Renaissance Fantasy Fair coming to the Plateau

The Washington Renaissance Fantasy Faire – following a successful, multi-year run in Gig Harbor – has taken up new quarters on the Plateau.

The Renaissance Faire has become the second largest festival with a paid gate in Pierce County and third largest festival. The event has grown from a modest 1,500 patrons during its first year to approximately 80,000 in recent years.

Now, the three-weekend event will be staged at Maris Farms on the Sumner-Buckley Highway, situated between Buckley and Bonney Lake. The Renaissance Faire will be open from 10 a.m. to 6 p.m. Aug. 1, 2, 8, 9, 15 and 16.

The event combines theater, history, education and culture, presented in a living history format.

Visitors will feel the ground tremble from the pounding hooves of great war horses that carry knights in shining armor who joust for their king, queen, country or the hand of a fair maiden. Clashing steel will shatter the tranquility of the 16th century village. Guests will enjoy jousting and equestrian events, sword fighting, gypsy dancing, Celtic dancing, wandering minstrels and Shakespearean plays, music of the age, jugglers and story telling. There will be children’s games, medieval musical performances, magicians, puppet shows, face painting and more. Also, The First Knight Academy will teach the art of sword fighting to all who wish to learn

Admission is $16 for adults, $12 for seniors and students and $10 for those 6 to 12 years; kids 5 and younger are admitted free. Family passes are available.

For more information or to order tickets visit www.washingtonrenfaire.com or call 1-800-587-0172.

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