Minnesota Renaissance Festival

While this has been mostly a summer of work, we have still found time for a little fun and relaxation. Pat has been recently helping Melanie, our youngest, by helping take care of her kids while the new arrival, Olivia, adjusts to life outside the womb and her new family.

The Minnesota Renaissance Festival is the largest of its kind in the U.S. We have watched it grow over the years, and while it is much the same each year it is still different enough to keep people coming back year after year. We've attended, on and off, for over 25 years.

This is only part of the parking area. If you have Google Earth it might be interesting to take a look from orbit. Oct 2 is the last day of this year's festival.

You can see what the dress style is, at least for the performers, from this photo.

In addition to "why", a more pointed question might be "how?"

As he balanced this ice sculpture he is spouting poetry. Mostly rather ribald verse.

This photo is included mostly for our friend Shirley in Washington.

The musicians and dancers add a lot of flavor to the festival and help set the mood for the day.

We have watched this performer do the same act for as long as we've been attending. He said this is his 29th year at the MRF. And he still looks about the same as he did when he was 18!

This trio is really into the festival. Not performers, they are attendees.

Some of the costumes are (more than) a little strange.

The landscaping and village scenery is worth the visit. And yes, jackets are needed. This is Minnesota at the end of September, you know.

The quality and large choice of food types is a large attraction.

Musicians are everywhere and playing constantly.

One activity that we can't get away from wherever we go.

Are you starting to feel the theme and atmosphere yet?
We'll be adding more to the blog real soon with more MRF photos and photos of our new grandbaby, Olivia.