Virginia Renaissance Faire Opens May 12

The Virginia Renaissance Faire will open for its 11th year on Saturday, May 12 for five weekends of historical fun and merriment. Set on the grounds of beautiful Lake Anna Winery, 5621 Courthouse Rd., Spotsylvania, VA, the Faire is open on Saturdays and Sundays, May 12 to June 10, from 10 a.m. to 5 p.m., rain or shine. Admission is $9 and free for children five and under.

This season will focus on new and wondrous inventions and scientific discoveries of the late 16th Century, during the reign of Queen Elizabeth I. Our Village of Stafford features period costume, shopping, music, hands-on historical crafts and re-enactments, archery, and jousting displays for children and adults, as well as food and drink.

Leave behind the 21st Century and learn to swing a sword and carry a pike in military drill, practice your long bow skills and learn the fine art of seamanship. Guests may dance the Maypole, attend the Court of Common Pleas, and learn all about the fashion of the period or how a knight suits up for the joust. Children's activities abound and include crafts such as making a horn book, spinning, weaving and leatherworking as well as a knighting ceremony by the Queen.

The Virginia Renaissance Faire is filled with craftsmen, food purveyors and, of course, spirits in the town Pub or Wine Garden. For more detailed information, a list of weekend themes and directions, visit the website at www.VaRF.org or call 703-508-5036.