On July 19 and 20 Central Coast residents and visitors are in for a rare treat when the normally tranquil Laguna Lake Park is transformed into a vibrant English Renaissance village overflowing with excitement at the visit from Queen Elizabeth during a summer market faire.
It’s the Central Coast Renaissance Festival, turning the calendar back to the year 1585.
“Banners will fly and music play as the ‘villagers’ welcome guests to this colorful festival,” Entertainment Director Rick Smith said. More than 500 elaborately costumed participants will come to San Luis Obispo from all over California to bring the village to life.
This marks the 30th anniversary of this popular Central Coast event. Each summer hundreds of vendors, actors and participants converge on San Luis Obispo to create this fantasy world where visitors travel 400 years back in time. There are comedy, music and dance shows and even a real joust, held twice daily.
Vendor coordinator Lara Cathcart says that in addition to the variety of stage shows, adults enjoy shopping from vendors offering everything from hand thrown ceramics to full costumes, jewelry, leather goods and so much more. According to Cathcart vendors are all juried to make sure their wares are appropriate and their booths look acceptably period. They are part of the show too, and will address you as “Good Day, My Lady” instead of just hello.
“We even strive for reasonably period food such as meat pies, Cornish pasties, turkey legs and of course good ale, wine and beer,” Cathcart said.
Smith says that this is a unique family event offering something for all ages.
“We have games designed just for kids and they can learn to stage fight with foam swords, shoot with a bow and arrow, and even try their hand at fencing,” Smith said. “There are also pony rides, a petting zoo and wooden toys for sale and girls love hair braiding, fairy wings and magic wands. They all love the face painting.”
Festivities start each day at 10 a.m. with a greeting by the Lord Mayor, followed by a showy opening parade. The day ends at 6:00 p.m. on Saturday and at 5:00 p.m. on Sunday with a closing parade.
Tickets are $17 for adults, $10 for seniors and children under 15. Under age 6 are free. Tickets can be bought in advance either online at CCRenFaire.com or at the San Luis Obispo Chamber of Commerce. For more information visit CCRenFaire.com.