How To Dress for the Village Renaissance Faire

NOW that one has learned of an authentic, affordable, local Renaissance Faire happening this weekend, Sept 19 & 20 in Wrightstown, which costs a mere $5... what shall I wear?.....................Founder and Volunteer Faire Director for 16 years, Ken Hone and best of all...it all supports the library.

To DRESS in costume, or NOT to DRESS in costume, is often the question as one decides to attend a Renaissance Faire. Every decision has its advantages and at the 1th Annual Village Renaissance Faire, no decision will be regretted as long as you come, as you will be sure to have fun this Sept.19 & 20 at the Middletown Grange Fairgrounds in the heart of Bucks County. For those who come in modern wear, may first appear to get more attention from performers and are more likely to get yanked up on stage to be part of the fun, at our faire, we know eachother so well that we also involve the ones who come in garb as well. So, if you want to try to come in garb, and do not wish to buy or special make a costume from hours of your own seamstress arts, we have several ideas that make designing your own garb (now that you decided to dress the period, we will use the terms), from items you may already have personally, or close and reasonable access thereto:

• Leggings: Whatever the color, these are an essential basic for a number of outfits, especially for women. Women can pair them with boots, a loose peasant top, and a belted waist to be a salty wench. Men can wear them similarly, with a loose tunic-style top or poet shirt to be a swordsman (Remember Seinfields Puffy shirt, where if you have one). To be a peasant, trade the leggings for some old sweatpants of neutral colors and no print.

• Boots: Whether you’re putting knee-high boots over your leggings, ankle-boots under your skirts, or work boots under your kilt, you really can’t go wrong. Just make sure the boots were made for walkin’, as that’s what you’ll be doing most of the day, as the Faire has almost 50 merchants, 9 stages, 20 games, and 10 activity locations .

• Dress: Most women have a few of these floor-length flowy summer favorites in their closet already, and if not, they’re a timeless, versatile, and relatively inexpensive investment. Whether it’s a solid color, color-blocked, or printed, you’re well on your way to a fabulous gypsy get-up. A sash tied around the hip, a bandana headwrap, and some bangle bracelets finish the look nicely. A long skirt, or a few skirts layered over each other also do the trick.

• Solid T-shirt: Tan or brown is best. Remember those furs you were pinning to your leggings? Save some for this cheap and ultra-versatile top. Cut off the hems of the sleeves for an extra rugged look. If you’re feeling particularly crafty, cut a slit from the collar to halfway down the chest, poke holes in it along the slit, and lace it back up with some sinew from the art supply store.

• Leather Belt: There is nothing more handy than a good, solid belt. You’ll notice most people at the faire carry things on their belts with the help of hooks and ropes and frogs (ie: a simple name that covers all sorts of leather straps that hold everything from pouches to swords). Got a big mug? Tie the handle to your belt with some thin rope. Perfect for pretty much any garb. You can also loop a purse handle through the belt -- it helps the look, and it’s one less thing to carry.

• Halloween Robe: Remember that time you were Death for Halloween? Clean all the make-up off of it, tie a rope or belt around it, trade your plastic scythe for a wooden staff and you are ready to go. Just make sure it’s not going to be too hot out.

• Make-up Pencils: Whether you’re lining your eyes in black or using lip liner to make scars, these are good to use ahead of time and small enough to take with you for touch-ups.

The real secret? Accessorize, accessorize, accessorize. Pirates should be carrying keys, rolled-up maps, and as much jewelry as possible. Wenches should have mugs, bottles, and bed-hair. Gypsies might have a lot of pouches on their person, and things that jingle with each step -- put a few holiday bells in your pocket. If you’re going for the Viking look, don’t wear horns on your head; instead, tie a large drinking horn around your neck. Even if your look isn’t exactly authentic, if you put some thought into your outfit, you’ll look and feel good in it.

Best of all, if you come in modern wear, but get the itching to dress up once you come, dont worry...the faire has you covered with their FREE loaner garb section....its all about fun and opportunity.

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WHEN: Sept 19 & 20, 11:00-6:00 p.m. daily

WHERE: Middletown Grange Fairgrounds, 576 Penns Park Road, Wrightstown, PA 18940--generously donated by Middletown Grange #684

Admission: JUST $5; Under 5 FREE.

FREE Parking

SUSPEND DISBELIEF this September and be entertained by hundreds of performers every half hour on our eight stages. The Village Faire is designed to entertain, educate, and involve visitors of all ages.

• Armored Horseback Jousting
• Flying Birds of Prey
• Aerialist shows every hour
• Firebreathing
• LIVING LITERATURE-Saxons invade the faire
• Children’s Quest
• Human Flail
• Petting Zoo, Carriage & Pony Rides
• Human Chess, Archery
• Puppetry, Juggling & Comedy
• Live Music, Theatre, & Dancing
• SCA Historical Demonstrations
• Crafts, Games & Inflatables

What do past visitors say

• Really, all of this for $5
• All proceeds support the library
• How could I have missed it
• When is it next year

Come early and stay all day as the activities are varied and ongoing.

For more information call 267-304-8060 or go to www.villagefaire.org