Going to the Valhalla Renaissance Faire, two days in a row, had some wonderful commonalities and the differences made it even more worthwhile.

When we departed yesterday's day at the Faire we experienced an intense deluge of rain and hail. Today's event greeted us with wet weather but by midday, the Sun God appeared and made it spectacular.
Like me, yesterday, it had been years since Cyndi donned a costume and traveled back in time. It couldn't have been more perfect.
If you've never been to a Renaissance Faire, the experience itself is often described through the immersive nature of the event, the freedom it offers from modern norms, the delight of historical immersion and language, and the strong sense of community. People value the opportunity to participate in a historical and fantastical world, connecting with others through shared interests in the past. Plus one gets to dress up! Huzzah!



Cyndi, being a hairstylist, loved this man's long locks. Wow.

There were so many guilds represented. During the Renaissance, guilds were powerful associations of merchants and artisans that played a significant role in the economic, social, and political life of cities. These organizations controlled trade, set standards for craftsmanship, and influenced local governments. They also provided a framework for education through apprenticeships and regulated the careers of their members. That said, I'm not quite sure what role this particular guild is playing but they were kind and fun.
I saw several Plague Doctors over the course of my two faire days. A "plague doctor" was a physician specializing in treating victims of the bubonic plague, particularly during epidemics in Europe, often during the 17th century. They were typically employed by cities to treat those afflicted with the plague, including the poor, who couldn't afford private care. Plague doctors are famously known for their distinctive, beak-like masks, which were filled with aromatic substances believed to ward off the "bad air" thought to carry the disease. If you've been following our local news, the bubonic plague was discovered in South Lake Tahoe recently. Coincidence?
"One of the things that is new is the language. It's English, right enough, but it is an English seasoned with words and phrases that are alien to the modern ear and tongue. Part of the fun of the faire is the way that it draws you into the story—and if you're going to be part of the story, you're going to want to speak the language."


I missed Captain Jack Spareribs show yesterday due to it being rained out. Today's show was timed perfectly for the conclusion of the morning's rainstorm. Yay.


God Save the Queen!
"It's... freeing. And welcoming". This sentiment speaks to the ability to express oneself without adhering to modern cultural norms, a sentiment many attendees find liberating.



Jousting at Renaissance Faires is a popular event where knights compete in a medieval-style tournament, showcasing their skills in combat on horseback. The event involves knights charging at each other with lances, aiming to break their lances or knock their opponent off their horse. Spectators often play an active role, cheering for their favorite knights and sometimes even participating in the pageantry.
Today's match was just as exciting as yesterday's. What skill and true showmanship.



From costumes and characters to the blend of historical and fantastical elements, faires offer a fun and playful escape from the ordinary!


As we headed out, we stopped to adorn a tree with a wish. I should have wished that I hadn't lost my credit card, but alas, it was not with me upon returning home. The search for it gave me the opportunity to return to the Faire a couple of more times and while I didn't find it, I did have my faith in humanity restored as every employee and vendor was sincerely concerned about my loss. The day's exuberance was not dampened. Huzzah!