiers worked, played, and fought.
- SCA Village: Hosted by the Society for Creative Anachronism (SCA), the village presents demonstrations in the arts, crafts, cookery, and fearsome battles that defined daily life during the Renaissance.
- The Royal Falconer: Her Majesty’s Falconer discusses the natural history of birds of prey and the significance of the art of falconry and the “Sport of Kings.”
Especially for Kids
Kids’ activities will include:
- Pirate shows and a daily Pirate Parade
- Knighting ceremonies
- Kids Karnavale games
- Maypole dancing
- Puppet shows
Special Events
Patrons may choose to participate in the following special events:
- Reformation! Sunday morning worship service: A reenactment of a Protestant worship service led by John Knox, known as the Scottish Firebrand, inspired from records of his traveling through Billericay, England, on his return to Scotland.
- Vow renewal ceremony: A nondenominational mass each afternoon will allow participants to renew their marriage vows in the language and custom of the English Renaissance
Artisans
More than 50 artisans will display authentic period items for sale, with 85% of their wares being handmade. Goods to be sold include toys, scents, medieval weapons, jewelry, clothing, magic, and more.
Food and Drink
Plenty of food and drink will be available to tantalize your taste buds, including tenderloin and steak sandwiches, barbecue turkey legs, pulled pork, ribs, beef stew, bratwurst, apple strudel, funnel cakes, Scottish shortbread, apple cider, caramel apples, cotton candy, and much more. The Red Lion Tavern will serve mead (honey wine) and beer.
A Celebration of Sister Cities
Presented by the Sister Cities Association of Fishers, Indiana, the faire was created to honor the relationship between Fishers, Indiana, and its Sister City of Billericay, England.