By Ashleigh Luthman-Hackett (October 7, 2004)

After a dubious start on Sunday morning, my family and I departed for the annual Renaissance Festival in Maryland. I, in particular, had exceptionally been anticipating the event, given that historical and Bohemian life and reenactments have always captivated my interest. The notion of a modest fair intended in the spirit of 16^th century England held my attention, but a permanent settlement devoted year-round to the event locked my appeal.

After an hour or so of driving, we finally pulled into the 45-acre festival parking grounds, and then walked to the entrance. Once inside, one could hardly focus on one thing, for there was activity, color, sound, smell, and entertainment galore. Strong fumes of roasted almonds filled the nose, and music as one would hear in a medieval movie caught the ear. At first glance, which took in only about one fourth of the town, it was apparent to me that my ambitions for the event would be satisfied. Almost immediately, all five of my siblings heedlessly began wandering off in all directions towards vendors selling authentic foods, such as spiced fig pie, artisans molding armory and blowing glass, as well as a hundred other enticing allurements.

After a few turkey legs, explorations of the crafts, and gapes at elaborately dressed thespians in pirate-wear, we wandered over to one of the several theater stages, where we watched an authentic comedy reenactment, called "Shakespear’s Satires", and resulted in a sore side from so much laughter. Fire-blowers, jugglers, gypsies, peddlers and tourists in Renaissance attire swarmed the streets, generating a feeling of almost tangible reality. A fat Friar Tuck roved his way through the crowded town’s streets, mingling with tourists. The hearty and vibrant accumulation of people along with a plentiful stock of laughter, intakes of food and drink, and the overall morale of everybody, almost overwhelmed my expectations of the festival.

As dusk approached, a gradual gloomy state began to wash over me, for there was so much more to see, do, eat, and even smell at the Renaissance Festival, and not nearly enough time to do it in. My family and I anxiously sought any last bit of fulfillment from the place before going back to daily life, like stopping at the wood-carver’s shop and seeing the quick formation of a goblet, and a women’s corset-fitting shop. It was then that a plan was made to come back the following weekend, and further indulge in anything that was missed or overlooked, such as an actual jousting tournament reenactment… not to mention the proper attire we planned to dress in!