May 6, 2005
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As part of my monthlong "Renaissance Faire" celebration announcing the latest MikeVideo internet movie, "Renaissance Day", this week's Photopost consists of images taken at the Renaissance Faire in the Spring of 2004. I have posted some of the images from the Faire Folder in my webshots gallery before, but not these particular photos.
One of the many performing troupes belting out a song on one of the Faire's many stages. Some of these performances can be glimpsed in my video.
A lone page awaits his knight to return from the "battle royale" which is performed once each day the Faire is open, from mid April through Memorial Day.
A Merry Family group at the entrance village to the Renaissance Faire.
Many of the shops and stands have "hawkers" who call out the wares and foodstuffs thier shops and stands have to offer. Here a pretty lady on a swing hawks for the iced drinks stand.
The Faire is set up as a little village including elaborate homes, buildings, and all the avenues and byways of a small town in late 16th Century England. At times a visitor can imagine he has really stepped back into time.
The Merry Maypole, which has been a staple of the Pagan Celebration of Beltane for centuries. At the conclusion of each day at the Faire, Fairgoers and guests are encouraged to join in the Maypole Dance.
"Maypole Dance"
Poetry by Michael F. Nyiri
Saturday, May 1st , 2004 7:37 p.m. pdt
The cycle of the seasons turns around again with ease
And light clouds float above the pulsing, soothing breeze
A feeling of renewal bids us dance the dance anew
And spread regeneration, as the sun dries up the dew.
"Tis Ever Spring, then Summer, as the days grow long and bright
And Luna's orb seems brighter as it shines upon the night.
Grab yon Maypole ribbon, dance around and round again,
Celebrate rebirth and joy, and cleanse away all pain.
The turning of the seasons are God's clock winding anew
Nature's cyclical nature, under a nearly cloudless sky of blue
Turn around plant seed and watch the new life sprout
Pray for rain and sustenence to keep the earth from drought
For Summer turns to winter, and the cold and damp do come
So hopefully the harvest will bountiful be, and our stores will last outdone
Grab yon Maypole ribbon, dance as if it is the first time
Celebrate rebirth and joy, as we herald the fairer clime.
This is the "living tree man" who walks eerily through the village, coming to life "slowly", the living embodiment of the "Green Man" a symbol of life and regeneration.
Lastly, a reveller gives a toast to the denizens of the Faire and wishes us a wondrous day filled with joy and sustenance. Huzzah!
If you haven't yet viewed the latest MikeVideo "Renaissance Day" in the streaming windows media format, the link is at the top of the blog page. Click on the "movie poster" and the video should stream into your computer.
Comments (9)
I noticed near Ennis, TX that they were having a Scarboro Fair. We didn't get a chance to check it out. Very interesting man. You are so darn talented.
Mike,
The more I look at these pictures the more I am tempted to drive up there and experience it for myself - especially since I've never been to one in my life. Good thing I get paid next Friday ... gives me ideas ...
Love & Friendship,
Liz
I LOVE these pics! It seemed as if I were there as I looked at them. Thanks for sharing these! :sunny:
Hi Michael~
I don't think I remembered to tell you how much I enjoyed your Renaissance Faire video. I watched it with Andreas and we both agreed that it was well done. I really enjoyed the segue thingys you inserted between the various sections. They were done in a way that was neither intrusive nor choppy as these things tend to be. It definately had a very professional look to it. It reminded me of an old friend who filmed weddings and such for a few years. He never turned the camera off and would make little films of the private, off-camera moments. He usually shared these with the customers who had commissioned him and most times, they would purchase these as well. They were truly touching most times. Other times, they were near-tragic (as drunken weddings can be), but; even those were entertaining. He'd put the clips of Grandma showing her age by saying something totally ridiculous alongside the guest whose skirt was far too tight to be doing the limbo. Those are the kinds of things that a couple would find endearing and entertaining, yet they don't always want to share those moments with the subjects. It was always intriguing to see what Bill would choose to focus his lense on. That said more about him and his art than anything. I got that personal feel from watching your video. I enjoyed seeing you at the beginning as well.
Well, have a good weekend and thank you, once again, for your lovely comments. I enjoyed your "answer/prequel" piece. Vinyl is so much more romantic than a CD, don't you think? Oh yes, and; thank you for making the connection between the record scratching, brittle, broken and the eggshells. I wasn't sure it made sense. I felt it when I wrote it, but you pulled it together, even for me. So, again..thanks! Have a happy weekend, Michael! I hope you go on a photo expedition or something and share it with us.
Dear Michael,
Thank you so much for sharing all those beautiful pictures, words, and everything! I love it all!:goodjob:
I'm so sorry, but I still can't download the Renaissance Day film on here because the connection I have here is SO slow beyond belief, and I'm on dial-up, so I'm not able to download it, but I'm sure it's great though!
Maybe one day our area will be able to get DSL or something quicker for our computers here, but since we actually still live back in the dark ages around here, we're lucky to even have computers!
As you can tell from my Xanga name, I'm kind of partial to Renaissance themed things.
So, thanks so much for sharing all you do here! It's awesome!! Love how you have it decorated, too, and I love your new profile picture also! It's all very cool!:goodjob:
Have a great weekend! (((Hugs)))
:spinning:Hello Michael~Love this post and the pics! We have gone to our local "Renaissance Faire" in Kansas City for many years. I don't know yet if we have that in Toledo....
I had a friend who was very involved in the constumes ... she is so very talented
Wonderful Pictures. We have a "RenFest" every year in Toronto and I love it. From the jousting tournaments to chomping down Henry the Eighth style on a huge smoked turkey leg and guzzling a mug of ale it's a fantastic opportunity to immerse yourself in a bit of fantasy!
oh i love Rennaisance Faires! Those are wonderful pictures Mike! Thank you for sharing them. Makes me pine away for the one i always went to north of Houston at Plantersville. and Vexations, i know about Scarborough Faire, i used to live near it, it was a great one to go to.
~Lynxkatt
When the road was washed out, we trekked on foot for the final part of the journey…and I am still in AWE at what I saw.