Last weekend we made our annual pilgrimage to the Renaissance Festival in Apache Junction, Arizona. We’ve been going to this fair for 14 years, and love it. I want to share with you the joy we find there, so sit back and relax and see what wonders are to be found at The Faire.

The Faire is filled with beautiful maidens from all walks of life. My favorite, of course, is My Lady, Linda-Ann (above). She is by far the Fairest of the Faire.

There are also amazing performers, like Don Juan and Miguel, who entertain with whips (see the pasta flying) and swordplay, and interlacing everything they do with great comedy. They have also made some Renaissance era movies that are for sale. We have their CD, and all of their DVDs. They really help us get through the trials and tribulations of the Mundane World.

There’s also The Ded Bob Sho, which is filled with risque humor. But then, what would you expect from a lecherous talking skeleton?

For those who like action, you’ll find knights fighting with lance and sword. Look closely, at the jousting picture, and you can see splinters from one of the lances.

The Ancient Art Of Falconry show is not to be missed, as they bring out a variety of birds from around the world, and show you just how fast they can fly, dive and turn. And there’s nothing like having a hawk fly a foot over your head at 30 miles an hour.

You can also see Adam Crack, who holds 6 Guinness World Records for his skills with a whip. On the left he’s using two 22-foot bull whips, and on the right are his flaming whips. Ooh, aah.

Cast In Bronze features one of the few carillons in the world. Weighing over 4 tons, this unique musical instrument features 35 bronze bells of varying sizes. Cast in Bronze has been invited to perform for both Pope John Paul II and the Presidential Inauguration. He offers several CDs of music from this amazing instrument.

The Faire abounds with performs, including jugglers, the flaming ropewalker Dextre Tripp, and a poor Down-On-His-luck dog.

And what would the Faire be without Belly Dancers? You can enjoy Jamila Lotus, Nawari and Ghazaal Beledi.

The Faire is also filled with magic, evidenced by the presence of numerous fairies. Twig Oaklyn Flewinia Thistlebottom (left) is my favorite, as she is the embodiment of sweetness and innocence. Other fairies come in all shapes and sizes, including leaf-like wings and amazing braided hair.

The Faire always ends with all the drummers of the realm coming together to play while everyone dances. A truly joyous way to end the day.

And that’s only some of the magical and amazing things you will experience at the Arizona Renaissance Festival and Artisan Marketplace. Have Fun, Jeff. Oh, and that’s me above.