HOLLY — “There are three reasons why people come to
Renaissance festivals. First, they come for the beer. Second, they
come for the beer. And third, they come to see people getting
hurt,” stated Manolete during his “Dance of
Danger.” This joke got quite a chuckle from the crowd,
especially those watching the show while nursing a large, frothy
beer. The “Dance of Danger” joust exhibit is undeniably
the most popular attraction, but there are other reasons why the
Michigan Renaissance Festival attracts so many: It is a bustling
marketplace for artisans, a stage for actors, dancers and swordsmen
and a haven for those who enjoy make-believe.
Every year, the city of Holly plays host to the Michigan
Renaissance Festival, a fair full of vaudeville-type shows,
artisans selling their wares and a colorful cast of characters. The
Queen and her court are present each weekend, and for those who do
not mind spending a little extra money, high tea is served in the
company of the Queen.
Each of the seven weekends that the fair runs has its own unique
theme. For instance, Labor Day Weekend was titled the “High
Seas Adventure” and had such special events as a
Pirates’ Treasure Hunt and a Buccaneer Beer Fest. This
weekend the theme is an Irish one, dubbed “Shamrocks and
Shenanigans.” Some of the special events include an Irish
Caliegh House Party and Jig For Your Supper. The last weekend,
Sept. 25 and 26, is always deemed “Sweet Endings,” and
hosts such events as a Pie Eating Contest, a Death By Chocolate
Competition and The Sweets Stroll.
The themes add to the atmosphere on any given weekend, but the
shows that span the entire run of the festival are also
spectacular. Some attractions feature jugglers such as the Zucchini
Brothers, wisecracking comedians who also throw things at each
other like lighted torches and machetes. Other shows highlight
comedians such as Dead Bob, a skeleton puppet who is lewd, bawdy
and politically incorrect. And still other shows are performed not
on a stage, but at clearings throughout the grounds, such as The
Musketeers — four men playing the famous quartet who wander
throughout the fairgrounds enacting scenes including a game of
human chess.
Another feature of the festival that gives it an authenticity
are the close to 200 master artisans who come out each weekend to
sell their work. A person can find everything from leather sandals
and sheepskin slippers, to metal crowns and fountains, to harps and
jewelry. The artisans gladly demonstrate how their products work as
well as showing attendees how they make their wares.
Finally, the aspect that gives the Michigan Renaissance Festival
a magical air is the fact that so many people, spectator and actor
alike, are “in the spirit” when they come. Over the
past few years, it has become increasingly popular to dress-up, and
visitors will don everything from a simple crown of flowers in
their hair to a full-out Renaissance costume. And while the
majority of visitors still simply wear jeans, everyone comes in the
same mindset — the fair is a festival. It is a wonderful
celebration of people coming together to share their skills, crafts
and experiences.